Feature: Out of the Gate

By Ron Tucker | Photos by Ryan Ledesma the Gate Out of

he Ford Mustang Mach 1 was first introduced as a 1969 model just five short years after the Mustang was first introduced and sold to the public in April of 1964. 1964-68 were considered a compact/sporty “pony” car and were based on the Ford Falcon. The 1969 and 1970 Mach 1’s are considered firstgeneration and were built as a performance-oriented option for the Mustang. T

While the 1968 Mustang Shelby GT500KR introduced the 428 cu. Cobra Jet FE engine, Ford could see the need for a revised Mustang to compete as a performance class vehicle against GM’s Camaro/Firebird, the Plymouth Barracuda and the AMC Javelin.

The name Mach 1 was first used on a 1959 Ford concept car.

The Mach 1 was one of six Mustang models available in 1969. However, the Mach 1 was only available as a V8, fastback or “SportsRoof” body style and included the now-iconic matte black hood stripe with hood pins. Other styling cues were the hood scoop (Shaker optional), chrome gas cap, new revised wheels, rear deck spoiler, rear window louvers, and optional chin spoiler. All Mach 1’s also included a competition suspension, deluxe interior with wood grain details and high back bucket seats.

Little changed in 1970 for the Mach 1 from the 1969 model. The most notable change was the change from four headlights to two. 1970 now had dual-beam headlights within the grill area and the previous inner headlights now included new sport lamps in that location. In addition, on both sides of the grill are twin simulated air scoops.

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The powerplant options for the Mach 1 included the standard 351 cu in (5.8L) Windsor (for 1969) or Cleveland (for 1970) 2V motor with a 3-speed manual transmission and a 9-inch open rear axle. Optional was the 351W or C - 4V, a 390 cu in (6.4L) and the big displacement 428 cu in (7.0L) Cobra Jet 4V. A 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission was offered as an option along with a “traction lock” rear axle.

These first-gen Mach 1’s were available in 1969 and 1970. A new facelift/ generation would be introduced as a 1972 model. There would be a total of four generations of the Mach 1, with the most recent being 2003-2004.

This fine example of a first-gen Mustang Mach 1 is Lynette Lewis’ of O’Fallon, MO. Her 1970 Mach 1 is in the unique Calypso Coral color. You might remember the Lewis name as we have featured a few of their cars. Her Mach 1 is date code matching and is a Marti code correct car and fully optioned with a 351 cu in Cleveland and an automatic transmission. This car has ad-on air conditioning—as we do live in the Midwest.

Lynette purchased the car 6 years ago and the car had been recently restored – body on. Lynette’s desire and connection to this car stems from her owning a 1969 version in high school.

Weather permitting, you can see Lynette’s Mach 1 at various local car shows/meets and Ford’s Unlimited events.

See even more photos of this month’s feature car at AutoUrge.com ■

Automotive Related Facts:

· 1970 Mustang Mach 1 base price $3,271.00. · Cost of a gallon of Gas: 36 cents. · Car 8 Track Stereo Tape Player: $38.99. · 1970 was a difficult year for US automobile manufacturers. Strikes and small-compact-gas friendly foreign cars were making an impact. · The Volkswagen Beetle was the leading import. · AMC introduced the Gremlin - $1,879.00. · Ford introduced the Pinto. · GM introduced the Vega. · Auto insurance companies lobbied to demand the auto mfg.’s to add low-speed bumpers.

General Facts

· US President- Richard Nixon. · DOW Jones dropped to 669. · Age to vote is lowered to 18. · Sports Illustrated: .06 cents. · Average Cost of new house $26,600.00. · 25” Cinema Screen Color TV $739.95. · First Jumbo Jet goes into service. Boeing 747 makes the first commercial flight from New York to London and was operated by Pan-Am. · Apollo 13 mission to the moon accident and safe return. · First computer chess tournament takes place. · The Beatles release “Let it be”. · Popular films: MASH, Patton, Hello Dolly. · Popular toys of 1970 include Hot Wheels Track and Cars, NHL Table Hockey, Frosty Snow Cone Maker and Gigantor Robot.