Introduced in April 1964, the Ford Mustang was an instant hit. By 1968, the pony car had already moved over two million units. But sales had been slowing down for a couple of years. Following a 1966 model year with more than 600,000 examples sold, Ford delivered 472,121 cars in 1967. In 1968, sales dropped to 317,404 examples. In an attempt to counter this trend, Ford introduced a new performance-oriented Mustang in 1969, the Mach 1.
1969 was a big year for the Mustang on the performance front. Ford already offered the GT, the Shelby GT350, and the GT500. Additionally, it introduced the 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet as a mid-year option in 1968. The following year brought a couple of homologation specials, the Boss 302 and Boss 429, into showrooms.
Unlike the Boss twins, the Mach 1 wasn't restricted to a certain engine. The package was indeed only available in the SportsRoof fastback body style, customers could order the car with a selection of V8 engines. The lineup included a two-barrel 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) Windsor, the four-barrel 351, a 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) FE, and the 428 Cobra Jet. The latter was available with or without Ram Air and a Drag Pack option.
The bundle extended beyond the unique stripes. The Mach 1 also featured an upgraded suspension with heavy-duty springs and shocks, as well as various other improvements based on powertrain choices.
The Mach 1 was hugely popular, moving 72,458 units in 1969, or about a quarter of the total Mustang production. By comparison, only 5,396 buyers went with the GT, prompting Ford to discontinue this version for the 1970 model year. The Mach 1 remained in continuous production until 1978.
With more than 70K examples sold, the 1969 Mach 1 is quite the common classic. And as a result, many of them are sitting in junkyards. Some restored examples are still on the road, but you won't see too many unrestored survivors that are still in one piece. This Winter Blue example is one of those rigs.
Fitted with an H-code 351 Windsor V8, this Mach 1 is nowhere near as desirable as the Cobra Jet version, but it's a low-production gem if we factor in the paint and trim codes. Specifically, it's one of only 1,913 units produced like this.
But the really amazing thing about this 'Stang is how original it is. Per our host, the Mach 1 is 100% original from bumper to bumper. This includes the gorgeous Winter Blue paint, the engine, and the interior. It most likely spent a lot of time in storage, but it's pretty solid.
Sure, there's some surface rust on the rear fenders and roof, and the interior shows some weathering, but it's the kind of classic you could drive as it is after proper detailing. Driving isn't an option just yet, though. The engine doesn't run, and our host says it needs to be rebuilt to function properly.
The Mach 1 is also a relatively low-mileage pony, as the odo shows only 42,000 miles (67,592 km). This unrestored survivor comes with a Marti report and a $33,000 sticker. Is it worth the asking price?
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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