2021 Mustang Mach 1 Reviewed: Can it Really Replace the Shelby GT350?

A little bit GT, a little bit Bullitt and Shelby, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is an epic parts-bin special edition for the ages! But is it Shelby worthy?

When Ford confirmed the limited edition 2021 Mustang Mach 1, many (myself included) called it a “parts-bin car.” An industry term for a vehicle cobbled together from other trims or special editions. In the case of the Mach 1, it sits in the Mustang lineup above the Mustang GT and below the Shelby GT350. As a special edition, it replaces the discontinued Shelby GT350, Mustang Bullitt, and Mustang GT Performance Package Level 2.

Mach 1 takes the modern amenities and interior goodies of the GT Premium and adds in the 2019-2020 Bullitt Coyote V8. This motor combines the GT350’s intake manifold and open-air intake box with a standard third-generation Coyote. Good for 480 ponies at 7,000 rpms. Next, toss in standard Magnetic Ride Control (aka MagneRide) suspension as well as Active Valve Exhaust. Both features allow you to tune how the Mach 1 sounds and rides. Six-piston front Brembo brakes are also standard.

Don’t forget added cooling — larger radiator plus coolers for the transmission and rear differential. Speaking of transmissions, the Mach 1 inherits the Shelby GT350’s outstanding six-speed Tremec TR-3160 transmission. (It’s leagues better than the GT’s MT-82.) And don’t forget a grille and graphics package that feel reminiscent of the 2012-2013 Boss 302. So yeah, it’s a parts bin special, but one cobbled together from one of the greatest parts bins of all time.

But is it worth a Shelby-sized $65,000 despite lacking the ethereal 5.2L flat-plan-crank Voodoo V8?

That’s what we tackle our full video (ABOVE) as well as our 2,000-word in-depth review over HERE on our sister Ford enthusiast site. In it, we discuss the performance specs as well as compare the 2021 Mach 1 to the current Mustang GT, 2020 Shelby GT350, and a 2013 Boss 302. We hope you’ll check it out!

What do YOU think of the Mustang Mach 1?
Let us know HERE in our forums!

Michael S. Palmer

Michael S. Palmer began his career assisting and developing content for Academy Award-winning and studio-based film and television producers. He has been a professional writer since 2008, when he joined the Writers Guild of America West (WGAw). As a journalist and Content Editor/Manager, he has covered numerous emerging imaging, theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, and automotive technologies. He currently spends his days creating original content at the Internet Brands Automotive Group for some of the world's largest online automotive communities, including Ford Truck Enthusiasts, CorvetteForum, ClubLexus, AudiWorld, and LS1Tech. He still owns his first car, a 1987 Mercury Cougar; adores driving his Boss 302 Mustang; and recently teamed with Chevrolet Performance, Holley, Magnaflow, Eaton, Wilwood, Michelin, Chemical Guys, Summit Racing to build his first project car. Installing an LS3 E-ROD Connect & Cruise system into a 1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon made his eight-passenger wagon faster than a C5 Corvette to 60mph and 50 state emissions legal. His wife and daughter are very patient.

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