1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Description

There are a lot of nice Mustangs around, but the list of investment-grade ponies is short and includes vehicles like this 1969 Mach 1. Clearly built for speed when it was new, this S-code sportsroof has been beautifully and accurately restored so it's at home on the street or the show field.

As long-time readers know, we're fans of the unusual here at Streetside Classics, and the Silver Jade paint on this Mach 1 certainly qualifies. According to the Marti Report, only 324 of the 390-powered Mach 1s were painted this unusual and subtle color, and I suspect in this car's case, it was completely intentional. Not exactly a sleeper, the equipment list suggests that it was built for combat and what better way to lure in unsuspecting prey than to give it a subtle, low-key paint job? Of course, when it was restored the finish was replicated in modern two-stage urethane so it looks infinitely better than the original enamel, with an almost iridescent shine that will make this car stand out at any show. All the Mach 1 details are there, from the blacked-out hood treatment and functional Shaker scoop to the yellow Mach 1 graphics, not to mention chin and deck lid spoilers, rear window slats, and beautifully chromed bumpers.

Black Clarion Knit is Ford's fancy way of saying "textured," but you can't argue that the high-back buckets in the Mustang aren't comfortable. The bright red stripe across their faces is a racy touch that works well in the Mach 1 and ties together with the bright red floor mats, which I'm seeing a lot these days and are starting to grow on me. The woodgraining on the dash and center console are meant to bridge the Mach 1's performance and luxury sides, and the dashboard looks very well preserved and is full of original gauges, including a tach. And while the car was originally a radio-delete piece, it now carries a correct AM radio above the center console, which also houses the shifter with a correct wood knob. A fold-down rear seat makes the sportsroof practical, although I suspect that this car's days of hauling a spare set of race tires are over. But speaking of the trunk, there is a correct mat and a full-sized spare.

There weren't many cars that could stand up to the S-code Mach 1's 390 cubic inch V8. Rated at 325 horsepower (only 10 less than the mighty 428), it delivers the kind of tire-shredding performance these cars were famous for. This one has also been rebuilt, restored, and detailed to a very high level, starting with the correct air cleaner and Ford Blue engine paint. It also has correct pieces like the original ignition system, power steering , and hoses with correct stampings and clamps. It's backed by a wide-ratio 4-speed and a set of 3.25 gears in the 9-inch rear, so it's easy to drive and still savagely fast. The undercarriage shows correct overspray on the red oxide primer, as well as a Flowmaster exhaust system. Handsome styled steel wheels were part of the Mach 1 package, with these wearing reproduction F70-14 Goodyear Polyglas tires.

Unusual, correct, and beautifully finished, this investment-grade Mach 1 is still a lot of fun as a car. Call today!