FORD MUSTANG MACH 1
THE THIRD MUSTANG INCARNATION, RELEASED SEPTEMBER 1970, WAS A COMPLETELY NEW CAR
As the Mustang began to show its age and Americans demanded more from their low-cost cars, Ford found a way to brighten the image of its `Pony’ while delivering a bigger dose of performance.
Arrival of the Mach 1 range accompanied a significant 1969 restyle and re-engineering of the Mustang bodyshell. The wheelbase didn’t change but there was a wider track and enlarged engine compartment intended to accommodate the biggest of Ford Big Block engines.
In basic form, the Mach 1 had 5.8 litres and three-speed manual transmission, with four-speed manual or automatic optional. As was expected, Ford offered a huge options list so Mach 1 buyers could personalise their cars and generate some extra revenue for the dealer.
A basic 2V Mach 1 new in 1969 would have cost its US buyer $3122, or just a little more than basic versions of the bigger Pontiac GTO. Buyers could then spend a miserable $26 extra on a 4V version of the 351 engine or $357 on a Ram-Air 428, with an official 249kW but more likely 280kW.
In addition to bright colours and sporty 12-slot wheels, the 1969 Mach 1 had race-like bonnet pins (replaced in 1970 by unpopular press and twist fasteners) and lots of adhesive plastic woodgraining scattered throughout the cabin.
Seats had fabric inserts which would have attracted the lairs who bought Mustangs back in the days, when contact between nylon shirts and vinyl seats created pyrotechnics whenever you touched something made of metal.
Changes for 1970 included a restyled nose that moved the grille-mounted auxiliary lights further inboard and put the main lights into the vacated spaces. Bigger changes occurred underneath the ’70 Mach 1, with re-rated springs and shock absorbers, a beefier anti-roll bar and additional rear stabilizer.
The third Mustang incarnation released on September 19, 1970, was a completely new car; 150mm longer than the original 1964 model with a comprehensive restyle. Some controversy accompanied the longer, lower shape and Mach 1s earned a `Flatback’ nickname due to the almost horizontal rear window and accompanying restrictions to rear vision.
A five litre, 302 cubic inch engine was standard for Mach 1 buyers however the 5.8-litre `351’ with two-barrel carburettor and 177kW is more frequently found. 351 4V cars develop 211kW while the rare and expensive Boss 429 generates 275kW.
Mach 1s imported new to Australia usually came loaded with options including electric windows, air-conditioning, a Sports interior and side-stripes. Manual transmission versions are rare and can add 15 per cent to the value of a Mach 1.
For reasons best known to the people who have spent considerably more money on other Ford models, 1971-73 Mach 1 Mustangs are a bargain in the muscle car marketplace.
Spending $70,000 will secure a good, original car, using the same 351 motor as is found in XY GT Falcons of similar age that typically sell at four times the Mach 1’s price.
1969-70 cars are reasonably common yet rarely top $100,000. The exceptions are Cobra-Jet versions which can get expensive. Some have been offered at more than $150,000, with the less common 1971-72 Boss 351s slightly cheaper.