Built from March 1964 until June 1973, the first-generation Ford Mustang remained in production for more than nine years. And impressively enough, Ford sold almost three million examples. As it was customary at the time, the pony car gained notable annual changes. It also became increasingly more aggressive toward the late 1960s and notably larger and heavier toward 1973. All told, there's a first-gen Mustang for every taste.
So what's your favorite Mustang? Are you into the early version, or are you a 1969-1970 version kind of guy? I'd ask if you're a fan of the 1971-1973 variant, but I know they aren't very popular. As for me, I can't pick just one, but I could settle for two. The first one would be the hardtop version of the 1968 Mustang. Yes, I know it's a bit of a strange choice next to the fastback, but I'm a sucker for the long decklid. It's even better if it's a GT/CS or High Country Special with the Thunderbird taillights.
The second one is the 1969 version, which is the greatest and most aggressive iteration of the first-gen 'Stang. It has the perfect stance, and I love the quad-headlamp layout. More importantly, the 1969 Mustang came with the coolest engine options. Yes, the Cobra Jet R-Code was a carryover from 1968, but 1969 saw the introduction of the Boss 302, the Boss 429, and the 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) Cleveland and Windsor V8s.
It's also the year that brought the Mach 1 into showrooms, extending the number of available factory performance models to no fewer than six. Unlike the Boss and Shelby models, the Mach 1 came with a wide variety of engines under the hood. And it became so popular that Ford discontinued the GT after 1969 and didn't bring it back until 1982. More importantly, Ford offered the Mach 1 with the 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Cobra Jet V8.
Rated at 335 horsepower and 440-pound-feet (597 Nm) of torque, the mill was available in both Ram Air and Non-Ram Air setups. These were known as Q-Code and R-Code cars, respectively. Ford sold a whopping 13,261 units. I know the Mach 1 Cobra Jet is not exactly rare at first glance, but that number drops significantly when all the options are factored in. For instance, the Candyapple Red example you see here is one of only 1,594 units built.
That number results from a very specific paint/trim/drivetrain combination. The 428 Ram Air engine mates to a C-6 Cruise-O-Matic transmission, while the options list is quite extensive. Highlights include the Visibility Group, power steering and front disc brakes, air conditioning, AM radio, front bumper guards, and a tach. On top of that, the original owner went with a white interior for a combo we rarely get to see nowadays.
Moreover, you're looking at a finely restored example with a numbers-matching R-Code V8 under the hood. And "finely restored" means it's absolutely perfect inside and out. So not only does it check all the right boxes, but it's also ready to win awards at any classic car show. If you ask me, it's missing a Gulfstream Aqua or Lime Gold finish, but I won't be a nitpicker this time around.
Ask Ciprian about cars and he'll reveal an obsession with classics and an annoyance with modern design cues. Read his articles and you'll understand why his ideal SUV is the 1969 Chevrolet K5 Blazer. Full profile
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