Car: Ford Mustang Mach-1 SportsRoof
Year: 1969
What makes it special: The Mach 1 was a performance-oriented option package of the Ford Mustang, originally introduced 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. 1969 was the benchmark year for Ford Mustang in its proliferation of performance names and engines. No fewer than six factory performance Mustang models were available: GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500 and the Mach 1. Additionally, seven variations of V8’s were available in the ’69–’70 models; most of these also available in the new Mach 1.
What made it famous: The Mach 1 started with a V8-powered ‘Sportsroof’ body and added visual and performance enhancing items such as matte black hood treatment with hood pins, hood scoop, including optional Shaker scoop, competition suspension, chrome pop-open gas cap, revised wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, chrome exhaust tips, deluxe interior, livery and dealer optional chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers. Standard equipment was a 351 cu in Windsor (351W) 2V motor with a 3-speed manual transmission, and a 9-inch 28 spline open rear axle. A 351W 4V was optional as was a 390 cu in FE, and the huge 428 cu in Cobra Jet 4V with or without Ram-Air, and even the introduction of the “Drag Pack” option with the modified 428 cu in Super Cobra Jet engine. A 4-speed manual or 3-speed FMX (small block)/C6 (big block) automatic transmission was optional, and the 428SCJ added a cast iron tailshaft in place of the regular aluminum one to the C6. A “traction lok” rear axle was optional, and the 428 CJ/SCJ included a “traction lok” with a 3.91 or 4.30 ratio, 31 spline axle shafts and a nodular case. In 1970, the 3.91 ratio was a “traction-lok”, while the 4.30 ratio was a Detroit Locker.
Why I would want one: When I was 7 years old, my parents gave me a ‘Gold-Plated’ 1969 Ford Mustang Mach-1 How Wheels die-cast car. Sadly, I had lost that car somewhere over the years, but have been in love ever since.
Fun fact: 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.
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