A Look Back at the Iconic Mustang Mach 1 Nameplate
After a long 17-year wait, Ford is bringing back the Mach 1. Let’s remember what made that particular pony so extraordinary.
Ford appears to be committed to making 2021 is an exciting year for car and truck fans. Not only are new and refreshed models rolling off the lines, but returning favorites as well. Of course, the return of the Mustang Mach 1 is definitely a major high point. Not only is the 2021 Mach 1 returning after a 17-year hiatus; it is coming back with a vengeance. Track-ready, the new (and frankly great-looking ) Mustang Mach 1 is expected to have 480 horsepower, thanks to its 5.0-liter V8 engine. With that heat under the hood, it seems it was indeed worth the wait.
Aptly getting its name from the technical term for the speed of sound, the Mach 1 Mustang has always been a favorite among Mustang fans. And basically anyone who loves a car that delivers superior, euphoria-inducing speed, power, and performance. We wanted to give a look back at the Mach 1 nameplate, and what made this eternally cool Fastback coupe stand out then; and remain as relevant today.
In Like a Lion
Following the success of the 1964 debut of the Mustang, the Blue Oval needed to keep the momentum going. In 1969, Ford introduced the Mustang Mach 1. The performance-oriented Mach 1 package offered a beefy Mustang with a few great aesthetic tweaks, customization options, and brickhouse powerplants. Soon, the nameplate had garnered a lot of attention and sales.
Some changes to the Mach 1 versus the Mustang was twin-set headlamps, a black hood stripe, chrome exhaust tips, and a hood scoop. More on that later.
A great appeal was the number of options. The first-gen Mach 1 (1969-1970) offered a host of options allowing drivers to choose from six different engines, five transmissions, ten axles, sixteen exterior colors, three interior colors, and more.
The standard engine offered in the ’69 was a 351 Windsor. However, other options included 351 small block, 390 CID 6.4 liter V8, and a 428 Cobra Jet big-block capable of 335 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque at 3,400 RPM. This performance package was only available on the Drag Pack.
And as for the Shaker hood scoop: the popular and often defining Mach 1 shaker hood scoop was developed specifically for the purpose of housing the Cobra Jet. That is why–to the chagrin of many–the shaker hood will not be on the upcoming Mach 1.
Ch-Ching and Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes
Sales for the first-generation of the Mustang Mach 1 were better than anticipated–it was a hit. 1969 Ford sold about 300K Mustangs, with Mach 1’s accounting for about 73K. In 1970, of the approximately 191K sold, about 41K were Mach 1.
In 1971 Ford gave the Mach 1 a facelift, and additional engine options–including a 429 Cobra Jet–and more horsepower and torque.
Bigger, wider, and heavier, the Mach 1 had gained more muscle. On the downside, the redesign–while very cool–had strayed from the classic Mustang aesthetic. Subsequent changes were made to the grille, and badging. And then Ford removed the 429 Cobra jet option for 1972 onwards.
By the second-generation, the Mach 1 was a much different car.
Now called the Ford Mustang II Mach 1, it still boasted great handling and a lot of moxie. But it was missing an identity, as well as the pavement quaking action Mustang fans wanted. Not to mention that ill-advised hatchback. But given the climate, it was a matter of Ford adapting. Between the fuel crisis and emerging interest in compact and import cars, the Mach 1 was retired in 1978.
Guess Who’s Back?
2003 proved that you can’t keep a good Mustang down. Ford brought back the Mach 1 in its now fourth-generation. Mach 1 New Edge surprised many with its 4.6 liter modular 281 CID engine which pumped out 305 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque. These were the perfect numbers for the Mustang lineup, fitting nicely between the Cobra and the GT.
It had performance to boot, and could tear up the track with impressive numbers.
And certainly, its retro race and vintage Mach 1 lines didn’t hurt. The Blue Oval had a surprise hit on their hands. Initially, it was planned as a limited-run for just 2003, but Ford expanded the run to 2004. Once again, the Mach 1 drew in returning, die-hard, and new Mustang fans. When it comes to a bone-rattling ride, mighty engine, and timeless pony car looks; the Mach 1 rarely fails.
As for 2021, we have our fingers crossed. So far, the future seems firmly rooted in the past as well as embodying new trails ahead. We’re optimistic, and will keep you posted!
Photos: Ford Motor Company
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