Car: Ford Mustang Mach-1 SportsRoof

Year: 1970

What makes it special: Mach 1 was a performance-oriented option package of Ford’s 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. As the performance war continued, the Mustang’s platform and engine bay were progressively redesigned to accommodate larger engine blocks. Late in the 1968 model year, Ford introduced the 428 cu in Cobra Jet FE engine in a small group of Mustang GTs and into the 1968 Shelby GT500KR. However, “GT” wasn’t a name that would initiate images of street screeching performance, hence the introduction of the Mach 1 title. The 1970 body included dual-beam headlights with the previous inner headlights becoming sport lamps and recessed taillights on a black honeycomb rear panel, side scoops behind both doors removed, revised bucket seats, deep dish sports wheel covers, as well as new side and rear badging and striping were the main visual differences. 

What made it famous: The Mach 1 package was only available in the ‘SportsRoof’ body style, previously known as the ‘Fastback’, but never on the hardtop or convertible.  The Mach 1 added numerous visual and performance enhancing items such as matte black hood treatment with hood pins, hood scoop, including an 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 known as ‘SportSlats.’ 1970 saw the previous 351W V8 engine options replaced with a new 351 cu in Cleveland V8 in either 2V for use with 2-venturi carbs, or 4V for use with 4-venturi carbs versions. The 351 ci in 4V M-code engine featured 11.0:1 compression and produced 300 bhp at 5400 rpm. This new performance engine incorporated elements learned from the Ford 385 series engine and the Boss 302, particularly the poly-angle combustion chambers with canted valves and the thin-wall casting technology. In 1970, the 3.91 ratio was a “traction-lok”, while the 4.30 ratio was a Detroit Locker.

Why I would want one: These Mach-1’s aren’t as common as other variants of the Mustang, and are a fun performance car.

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.

Car: Chevrolet Camaro Coupe

Year: 2000

What makes it special: The fourth-generation Chevrolet Camaro was produced for the 1993 through 2002 model years, although the last 30 models were unofficially sold in 2003. It was introduced on an updated F-body platform. It would retain the same characteristic since the first-generation’s introduction back in 1967; 2-doors, 2+2 seating, available as a coupe with an optional T-top roof or convertible, rear-wheel drive, and a choice of pushrod V6 and V8 powerplants. The 1998 model year was refreshed and revised with both exterior and engine changes.

What made it famous: Changes for 2000 were cosmetic in nature. Monterey Maroon Metallic was added as an optional color, similar to the previously available Medium Patriot Red. Previously, all V8 cars had side mirrors painted in black A new four-spoke steering wheel, as found in other GM models of the time, was introduced to replace the two-spoke steering wheel dating back to the 1993 cars. A new 10-spoke 16 in wheel became available, but the older 5-spokes were still optional. The base models came with 16 inch steel wheels, with hubcaps. The 3.8L, 231 cu in V6 and 5.7 L, 346 cu in LS1 V8’s continued with no changes.

Why I would want one: Not a huge fan of these, but for the right price, as they say…. This would be a cool addition to a Camaro collection to have all phases of the legendary Chevrolet Pony Car through all it’s generations.

Fun fact: The fourth-gen Camaro would last up through the 2002 model year when General Motors discontinued production due to slow sales, a deteriorated sports coupe market, and plant overcapacity

Car: Ford Thunderbird

Year: 1973

What makes it special: The sixth generation Ford Thunderbird was a large personal luxury coupe that was produced for the 1972 to 1976 model years. A counterpart of the Continental Mark IV, this generation of the Thunderbird was the largest ever produced; weighing in at over 5,000 pounds and are also the heaviest coupes ever produced by Ford, aside from its Mark IV counterpart.

What made it famous: For 1973, Thunderbird increased in size. To accommodate the larger 5 mph bumpers mandated for all 1973 automobiles, the front was restyled with an egg crate grille, topped by a spring-loaded hood ornament, flanked by the quad headlight in individual nacelles. The turn signals were more prominent at the fender edges. Also new to the exterior were opera windows, first optional, then standard late in the model year. Power windows, vinyl roof, manual air conditioning, and tinted glass were also made standard during the model year. Some new options included AM/FM 8-track tape player, remote control right hand outside mirror, and an anti-theft system. Some optional equipment available included sure-track brakes, an early anti-lock braking system, power sunroof, power door locks, cruise control and the 460 cu in V8. 1973 was the last year for the 429 V8 and leaded gas. A total of 87,269 Thunderbirds were built, making this the third highest production figure to date.

Why I would want one: Admittedly, I was not a fan of these when new, but now think they’re kinda cool in a “Mac Daddy” way.

Fun fact: In terms of styling, the sixth-generation Thunderbird would heavily influence the styling of the 1974-1976 Mercury Cougar XR7 and , the latter of which was replaced by the seventh-generation Thunderbird in 1977.