Ford Mustang Mach 1 Rumored to Return in 2021

Rumored return: beloved Mach 1 “coming in 2021” with more power, beefy 6-speed manual, and GT350 parts.

EDITOR’S NOTE 12/4/19: This article, originally published on December 2, was based on a video released on the CJ Pony Parts YouTube channel. As of December 4, this video is no longer available on YouTube. Direct quotes from said video remain below.

Lately, the debut of the Mustang Mach-E has dominated the news cycle. And for good reason, of course. There’s been a massive backlash regarding the use of the iconic Mustang name and pony badge on an all-electric SUV, a move that Ford has worked hard to try and explain. But in this recent video from CJ Pony Parts talking about the new Mach-E, there’s also a pretty exciting tidbit buried toward the end that should be a little easier for Mustang fans to digest. Because it seems that the beloved Mach 1 might be making a comeback, too.

“The one thing we’re excited to share with you right now is the Mach name isn’t only going to be used on an SUV,” said CJ Pony Parts brand ambassador Bill Tumas. “Coming in 2021, Ford is bringing back the Mach 1. We don’t have a ton of details yet, but we know it’s coming back. We know that it’s going to have more horsepower than that standard GT. And it’s going to get a real six-speed transmission (TR-3160). It’s also going to get a lot of parts from the GT350 and Performance Pack, which should make it an amazing, amazing performance car.”

To make room for the return of the Mach 1, Tumas says that Ford will do away with the Bullitt after the 2020 model year. As we already know, the Mach 1 last made an appearance on the Mustang way back in 2004. “That car really was perfect,” Tumas says. “Had a great look to it and fit nicely between the GT and Cobra performance-wise. The new Mach 1 should be the exact same thing. It’ll be a nice upgrade from the GT but not quite the level of the GT500.”

While it’s sad to see the Bullitt go away, we knew that it wasn’t going to stick around for long. Personally, we’re thrilled to see the Mach 1 finally come back. It’s long been one of our favorite Mustang models, one that perfectly blends looks and all-around performance. And you have to believe that Ford will be aiming to top the C8 Corvette in terms of power when they bring it back. That could mean more than 495 hp, perhaps cresting the 500 mark.

As of right now, CJ Pony Parts is the only outlet reporting the Mach 1’s return. But they seem quite confident that it’s going to happen. So until we hear the news from other sources, we’ll take it with a grain of salt. But containing our excitement? Well, that won’t be so easy.

Photos: Ford Motor Company

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.