1969 Ford Mustang Fastback Mach 1 Walk-Around

There is the Ford Mustang, and then there is the Mach 1. It was a high-performance version introduced in 1968 to compete against the Camero and Firebird, and the example in the walk-around video by Ramblin Around TV shows the car in peak shape and peak performance.

The Mach 1 had a distinctive look. It was a fastback model in various colors, but always had a special hood treatment that included flat black paint with pinstripes and a scoop. Ford dealers up-sold and installed popular features like a spoiler beneath the front bumper, rear deck spoiler and “sport slat” louvers for the rear window.

Various Engine Options

Mach 1’s had three different engine options. You could get a V8 in 351 (Windsor and Cleveland versions), 390 and 428 cubic inch versions.

The 428 was a Super Cobra Jet engine that produced between 360 and 410 horsepower depending upon how it is ventilated. You could buy the Mach 1 with either an automatic or manual 3-speed, or a manual 4-speed.

Performance Car or Grocery Runner?

The Mach 1 did have a split personality. Ford Motor Company wanted to meet and beat the competition, of course, and that meant attention to performance. However, most cars were destined for driveways, not the drags, and the interior had well-appointed high-back seats, teakwood inlay and heavy sound deadening materials to reach that market.

Many people tend to forget that the Mach 1 was not the only performance version of the Mustang. There were six different factory versions available in 1969-1970, including the GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500 and the Mach 1. The Mach 1 had the balance of price and performance for the times, and there were 72,458 Mach 1’s sold in 1969.

The List Price Will Make You Cry

The list price for the Ford Mustang Mach 1 was $3,150, but you had to add an extra $369 if you wanted to upgrade to the 428 cubic inch engine and $205 if you wanted the 4-speed transmission. Accounting for inflation, that combination would be $23,500 in 2013. Hagerty Valuations says “fair” examples of the Mach 1 were averaging $36,000 in 2013, but “perfect” Condition 1 examples averaged over $100,000.

Besides being a cool car,  it has been a sound automotive investment.