Ford Mustang History
History Behind The Mustang Mach 1
The Mustang Mach 1 was first produced in 1969, as a sporty performance model of the Ford Mustang. For a decade, production was uninterrupted until the "Fox" body style was introduced. With its return in 2003, the production run was much shorter, ending by 2005, but the popularity of this model never really waned. Many avid fans of this model are collectors that enhance their appearance and performance, making it a popular "muscle car." In fact, the original vehicles featured a variety of engine sizes, but if you think about the power that is contained in a 429, 7 liter V8, you can see why they were popular models for those that loved "street-racing."
While there are many Mustang owners that were perfectly content with their originally styled "pony cars," Ford felt compelled to compete with the sportier Chevy Camaro, or Pontiac Firebird. That resulted in the factory production of performance models, like the Boss 302, 429, GT, Shelby GT350, GT500 and of course, the popular Mustang Mach 1.
Most fans would recognize this model by the fastback roof-style body, matte black hood with hood pins, chrome gas cap, and wheels, along with chrome exhaust tips. Upgraded suspensions, a variety of powertrain choices, and the cosmetic hood-scoop with turn signals were other features. The Shaker hood allowed the scoop to collect fresh air to move over the powerful V8 motor, but the sound-insulating interior masked the rumbling sound that made it an intimidating contender in street races.
There are several famous models of Mustang Mach 1 that you might have seen featured in movies, like the 1971 model used in the James Bond movie, "Diamonds Are Forever" and the "Gone In 60 Seconds" movie car was a 1973 model. While they were known for their power and were often featured in the racing circuit, the re-birth of the Mustang Mach 1 in 2003 saw a tamed-down version of this original muscle car. With an original limited production run of fewer than 10,000 vehicles, it featured the "New Edge" body platform.
There have been rumors that there might be another re-introduction of the Mustang Mach 1, but most collectors will tell you it would be hard to duplicate the stylish appeal of the original decade-long production vehicles. It appears highly unlikely that there will be another release of any vehicle that resembles the original models, but you never know, for sure. The latest models have a sporty, futuristic, yet retro appearance and for many people, that is enough, but there are many that collect the original Mach 1 because it might be the only chance they will have.
If you ask anybody about his or her favorite style of Ford Mustang, there are bound to be a split vote between the Shelby, Boss, Cobra, or the Mustang Mach 1. Today, there are many owners that use body kits to change the appearance of their car and you can find parts and products that might provide that "look," such as the Shaker hood. With fuel-efficiency standards, it is highly unlikely you will ever be able to experience the power that can be found in the original models, however.
