1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The Mach 1 was one good looking car and that drove its massive sales success. It cost $3,122 an in its first year it sold 72,458 units which was almost 25% of all Mustang sales for the year. Thanks to these sales numbers, Ford discontinued the GT model the following year (it sold only 5,958 units).

All first generation Mach 1’s are distinguished by the body style code 63C on the door data plate. The Mach 1 package was only available in the “SportsRoof” fastback body style. The Mach 1 also got other 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, livery and dealer optional chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers (SportSlats).

Standard equipment was a 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor (351W) 2V motor with a 3 speed manual transmission, and a 9-inch (23 cm) 28 spline open rear axle. A 351W 4V was optional as was a 390 cu in (6.4 L) FE, and the huge 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet 4V with or without Ram Air, and even the introduction of the “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 428 SCJ 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.

Mach 1s 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 69), and heavier springs and shocks. 428 CJ/SCJ 4 speed cars also came with staggered rear shocks. Standard on Mach 1s was a fierce but cosmetic hood scoop that had integrated turn-signal lights mounted in the back. A more functional option was the signature “Shaker hood”, an air scoop mounted directly to the top of the motor, used to collect fresh air and so named for its tendency to “shake” above the rumbling V-8 below. The interior came complete with teak wood grain details, full sound deadening material and high-back sport bucket seats.

The original MACH1 was built in 1967. In 1968 an experimental model was built for racing and resembled the FORD GT. Many of the features in this experimental car were incorporated into the production MACH1’s that followed. Some were the racing mirrors, quick release gas cap, deleted side vents and windows, and more. MACH1 has since been one of FORDs top-of-the-line models from 1969 through today.

Standard Features:

  • The headlights were converted from two 7 inch outboard lights to four 4 inch lights.
  • A simulated air intake was placed on the fastback’s rear quarter panel.
  • A simulated rear quarter panel vent was installed on convertibles and hardtops.
  • Side front vent windows were replaced with angular door glass.
  • Rear tail lights were convex and protruding.
  • A deluxe interior (standard on Mach 1’s, Boss 429’s and Grandes) came standard with a passenger side clock and wood appliqués on the dash, glove box area and radio bezel.
  • This was the last year for the GT option. 5,396 Mustangs received this option.
  • The racing type rearview mirror was now a standard feature.