The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a combination performance and appearance package offered as an option for the Ford Mustang in August 1968 for the 1969 model year.
Over the following years, the package was available with various engines that became more modest as emissions controls, unleaded gas, fleet mileage quotas, and higher gasoline prices undercut the "horsepower wars" that were the origin of the option. Similarly, early packages included other "performance" upgrades, such as suspension, that were deleted in subsequent model runs, leaving only a wide array of external and interior upgrades.
The Mach 1 package was available until 1978, briefly returning between 2003 and 2004 as well as between 2021 and 2023.
Introduction
The "performance" of pony cars became a major arena of competition, both for sales and manufacturer prestige. As the horsepower war escalated, the Ford Mustang platform and engine bay were redesigned to accommodate larger engine blocks. Late in the 1968 model year, Ford introduced the 428cuin (7.0L) Cobra Jet FE engine in a small group of Mustang GTs and the 1968 Shelby GT500KR, its largest and most potent "performance" engine. For the 1969 model year, Ford produced an overall "performance package", which was available with two smaller V8s - the 351cuin (5.8L)Windsor (standard) and 390cuin (6.4L)FE, and topped by the Cobra Jet. It included some additional handling upgrades and heavy appearance enhancements and was dubbed the "Mach 1".[1] Other engine options became available from 1970 through 1973.
The 1969 Ford Mustang featured numerous performance-themed model names and engines. Six factory performance Mustang models were available (GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and the Mach 1). Additionally, seven variations of V8s were available in the 1969 through 1973 models; most of these were also available in the new Mach 1.
Due to the success of the Mach 1, the GT model was discontinued after 1969 following poor sales of 5,396 units versus the 72,458 sales for the Mach 1.[2] The Mustang would not have the "GT" badge until 1982.
The Mach 1 package was only available in the "SportsRoof" fastback body style[3] (previously known as the 'fastback'). It included 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 (except 351W 2V), deluxe interior, factory or dealer optional chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers (SportSlats).
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 in Gulf Stream Aqua
Standard equipment was a 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor (351W) 2V 2-barrel engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, and a 9-inch (23cm) 28 spline open rear axle. A 351W 4V 4-barrel was optional as was a 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE, and the 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet 4V with or without Ram Air, and a "drag pack" option with the modified 428 cu in (7.0 L) 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.
1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The Mach 1 came with upgraded suspension to varying degrees dependent upon powertrain choices. Big block cars had front shock tower reinforcement, thicker sway bars (no rear bar for 1969), and heavier springs and shocks. The 428 CJ/SCJ 4-speed cars also came with staggered rear shocks. Standard on Mach 1s was a non-functional hood scoop that had turn-signal indicator lights on the back visible to the driver. Optional was the "shaker hood" named for the functional air scoop that tended to move with the engine because it was mounted directly to the top of the engine. The interior featured simulated teak wood grain details, full sound-deadening material, and high-back sport bucket seats.
In 1968, racecar drivers Mickey Thompson and Danny Ongais took three Mach 1 Mustangs to the Bonneville salt flats for a feature in Hot Rod magazine, in the process setting 295 speed and endurance records over a series of 500-mile and 24-hour courses.[4][5]
Ford kept the Mach 1 in production into 1970 with a few appearance changes. These included single dual-beam headlights with the position of the previous inner high-beam lights becoming sport lamps, the taillights were recessed on a black honeycomb rear panel, the simulated side scoops behind both doors were removed, the bucket seats were revised, new deep dish sports wheel covers, while the side and rear badging and striping were new. The 1970 model year used the Windsor 2V engine on some earlier built cars until the new 351 cu in (5.8 L) Cleveland (351C) V8 in either 2V (for use with 2-venturi carbs) or 4V (for use with 4-venturi carbs) versions became available. The 351C 4V (M code) engine featured 11.0:1 compression and produced 300bhp (224kW; 304PS) at 5400 rpm. This new engine incorporated elements 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.
Competition Suspension (HD springs & shocks), variable quick-ratio steering box if ordered with P/S
Base Mustang vinyl interior
Flat hood – the NACA scooped hood was a no-cost option for the base engine
In 1971, the Mach 1 was available with a 302 Windsor engine, the F-code, and three 351 Cleveland engines; the H-code 2-V, the M-code 4-V, and beginning in May 1971, the Q-code 351CJ (Cobra Jet or GT engine). M & Q code engines were produced concurrently up until the end of 71 model year production. There were also two 429ci options, the C-code CJ (Cobra Jet) & J-code CJ-R (Cobra Jet – Ram Air). Buying the optional "Drag Pak" 3.91 (V) or 4.11 (Y) rear gears turned either 429 into a "Super Cobra Jet", with a solid lifter cam, Holley 780cfm carb and special rotating assembly with forged pistons.
One of the most recognizable features of the 1971–1973 Mach 1 is the hood design with dual scoops. The hood was a no-cost option on the 302 cars and standard on all others. The basic hood had non-functional NACA-style submerged ducts, but when ordered with the Ram Air option, it became functional. It included a vacuum-controlled door inside each scoop, and a fiberglass under-hood 'plenum' that directed cool, outside air through a modified, rubber-ringed air filter housing and into the carburetor. Ram-air also included a pair of 1970 Mach1-style chrome twist hood locks and a two-tone hood paint treatment in either 'matte black' or 'argent' (matte silver), which coordinated with the decals and striping. The option also received either a "351 RAM AIR" or "429 RAM AIR" decal on each side of the hood.
In 1972, the 429CJ & SCJ engines were dropped from the lineup, and horsepower ratings dropped across the board due to the switch to new SAE net horsepower calculations and a 4-degree camshaft retard built into the timing set. This year also produced the fewest Mach 1 sales of the 1971–73 generation. There are no major external differences in the 1971 and 1972 Mach 1 models.[9] The 1972 Mach 1 also saw the deletion of the pop-open gas cap, which was replaced with the standard twist-on cap found on the other Mustang models that year. The 302 Windsor remained as the base Mach 1 engine. There were again three 351 Cleveland engine options for 1972. A 2-barrel, the 4-barrel 351CJ, and a new R-code 351HO, essentially a lower compression Boss 351 engine.
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1
The Mach 1 received appearance updates for 1973. The lower body accent paint and bright trim were gone and the entire car was one color from top to bottom. All 1973 Mach 1s received a wide body-side tape stripe in either black or argent, that featured a "MACH 1" cutout on the front of the quarter panel, and a standard "MUSTANG" script emblem on the fender. The deck lid tape stripe was revised, with the "MACH 1" lettering incorporated into the passenger side of the stripe instead of centered above it as in 1971 and 1972. The valance cutouts[clarification needed] and bright tips[clarification needed] were no longer available on 4V cars for 1973.
1971 Mach 1 429 Cobra Jet
The Mustang needed to comply with new NHTSA standards, which necessitated a redesigned front and rear bumper. The front bumper on all models became a much larger body-colored urethane unit, mounted on impact-absorbing struts. Due to the revised bumper, the Mach 1 sport lamps were deleted and all models had the park/turn signal lamps moved from the front valance up to a vertical orientation at each end of the grille. The Mach 1 grille was black with a honeycomb pattern and a small running horse tri-bar emblem. The rear bumper was mounted on extended brackets which caused the bumper to protrude from the body further. A body-colored urethane filler piece at each quarter panel was added while a sheet metal filler panel was bolted to the taillight panel.
Engine options remained virtually the same as in 1972, except the 351HO engine was dropped. The 351-4V was not advertised in the 1973 Mustang as a Cobra Jet engine even though the 1973 Ford shop manual and other internal Ford documentation referenced the engine as the 351-4V CJ since the "Cobra Jet" nomenclature continued in Torino, Cougar, and Montego lines.
1971 Mach 1 Cobra Jet 429
Because of problems with having the Ram Air option approved for emissions reasons, the 351-2V was the only engine available with Ram Air.[10] A "Tu-Tone" hood paint treatment option that consisted of the black or argent paint treatment and twist locks was offered, but without the actual functional components of the Ram Air system.
Engines
The chart does not reflect the Boss 351 variant of the 351 Cleveland or 250 cu in I6, as neither were available in the Mach 1 package.
The 1972 R-code 351HO package – essentially the solid-lifter Boss 351 engine from 1971 with a reduction in compression from 11.0:1 to 8.8:1 – is listed here, as it was available with the Mach 1 package that year.[11]
The Mach 1 name continued with the introduction of the Mustang II in 1974.[18] The downsized vehicle – fitted with a 105hp (78kW) 2.8 L V6 as a base engine – outsold the Mach 1 models of the previous four years.[citation needed]
A substantially detuned 302 Windsor began as an option in 1975, rated at 140hp (104kW) and 240lb⋅ft (325N⋅m) of torque.[19]
The Mach 1 remained mostly unchanged in 1976, as a new performance model – the Cobra II – was introduced alongside. 1977 proved to be the weakest sales year of the Mach 1 to date, selling only 6,719 units. The package remained for one more year,[20] and was discontinued when the third generation Mustang was introduced for 1979, which continued the Cobra option through 1981.
During the 1990s, the performance Mustang was the SVT Cobra. Following the departure of the Fox chassis in 1993 and the arrival of the SN-95 in 1994, Ford also sought to eliminate the 302, a bored and stroked version of a V8 originally introduced in 1961, which would not occur until the 1996 model.[21] Drawing on its newly developed OHC architecture engines known as the Modular, SVT created the 1996 and up Cobra around several variations of the 32valve, all-aluminum 4.6 liter (281CID) V8. The 32-valve 4.6L V8 used in the Mustang Mach 1 was originally introduced in the 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII, however, for the Mach 1, it was re-engineered with a free-flowing exhaust and intake manifold to increase the engine by 30 horsepower. Below the SVT in performance was only the GT, reintroduced in 1982 with the 302 HO "5.0", later turning to the 16-valve SOHC V-8 in 1996. The sales of the new SN-95 style cars increased, so that by 2002, Mustang sales topped the combined sales figure of the Firebird and the Camaro. With GM's withdrawal from the "Pony Car wars" in 2002, Ford had a free hand at the whole market, but created what was arguably the fastest stock Mustang up to that point in time with the 2003–2004 SVT Cobra. However, concerns over a price gap between the GT and Cobra, as well as interest in keeping sales up before the release of the all-new 2005 S197 Mustang prompted the creation of two unique mid-range performance models: The 2001½ Bullitt GT and the 2003 and 2004 Mach 1 both credited to Team Mustang led by Art Hyde and Scott Hoag.
Following the stir caused by the retro 2001 "Bullitt" (a lightly modified 2001 GT, named for the famed chase Mustang driven by Steve McQueen in the film Bullitt) Ford saw the value of heritage in the Mustang name and as a follow-up, sought to revive the Mach 1 name. While similar to the Bullitt in the use of the Cobra's 13in (330.2mm)Brembo front brake rotors, unique Tokico gas shocks and struts, and lower and stiffer springs, the Mach 1 received a huge performance gain over the base GT and even the 265hp (198kW) Bullitt in the form of a unique variant of the DOHC 32-valve 4.6L Modular V8. Commonly known by Mach 1 owners as an "R" code DOHC, (for the unique VIN engine R code) this all-aluminum engine features the same high flow heads as the 2003–2004 SVT Cobra, 2003–2004 Mercury Marauder, 2003–2005 Lincoln Aviator, and the 2003–2009 Australian Boss 5.4L V8s (see Ford of Australia Boss 5.4L), the engine also has intake camshafts sourced from Lincoln's 5.4L "InTech" V8 to provide more mid-range torque. The Mach 1 engine had a 10.1:1 compression ratio in contrast to the 1999 and 2001 Cobra's 9.85:1, and the Mach 1 was equipped with a Windsor Aluminum Plant or WAP block unique from the Teksid aluminum blocks used in the 1996–1999 Cobras. The Mach 1 also featured a relatively high redline of 6,800 rpm (5-speed cars) and fuel cut off at 7,050 rpm or 5800 rpm (4-speed automatic). While on paper the 305hp (228kW) ratings seem a loss when compared to the 1999 and 2001 SVT Cobras which produced 320hp (239kW), in practice the Mach 1 engine produced similar peak horsepower and substantially more torque.
Further differences included the use of Ford's 8.8in (223.5mm) solid rear axle with a 3.55 final ratio (As opposed to SVT's Independent Rear Suspension) also the availability of a 4-speed automatic in addition to the Tremec sourced 5-speed manual. Factory steel "Box" cross-section subframe connectors were also added to increase chassis strength for both the added handling and to deal with the prodigious torque over the stock GT. Style-wise, the Mach 1 was distinct from other Mustangs as it drew heavily from the 1970 Mach 1. In addition to the matte black spoiler and hood stripe, flat black chin spoiler, Mach 1 rocker panel stripes, and Mach 1 badging on the rear, there were also faux Magnum 500 polished 17×8-inch alloy wheels. A retro-themed interior was included with well-bolstered dark grey leather seats featuring 1970s-style "Comfort Weave" textures, a 1970s-style gauge cluster, and a machined aluminum shift ball. An optional 18G interior upgrade package included stainless steel pedals, a 4-way head restraint, aluminum finished shift boot trim ring and door lock posts, and aluminum-look bezels on the dash. The most noticeable difference visually from other Mustangs was the bulging hood with cut-out and the return of a semi-legitimate "Shaker Hood". While physically identical in placement and function (the scoop is said to be built on the same tooling as the 1970 Mach 1) it only provides a portion of air to the engine routing to the airbox ahead of the MAF. It does function well as a cold air "snorkel" and a partial Ram Air at speed.
The 2004 model year included minor cosmetic changes to the Mach 1. They can be identified by bare aluminum finished valve covers, as opposed to the 2003's black finished covers. Outside, the Mach 1 came with 40th-anniversary tags ahead of the doors while the 2003 has the traditional Mustang Running Pony and tri-color bar. The only interior change was the deletion of the overhead "cargo net" mounted on the headliner. The horsepower and torque ratings remained the same as before: 305hp (227kW) and 320lb⋅ft (434N⋅m).
The 2003 models were available in Black, Dark Shadow Grey Metallic, Torch Red, Zinc Yellow, and Oxford White, with Azure Blue exclusive to the Mach 1. For 2004 Zinc Yellow was replaced with a more vibrant yellow called Screaming Yellow, as well as adding a new color, Competition Orange.
With improvements in power and a relatively light curb weight of 3,380lb (1,533kg), the 2003 Mustang Mach 1 posted magazine test numbers that were impressive given its $29,305 price tag. Magazine tests by Motor Trend found numbers from 13.88 seconds at 101.9mph (164.0km/h) for the automatic-equipped 2003 Mach 1 with a 5.6 seconds 0–60mph, up to the five speed's 13.5 seconds at 105mph (169km/h) with a 5.2 second 0–60mph (97km/h) time.[22] All this while maintaining a decent 63.5mph (102.2km/h) on a 600-foot (180m) slalom and 0.85 g's on the skidpad, though the higher CG of the larger DOHC engine has created a tendency to understeer more than the IRS equipped SVTs and lower CG and lower curb weight Bullitt GTs with the same basic suspension and brakes.[23]
Limited in production, the 2003 and 2004 Mach 1s ended with the New Edge body platform, the discontinuation of the Fox framed unibody, and the introduction of the first new frame design since 1979 the s-197 with 9,652 2003's[24] and 7,182 2004's[25] being built, contrary to the Mach 1 originally being advertised as a one-year limited run model with production set at 6,500 cars.[26]
After a 17-year hiatus, the fifth installment of the Mach 1 uses the GT's 5.0 L Coyote V-8 producing 480hp (358kW) at 7,000 rpm and 420lb⋅ft (569N⋅m) at 4,600 rpm, which is same output of the Mustang Bullitt. The 2022 model produces 470 hp and 410 lb-ft at 4,600 rpm, which is a loss of 10 hp and 10 lb-ft of torque.[27] It borrows several parts from the Shelby models: the intake manifold, oil-filter adapter, engine oil cooler, and front and rear subframe are shared with the Shelby GT350, while the rear axle cooling system, rear toe link, and rear diffuser are shared with the Shelby GT500. On the front grille, at each side of the pony badge, there are two large vent openings.[28][29]
2022 Mach 1 on Track
Front of the 2022 Mach 1
Ford's marketing department promoted Mach 1 performance and design that focused on the model's heritage.[30]
The Ford Mustang is a series of American automobiles manufactured by Ford. In continuous production since 1964, the Mustang is currently the longest-produced Ford car nameplate. Currently in its seventh generation, it is the fifth-best selling Ford car nameplate. The namesake of the "pony car" automobile segment, the Mustang was developed as a highly styled line of sporty coupes and convertibles derived from existing model lines, initially distinguished by "long hood, short deck" proportions.
The Ford Torino is an automobile that was produced by Ford for the North American market between 1968 and 1976. It was a competitor in the intermediate market segment and essentially a twin to the Mercury Montego line.
The Ford FE engine is a medium block V8 engine produced by the Ford Motor Company and used in vehicles sold in the North American market between 1958 and 1976. The FE, derived from 'Ford-Edsel', was introduced just four years into the short-lived Ford Y-block engine, which American cars and trucks were outgrowing. It was designed with room to be significantly expanded, and manufactured both as a top-oiler and side-oiler, and in displacements between 332 cu in (5.4 L) and 428 cu in (7.0 L).
The Mercury Cougar is a series of automobiles that was sold by Mercury from 1967 to 2002. The model line is a diverse series of vehicles; though the Cougar nameplate is most commonly associated with two-door coupes, at various stages in its production, the model also was offered as a convertible and a hatchback. During its production as the mid-size Mercury line, the Cougar was also offered as a four-door sedan and five-door station wagon.
The Ford 335 engine family was a group of engines built by the Ford Motor Company between 1969 and 1982. The "335" designation reflected Ford management's decision to produce an engine of that size with room for expansion during its development. This engine family began production in late 1969 with a 351 cu in (5.8 L) engine, commonly called the 351C. It later expanded to include a 400 cu in (6.6 L) engine which used a taller version of the engine block, commonly referred to as a tall deck engine block, a 351 cu in (5.8 L) tall deck variant, called the 351M, and a 302 cu in (4.9 L) engine which was exclusive to Australia.
A shaker scoop is an automobile term for an air intake for combustion air that is mounted directly on top of the engine's air cleaner and protrudes through a hole in the hood. Since it is fastened directly to the engine, it moves with the engine's movement and vibration on its mountings, thus the 'shaker' name.
The Ford small-block is a series of 90° overhead valve small-block V8 automobile engines manufactured by the Ford Motor Company from July 1961 to December 2000.
The Ford Modular engine is Ford Motor Company's overhead camshaft (OHC) V8 and V10 gasoline-powered small block engine family. Introduced in 1990, the engine family received its “modular” designation by Ford for its new approach to the setup of tooling and casting stations in the Windsor and Romeo engine manufacturing plants.
The Shelby Mustang is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang built by Shelby American from 1965 to 1967 and by the Ford Motor Company from 1968 to 1970.
The Ford SVT Mustang Cobra is a pony car that was built by American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company's Special Vehicle Team division for the 1993 to 2004 model years.
The Mercury Cyclone is an automobile that was marketed by the Mercury division of Ford from 1964 to 1971. Introduced in 1964 as the Mercury Comet Cyclone, the Cyclone replaced the S-22 as the performance-oriented version of the Mercury Comet model line. The Cyclone became a distinct nameplate for the 1968 model year, as the Mercury Montego was phased in to replace the Comet.
In mid-February 1968, the California Ford Dealers began to market a factory-built, limited-edition Mustang, called the GT/CS, or "California Special". The hope was for a targeted production run of 5,000; however, only 4,118 were made, including 251 units that were remarketed in Denver, Colorado, as "High Country Special '68". Production ran for only 5.5 months from mid-February 1968 to early August 1968. Today, classic car collectors consider these cars to be very desirable.
Ford Mustang variants are the various versions of the Ford Mustang car, modified either by its manufacturer Ford Motor Company or by third-party companies. Ford and several third-party companies have offered many modified versions of the highly popular Mustang since its creation in 1964 in order to cater to specific portions of the marketplace outside of the mainstream. High-performance enthusiasts seek more powerful, sharper handling, sports cars such as the Shelby Mustang, the Ford Mustang Mach 1, and variants made by Roush Performance and Saleen, while collectors and purists seek limited production and alternate or nostalgic styling, such as is commonly found on many commemorative editions. Still, others were made purely for experimental concepts such as the McLaren M81 and the Ford Mustang SVO, which later influenced production model design. Most variants include both performance upgrades, and unique cosmetic treatments that are typically minimal to maintain the familiar appearance of a stock Mustang. Although most of these Mustang variants were aimed at enthusiasts, an exception was the Special Service Package which was designed specifically for law enforcement. Race variants include the FR500, Boss 302 and Boss 429.
The Boss 429 Mustang is a high-performance Ford Mustang variant that was offered by Ford in 1969 and 1970.
The Saleen S281 is a variant introduced between the 4th and 5th generations of Ford Mustang which was produced by the American manufacturer Saleen, Inc. By 2005, Saleen departed from being a company of modifying existing Ford Mustangs as well as various other Ford automobiles, and became an Original equipment manufacturer. This was easily distinguishable with the bodywork designed by Phil Frank on the S-281's as well as the various other models offered by Saleen.
The first-generation Ford Mustang was manufactured by Ford from March 1964 until 1973. The introduction of the Mustang created a new class of automobiles known as pony cars. The Mustang's styling, with its long hood and short deck, proved wildly popular and inspired a host of competition.
The third-generation Mustang was manufactured and marketed by Ford from 1979-1993, using the company's Fox platform and colloquially called the Fox body Mustang. During its third generation, the Mustang evolved through several sub-models, trim levels, and drivetrain combinations during its production and seemed destined for replacement with a front-wheel drive Mazda platform. Company executives were swayed by consumer opinion and the rear-wheel drive Mustang stayed in production, while the front-wheel drive version was renamed the Ford Probe. Production ended with the introduction of the fourth-generation Mustang (SN-95) for model year 1994.
The fourth-generation Ford Mustang is an automobile that was produced by the American automobile manufacturer Ford Motor Company for the 1994 through 2004 model years. Marking the first major redesign of the Ford Mustang in fifteen years, the fourth generation of the pony car was introduced in November 1993 with the launch taking place on December 9, 1993. The design, was based on an updated version of the Fox platform and was the final vehicle underpinned with this platform. It featured styling by Bud Magaldi that incorporated some stylistic elements from the classic Mustangs. A convertible model returned, but the previous notchback and hatchback bodystyles were discontinued in favor of a conventional 2-door coupe design.
The fifth-generation Ford Mustang, is a two-door four-seater pony car manufactured and marketed by Ford from 2004 to 2014, for the 2005 to 2014 model years — carrying the internal designation S197 and marketed in coupe and convertible body styles. Assembly took place at the Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan. The fifth generation began with 2005 model year, and received a facelift for the 2010 model year.
The Ford Mustang (S550) is a pony car that is the sixth generation of the Ford Mustang and was produced from 2014 until it was replaced by the seventh generation in 2023.
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