Mach 1 featured a luxurious interior and outstanding sportiness. The wood interior, high-backed seats, extra noise cancellation, remote sports mirrors, and other features made it the most sought-after sports model in the so-called “pony car” market.
Source: Mecum Auctions
If there were legends in the automotive world, then one of them was Ford’s Mustang. It appeared in the middle of the most severe crisis for the company provoked by the release of the failed Edsel automobile. To win back the sympathy of customers and restore the good name of the Ford empire, something truly unique had to be created. Thus, the iconic Ford Mustang was born – an “iron stallion” which started the era of pony cars. Despite its dizzying success, the Blue Oval “stallion” underwent an upgrade in 1969. The line was replenished with new versions – cheap E, luxurious Grande, and sports models BOSS and Mach 1. By the way, the 1969 Mustang was the first model to use a four-headlight scheme: they were placed inside and outside the radiator grille.
Source: Hemmings
The Mustang was one of Ford’s most iconic vehicles, known as the pinnacle of the legendary automaker. The pony car made its debut in 1964, and the first generation was produced until 1973. It was unveiled on April 17 in New York and was accompanied by an aggressive advertising campaign, which included ads on all three American televisions two days later. The promotion paid off, with over a million Mustangs sold in the first 18 months, including 100,000 in the first year alone. Buyers could choose between a 6-cylinder or twin V8 engine in either coupe or convertible versions. A year later in 1965, an improved version called the GT was released, offering either 225 or 271 horsepower. Over the years, the Mustang underwent several redesigns and modifications, including the 428 Cobra Jet, Boss 429, and Mach 1, all leading up to the sporty Mach 1 becoming Ford’s most popular model in the Mustang line by 1973. It featured special interior trim, racing suspension, and a standard V8 engine.
Source: Streetside Classics
The 1973 sporty modification was the last big, and the best original Mustang. It was an actual sports vehicle, with unique interior trim, racing suspension, and a standard V8 engine. Moreover, this model was recognized as one of the most popular automobiles in the Ford line. Interestingly, the classic 1973 models were very different from the first automobiles at the expense of sportiness. However, Mach 1, with a 4892 cm³ V8, was a different story. The 1973 release had superior acceleration and was ahead of other sports vehicles of its time. The racing suspension made the vehicle comfortable for high-speed driving and practically eliminated body sway, making it perfect for stylish and high-speed driving. In addition, the salon was a perfect fit for the sporty image of the car. Additional gauges and a tachometer created a sporty-stylish image. March 1 was primarily a racing vehicle. To match this concept, the vehicle had several tricks under its external shell, including a racing suspension kit, and front and rear anti-roll bars. The other specifications were the same as the standard 1973 automobile: this sporty shared coil spring independent front suspension, rear leaf spring live axle, and drum brakes with the standard version. In the 1973 lineup, Mach 1 was the only standard-equipped vehicle with a V8 engine. Moreover, the base block with valves on the top, installed together with a Motorcraft two-barrel carburetor was capable of developing 136 hp. Besides, for the extra $128 the buyer could take Windsor V8 with 5686 cm³ with a two-barrel carburetor and 156 hp, or a 351 Cleveland with a two-barrel carburetor and 154 hp. Other options included a 5686 cm³ engine with a four-barrel carburetor.
Source: Mecum Auctions
The 1973 Mach 1 was the most important vehicle in the 1974 “Gone in 60 Seconds” film, directed by Henry Blythe “Toby” Halicki. The automobile was even mentioned in the credits along with other actors: the case was outstanding since this was the only case in the history of cinema.
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