Ford has pulled the covers off of their latest special-edition, a model that fills the void between the Mustang GT and the offerings from Shelby. Breathing new life into a nameplate that was first seen in 1969 and last seen in 2003, the Mustang Mach 1 offers customers a well-rounded combination of power, appearance and handling performance.
Related: Ford’s Mustang – Past, Present, Future
Heritage
The original Mustang Mach 1, named as such to invoke memories of Chuck Yeager's bold effort in breaking the sound barrier (Mach 1), saw the V8 Ford Mustang fitted with a host of performance-enhancing parts that allowed it to set no fewer than 295 speed and endurance records at the Bonneville Salt Flats that year. It also went on to win two SCCA Rally titles in 1969 and 1970.
The original Mach 1 was fitted with a selection of powerful V8 engines, upgraded suspension components (including additional bracing and thicker sway bars) as well as visual cues that included matte black hood detailing, hood pins and even shaker scoops if requested.
2020 Revival
Based on the Ford Mustang GT, the new, limited-edition Mustang Mach 1 features a 5.0-litre V8 with performance modifications from Shelby. These include a Shelby GT350 intake manifold and items to reduce cooling by as much as 50%. These items consist of twin, side oil coolers and a reworked oil filter arrangement.
Fitted with the Ford Handling Package, the Mustang Mach 1 sees different spring rates and thicker anti-roll bars fitted to the GT platform. The power steering has been recalibrated and the Mach 1 uses the Level 2 Performance Pack brake booster for improved stopping power. Staggered fitment tyres with 19-inch, 10-inch wide wheels at the rear and 9.5-inch wide wheels at the front, ensure that the most can be extracted from the mechanical grip. Rear subframe bushings and a toe link from the Shelby GT500 further aid in the handling prowess of the Mach 1.
It's not all mechanical grip though and the team has worked hard to improve the aerodynamic efficiency of the shape. The new underbelly pan extends by an additional 20-inches to improve airflow under the body and help create a mild gound effect. This pan also includes fins to direct cool air to the brakes to further improve braking performance.
The front splitter, front-wheel lip mouldings, low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap and rear tire spats from Shelby GT500 see the aerodynamics improve by 150% over the regular Ford Mustang GT.
Power and Drive
The 5.0-litre V8 in the Mach 1 produces 480 hp (358 kW) at 7 000 RPM and 420 lb.ft (570 Nm) at 4 600 RPM. Customers will be able to choose from either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 10-speed automatic gearbox, however, the later is not available in conjunction with the Handling Package.
The 6-speed Tremec 3160 gearbox also features automatic rev-matching for the first time. It also receives the GT350 twin-disc clutch and a short-throw shifter.
Mach 1 Style
Identifying the Mustang as a Mach 1 is a new, unique 3D front grille with lamp elements, new lower grilles and the aforementioned front splitter (which is considerably more aggressive when specified with the Handling Package). Low-gloss striping and details that extend to the wing mirrors, rear spoiler and Magnetic Pony badge all set the tone for the Mach 1.
19-inch Magnum 500 wheels, finished in dark grey adorn the arches of the Mach 1, measuring in at 9.5- and 10-inches wide. On the Handling Package vehicles, these are switched out for unique 19-inch wheels that measure in at 10.5- and 11-inches respectively.
The interior of the Mach 1 sees Dark Spindrift gauges fitted along with aluminium trimmings and side sills. The seats are trimmed in dark ebony with contrasting striping, a hallmark of the original Mach 1.
No word has been given as to how many units will be produced or whether South Africa will be seeing the Mach 1, but if the Mustang Bullitt and the popularity thereof are anything to go by, we can expect to see it in the not too distant future.
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