1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The name "Mach 1" was first used by Ford in its 1959 display of a concept "Levacar" called the Ford Rotunda. This concept vehicle used a cushion of air as propulsion on a circular frame. (Like a “George Jetson” type vehicle)

Years later, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 was introduced in August 1968 as a 1969 model. The Mach 1 title was given to performance styled Mustang’s until the Mustang II in ended in 1978. Collectors and Mustang fans regard  1969 to 1973 Mach 1’s as "true" Mach 1’s.

1969 was a big year for Ford Mustang in performance names and engines. No less than 6 factory performance Mustang models were available (GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, GT 500, and the Mach 1). Seven different V8’s were available in various 1969 & 1970 cars with most of these available in the new Mach 1.

The success of the Mach 1 spelled the end for the "GT" model in 1969 following poor sales of just 5,396 units versus the 72,458 sales for the Mach 1. ( The "GT" badge would not show up on a Mustang again until 1982. ) Ford never offered the Mach 1 as a coupe or convertible although many have been modified and styled to look like a Mach 1 by their owners.

The Mach 1 started with a V8 powered “Sports roof “body and added both visual and performance  items like a matte black hood treatment with hood pins, hood scoop (including the optional Shaker scoop), competition suspension, chrome pop-open gas cap, revised wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, chrome exhaust tips (except for on the  351Windsor 2 barrel equipped versions ), deluxe interior, dealer optional “chin spoiler”, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers.

A 351 Windsor 2 barrel V8 was standard with a 3 speed manual transmission, and a 9 inch, 28 spline open rear axle. A 351 Windsor 4 barrel V8 was optional, as was a 390, and the huge 428 Cobra Jet 4 barrel V8 ( with or without Ram air ), and  the "drag pack" option with the modified 428 Super Cobra Jet engine. A 4 speed manual or 3 speed FMX for small blocks or C6 Automatic Transmission for big blocks was optional, and the 428 SCJ added a cast iron tail shaft in place of the regular aluminum one on the C6. “Traction lok" rear axles were optional, and the 428 CJ/SCJ included a "traction lok" with a 3.91 or 4.30 ratio, 31 spline axle shafts and  nodular case. In 1970, the 3.91 ratio was a "traction-lok", while the 4:30 ratio was a Detroit locker.

Mach 1s came with upgraded suspension to varying degrees dependent upon powertrain choices. Big block cars came with a front shock tower reinforcement, thicker sway bars, and heavier springs and shocks. 428 CJ/SCJ 4 speed cars also came with staggered rear shocks. Standard on Mach 1’s was a cosmetic hood scoop that had integrated turn-signal lights mounted in the back. The more functional option was the signature “Shaker Hood" scoop mounted directly to the top of the motor, used to collect fresh air and was  named for its tendency to "shake" above the rumbling V-8 below. The interior came complete with teak wood grain details, full sound deadening material and high-back sport bucket seats.

Ford kept the Mach 1 alive into 1970 and little changed other than the visuals. Revised bucket seats, Magnum 500 wheels, recessed taillights on a black honeycomb rear panel as well as new side and rear badging and striping were the main visual differences. These cars are still very much revered, and sought after to this day. I know I sure want one…..

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