The 1969 model year Mustang makes for arguably the best classic American muscle car in history, as long as it’s an original Boss 429. However, there are a few other apples that don’t fall too far from the tree, and by apples, I mean specs.
Take the Mach 1 for instance. These Mustangs don’t always fetch a lot of money at auction, but every once in a while, a Mach 1 will come along wearing all the right duds and looking like a million bucks. This is the story of one such Mustang.
Sadly, it’s not a particularly happy story, seeing as how the vehicle failed to sell at auction last week, but the plot is exciting nonetheless, because whoever ends up owning this car, will undoubtedly enjoy the heck out of it. Still, the owner refused to part with it for $81,000, and I think they were right to hold out for more, because this Mach 1 boasts an amazing spec.
The car left the factory wearing Indian Fire Red with a blackout hood, and following its refurbishment, it probably looks the same today as it did back then. This is a gorgeous colorway – maybe an all-time great Mustang color. Anyway, other visual highlights include the Mach 1 grille and graphics, dual side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear window louvers, dual exhaust outlets, plus a set of Magnum 500-style wheels with Nitto NT555 G2 tires.
Meanwhile, inside is where you’ll find the black vinyl high-back bucket seats, a folding rear bench, AM radio, floor-mounted center console, heater, and a woodgrain-rimmed steering wheel.
Keep in mind, this car came with $1,056 worth of options, which was a lot back then – the MSRP alone was $3,122. What stands out is the 428 ci V8 Ram Air engine ($357), the Drag Pack ($155), power steering, power front disc brakes, and the tinted windows. The Drag Pack added a high-lift camshaft with hydraulic lifters, as well as cap-screw connecting rods, a modified crankshaft flywheel, and vibration damping.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
The 428 ci Super Cobra Jet Ram Air V8 boasts a Ford PI intake manifold and sends its power to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission and a Traction-Lok differential with a 3.91:1 final drive ratio. How much power? On paper, it should be 335 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Short of the Boss 429 unit, the 428 Super Cobra Jet is arguably the second greatest first-gen Mustang V8 engine option ever built.
Personally, I don’t think the highest bidder was too far off the mark with that $81,000 bid, but we’ve seen so many similar cars hit six figures at auction. I’m not saying this is a $100,000+ Mustang, but you can easily make a case for $85k or maybe even $90k.
Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration. Full profile
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