Dual headlamps were introduced in 1969, with the extra
pair set into the outer area of the grille. The corralled grille pony was
replaced with the pony and tribars logo, set off-center to the drivers side.
The wheelbase remained 108 inches, but the overall length increased by
almost 4 inches, and the width increased by almost half an inch. Coupes,
fastbacks, and convertibles were still offered, but new models joined the
lineup: Mach 1, Boss, and Grandé. All of these models took their toll on GT
sales; they were continued in 1970, but the GT was not.
Click here
to download the salesroom brochure pictured at left.
Only about 50 Mustang Es were produced. They were
economy cars with a 250ci six cylinder engine, automatic transmission with a
special torque converter, and a low 2.33:1 rear axle ratio. They were all
sportsroofs, and had Mustang 'E' lettering on the rear quarters.
The 351cid
V-8 was introduced in 1969, and was available with 250 or 290 hp. For those
wanting more power, the 335-hp 428cid Cobra Jet V-8 big block was available
with or without Ram-Air. More than 80 percent of Mustangs in 1969 had V-8
engines.
The Mach 1 was essentially a fastback GT with different stripes and a
more upscale interior. A spoiler and rear window louvers were optional.
The Mach 1 included the GT's non-functional hood scoop. A functional
"Shaker" scoop was available. It was mounted on top of a special air cleaner
and protruded though the hood. A vacuum-operated door opened when the
throttle was floored, allowing cool air into the carburetor. The scoop was
standard on the 428 Cobra Jet Ram-Air V-8 and optional for Mach 1 or GT with
351 or 390 engines. The stripe package was reflective. A flat black rear
spoiler was not an option early, but became available late in the model
year.
Grandé Mustangs were meant for the luxury-minded buyer.
Coupes only, they came with Comfort Weave seats, woodgrain
dash, padded interior side panels, and thick carpeting.
The most exciting addition was the first Boss 302, which was a fastback
with a high-performance version of the 302cid engine. The exterior featured
side striping, a partially blacked-out hood, front air dam, rear spoiler,
and no side scoop on its rear fenders. For more information on Boss 302s, visit
Boss302.com.
On the heels of the 302 would come
what is still considered the biggest, baddest, and meanest of all Mustangs:
the Boss 429. Featuring the stock NASCAR version 429 engine, the cars were
actually built by Kar-Kraft at the KK-Brighton assembly plant, located in
Brighton, Michigan. Each vehicle was hand assembled. 1969 production ran
from January 1969 through July 1969. 1969 Boss 429 Mustangs were available
in Raven Black, Royal Maroon, Black Jade, Candyapple Red, and Wimbledon
White. All interiors were black. For more information on Boss '9s, visit
BossPerformance.com.
The Limited Edition 600 was a promotional unit developed by the
Philadelphia sales district in May of 1969. The 600 consisted of special
order, custom colored Mustangs in either "Flower Power Red" or "Groovy
Green." This promotion was only available on hardtops or sportsroofs and
included a hood scoop, remote, chrome mirror, AM radio, full wheel covers,
whitewalls, tape stripes, and unique fender emblems, all for a special
price. Even some hardtops were delivered with vinyl roofs. The promotion's
sales goal was to sell 600 of these special units, however, only 503 of
Limited Edition 600s were produced, clearly falling short of the target of
600 Mustangs. Interestingly, there was least one Mach 1 in this promotion.
All cars in this promotion were built in batches on April 21st and 22nd, and
many were delivered to Morgan Ford (now Medford Ford) in Medford NJ, for
prepare and affix the fender badges.
The Limited Edition 600 Mustangs were then promoted throughout the
Philadelphia District by the means of specially created newspaper ads. These
ads called attention to the custom colors and limited availability. About
15-20% were of the green variety. It is known that 87 red cars were ordered
in off standard equipment order 2784. All 600s will be identified by the
absence of a color code and a DSO of 16 plus 2783 through 2788 number on the
door data plate. Most but not all 600s were powered by six cylinder engines,
largest available engine was the 351-2v.
1969 Shelbys got a full-width grille with integrated
scoops. The hood had five small scoops; three forward-facing to force air
into the engine and two rear-facing to extract heat. The functional side
scoops helped cool the brakes.
Shelby de Mexico produced 306 Shelby G.T. 350s in 1969.
They were based on coupes with 302s, but got fiberglass roofline extensions
to make them look like a sportsroof. They also wore slightly bulged
fiberglass hoods 1965 Thunderbird taillights.
Acapulco Blue
Aztec Aqua
Black Jade
Calypso Coral
Candy Apple Red
Champagne Gold
Gulfstream Aqua
Indian Fire Red
Lime Gold
Meadowlark Yellow
New Lime
Pastel Gray
Raven Black
Royal Maroon
Silver Jade
Wimbledon White
Winter Blue