1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Description

Prepare to be impressed, because this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is not only a highly detailed show piece, but it also packs a stout matching-numbers 351 that'll make you forget all about its big block brothers. The unusual color is a big plus, too, so if you're looking to stand out on the street as well as the show field, this Mach 1 is definitely impressive.

Code P5 Winter Blue is rather rare compared to many of the other Mustang hues available that year, but it gives this Mach 1 just the right combination of luxury and attitude. Actually, this one is mostly attitude, and with a blacked-out hood and matching scoop, not to mention the single yellow Mach 1 stripe, there's no mistaking this car's mission. It's also kind of nice to see one that's clean and smooth, so no wing, no chin spoiler, just that classic sportsroof profile. Treated to a no-expenses-spared restoration, the bodywork is extremely good, with even gaps, a deep Sherwin-Williams clearcoat shine, and body panels that are as crisp as the day they popped out of the stamping dies. The blacked-out hood treatment was correctly done, enveloping most of the hood, and the scoop proudly wears 351 badges suggesting that it would be unwise to tangle with this pony on the street. The grille, bumpers, and other shiny bits look fantastic against the medium blue finish and if there's any criticism to be leveled against this car, it may be that it's simply too nice. I mean, I don't want to be the first guy to scratch it, do you?

The interior remains pretty much the way Ford made it, from the ribbed "comfort weave" seat covers with Mach 1 red inserts to the woodgrained dash appliques meant to impart a sense of luxury to the Mach 1. Thanks to the restoration work, things like those seat covers, the carpets, door panels, and headliner were freshened to look like new. The gauges show crisp markings, bright needles, and clear lenses, so they've probably been to the restoration shop as well, and the center console with its T-handle shifter is practically mandatory on a sporting Mustang like this. A modern AM/8-track radio was part of the options list and it's still in place, albeit non-functional. The back seat folds down to make for an impressive amount of carrying capacity for a pony car, and the trunk itself is neatly finished with a reproduction mat that offers a correct plaid pattern.

The M-code 351 Windsor under the hood is light like a small block should be, making this Mach 1 a tidy handler as well as a great straight-line brawler. Some of the goodies that make this possible are a 4-barrel carburetor, dual exhaust, and a hidden electronic ignition system that works better but stays out of sight. Better yet, someone paid more than a fair amount of attention to the little things, including Ford Blue paint, correct hoses, proper fasteners, and a factory-style radiator, which all give the engine bay a rather authentic look. Underneath, the chassis is neatly finished with clean floors, a rumbling glasspack-style exhaust system, and a mostly stock suspension setup. Recent shocks, gas tank, and lines mean that nothing has been overlooked, and with 3.25 gears in the freshly rebuilt 9-inch rear, it's comfortable just about anywhere. 14-inch styled steel wheels with 215/70/14 BFGoodrich radials give it the perfect performance look.

Nicely documented with a Marti Report, this Mach 1's new owner will have to decide whether he likes going fast or going to shows better. Actually, why not do both? Call today!