1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Fastback (LHD)

Description

Arriving in mid-1964, Ford hit on a winning formula with the first generation Mustang and it was soon selling like hot cakes, becoming one of the most successful model launches in American automotive history. Based on the compact Falcon platform, the Mustang featured a sexy new body and a vast array of engine and transmission options, giving birth to a whole new market segment known as ‘pony cars’. Facing stiff competition from a new generation of rivals from Chevrolet and Plymouth in 1967, Ford stuck to its winning formula, making only evolutionary changes to the original design. In 1969 the styling underwent the most comprehensive overhaul yet, reflecting the trend towards larger cars across the board. Once again sold as a two-door hardtop coupe, convertible or fastback, the latter was restyled under Larry Shinoda’s direction and, billed as the ‘Sportsroof’, took on a bold new look for 1969. Ford introduced a new package for the new fastback Mustang known as the Mach 1, effectively taken the place of the GT in the model line-up. With a long list of exterior and interior upgrades, Mach 1 Mustangs featured a spoiler, matte-black bonnet with a simulated scoop and NASCAR-style locking pins, decals and badges. Twin colour-coded mirrors and chrome-styled steel wheels completed the exterior dress-up, while inside the Mach 1 came with high-backed seats, black carpets, special steering wheel, centre console, clock and teakwood grained door, dash and console panels. Mechanical upgrades included a handling package, matched with the two-barrel version of the 351 Windsor V8 (a four-barrel version was optional, along with three big-block units, ranging from the 390-cid V8 to the 428-cid Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet powerplants). For many pundits the 1969-1970 cars represent the final year of performance Mustangs, with a gradual decline thereafter thanks to emissions and the Fuel Crisis. A quick glance through the options list saw plenty to make speed freaks smile while the Mustang proved its mettle on the racetrack, with Mickey Thompson using a Mach 1 to set no less than 295 land speed records at Bonneville, while Bud Moore’s thundering Boss 302s capturing the 1970 Trans-Am title.