RACING STRIPES EARNED Mustang Mach 1

Racing stripes earned

BY VANN VAN STADEN PHOTOGRAPHY: TIMOTHY THRONE

SAY WHAT YOU want about the American automotive giant Ford, but don’t ever say they don’t strive to thrill. They recently gifted us with one of the most track-focused Mustangs ever produced, the Mach 1. This pony plays homage to the much-loved and respected maiden model, the 1969 Mach 1.

TAKE ME TO THE TRACKS

Ford’s popular 5.0 litre, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine delivers 338 kW and 529 Nm of torque to the Mach 1 but with some noticeable performance tweaks that enhance its track-readiness. We got to play with and experience the 10-speed auto transmission; however, a 6-speed manual version is also available.

Like all Mustangs, the Mach 1 is rear-wheel driven, so all of the power generated by the engine is diverted towards the rear wheels, which then catapults the car forward. This leaves the front wheels free to manoeuvre the car, resulting in a thrilling and top track-ready driving experience. Rumour has it that 2022 will bring the 7th generation Mustang S650 coming out in all-wheel-drive, but for now, we’ll lap up the rear-wheel drive.

LOOKING THE PART

From a design point of view, the “Stang” has the everfamiliar Mustang feel, no surprises there, but with a few orange trimmings and stitching in the cabin to remind you that you’re riding around in the unique Mach 1. The same orange colour is used for the double racing stripes on the exterior that stretch from the bonnet over the roof to the tail.

SOLD OUT

As impressive as the Mach 1 is, you’ll, unfortunately, have to wait to find a second-hand one if you’re desperate to get your hands on one. All of the 90 models that were allocated to South Africa have been sold. They came in at a price tag of R1 182 100 for the 6-speed manual and R1 203 800 for the 10-speed auto.