The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented option package of the Ford Mustang, originally introduced by Ford in August 1968 as a package for the 1969 model year. The Mach 1 title adorned performance oriented Mustang offerings until the original retirement of the moniker in 1978, returning briefly in 2003 and 2004.
As part of a Ford heritage program, the Mach 1 package returned in 2003 as a high-performance version of the New Edge platform. Visual connections to the 1969 model were integrated into the design to pay homage to the original. This generation of the Mach 1 was discontinued after the 2004 model year, with the introduction of the fifth-generation Mustang.
Ford first used the name "Mach 1" in its 1969 display of a concept called the "Levacar Mach I" at the Ford Rotunda. This concept vehicle used a cushion of air as propulsion on a circular dais.
The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 was Ford Motor Company’s response to GM’s Chevrolet Camaro as the Pony Car war reached its peak. It was the meanest looking Mustang up to that point, humiliated the GT in sales to the point the latter got discontinued and could be optioned with the COPO-rivaling 7.0-liter Cobra Jet engine.
Beside the powerful engine, there were also changes on the body and the interior as well. Inside you can notice woodgrain dashboard, chromed details and comfortable black leather bucket seats. However, the most powerful attitude at 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, of course, is the engine.
The Mach 1 also gave its prospective owners a wide variety of choices in terms of not only engines, but also axles, transmissions, exterior trims and add-ons, interior and exterior colors. It was heaven for those who like to fiddle with forms in the dealership stuffing their cars with extras.
The most powerful engine, which was fitted in the ‘69 Mach 1 is the Ford’s 428 cubic-inch, 7.0-liter RamAir Super Cobra Jet big-block V8 engine. With four-barrel carburetor and Ram Air forced induction hood, this engine is capable of producing 335 horsepower and 440 lb.-ft. of torque. The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 today is one of the most desirable classic American muscle cars.
The car was available with an aggressive-looking lower lip that drastically minimized ground clearance, but it worked alongside other racing-inspired elements on the car such as the scoop on the matte-black hood or the pins that held the hood in place. There was also an optional “Shaker” air scoop which was slightly bigger and attached directly to the air filter for obvious shaking effect.
Comments
Post a Comment