True Survivor: ’69 Mach 1 Wears its Scars With Pride

By Cameron Vanderhorst - March 6, 2020

It’s never the prettiest Mustang at the show, but it’s always the most interesting one to see there.

Rob Simon is a rare breed of Mustang owner — almost as rare as his car. While owners modify or restore their classic Mustangs, Simon has made the choice — for now, at least — to leave well enough alone.

Ford Muscle caught up with Simon to learn the story of his somewhat ratty — but mostly original — Mustang. The story starts back in May of 1978, when he bought the car from its original owner.

Back in those days, cars like Simon’s ’69 Mach 1 were little more than used cars. In the years immediately after the fuel crisis, they were relics of a bygone era many thought was best forgotten. Even though it likely wasn’t an expensive purchase at the time, Simon understood its significance right away. Shortly after buying his Mach 1, he bought a $50 beater to keep rain, snow, and road salt away from his beloved Mustang.

Within a few weeks of buying his dream car, Simon met his dream girl. Some guys have all the luck. We wonder if the Mach 1 had anything to do with it.

In 1982, they got married and moved to Houston, Texas. It wasn’t long before Simon sent the Mustang to live with his brother in St. Louis, inside a garage, safe from the elements. In 1987, he moved to Illinois, and was reunited with his Mustang.

Return of the Mach

However, it wasn’t until 2014 that Simon began to work in earnest at returning his Mustang to the road. Sitting for years with bad gas had taken its toll on the top end of the 351 Windsor engine. After some head work and general freshening up, Simon’s Mach 1 was ready to hit the road by 2016.

In all those years, the car has remained largely original. When he first bought his Mach 1, Simon upgraded the head unit and added dual exhaust. The only changes he has made since are fresh wheels and tires to replace the dry-rotted tires, and an aluminum radiator to solve a persistent overheating problem.

He’s kept the original radiator, wheels, and tires, though. While the Mach 1’s paint, decals, and upholstery may show a bit of wear and age, the car is almost completely original. That makes it rather unique among 1969 Mustang Mach 1s.

As Simon says, “Everybody modifies a Mustang. You don’t see survivor muscle cars. In my greater St. Louis area, I have the only survivor muscle car from any of the shows I’ve attended. Guys who realize what it is think it’s awesome.” We think it’s pretty awesome, too.

Back when he first bought the car, Simon had to stretch himself financially to buy a $50 beater just to keep his car nice. His financial situation has improved considerably since then, and he’s even bought some parts to restore his Mustang back to its former glory. Since buying those parts, he’s had a change of heart.

For now, his Mach 1 will remain an original survivor. After all, it’s only original once.

Photos: Ford Muscle