Two Generations of Mach 1 Equal One Badass Mustang
Despite reaching the “well-seasoned” age of fifty, there are still few cars that possess the sheer presence — whether on the road or standing still — of a classic, first-generation Mustang.
The example you see here represents the very best of the limited production Mach 1 trim level. As a ’69 car, its bones harken back to the very first production year of the Mach 1 line, but it sports the young and virile heart of a fourth-generation 2004 Mach 1, along with a whole host of other custom equipment that makes it drive as good as it looks.
Speaking of looks, one of the first things you’ll notice about the car is its superior paint job. A two-stage dousing of Scion Sizzling Crimson Mica paint is responsible for this pony’s black-cherry finish. It’s a selection that is timeless on any Mustang, and strikes just the right attitude when combined with black accents that identify this car as a Mach 1.
More than Skin Deep
And about that heart we mentioned, it’s a 4.6-liter overhead-cam unit that started life in a 2004 Mustang Mach 1. A Rod and Custom engine cradle and front suspension make the modern engine — which features aluminum heads, a fixed runner intake, and tumble-style intake ports — right at home in the ’69 chassis. Output is rated at an even 400 horsepower — plenty for highway cruising and the stoplight gran-prix alike.
Nearly all of the work done on this car was performed during a 2010 rotisserie restoration. The engine and paint upgrades aren’t the only ones, either. Along with the block, the car received the five-speed manual transmission from its younger donor and a Ford 9-inch Positraction rear-end equipped with 3.91 gears, which offer a smooth ride and strong acceleration.
Supporting this resto-mod monster, the factory leaf springs are assisted by subframe connectors and tubular A-arms at the front, which complement the Rod and Custom frontend. Out back, drum brakes are replaced by discs, which this car features at all four corners. Breathing is assisted by Magnaflow mufflers, and putting all that power to the ground are staggered 215/55 Dunlop SP Sport radial front and 275/50 Nitto NT450 Extreme Performance radial rear tires.
The interior has been worked-over as well, and now features swathes of tough and good-looking black ultraleather, custom seats and a Sony Xplod aftermarket stereo situated next to the vintage Mustang factory clock.
Unsurprisingly, this little head-turner’s got a host of awards to its name, and was just sold at auction. The lucky winner will get to drive it off the lot soon, and here’s hoping they never look back.
Chime in with your thoughts on the forum. >>
