1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1

The Mach 1 had a great first year in 1969 and was back as a 1970 model. The Mach 1 was a fantastic-looking car and continued to be a very strong seller. In its second year, it sold 40,970 units which were almost 22% of all Mustang sales for the year.

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. The huge 428 cu in (7.0 L) Cobra Jet 4V was available with or without Ram Air and could include 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 available, and the 428 SCJ added a cast iron tail shaft in place of the regular aluminum one to the C6. A “traction lock” rear axle was optional, and the 428 CJ/SCJ included a “traction lock” 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-lock”, 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.

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.
  • The racing-type rearview mirror was now a standard feature.