autoevolution
 

Richard Hammond Test Drives New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Fastback

For nearly a decade, the old Top Gear crew made fun of Richard Hammond's passion for American muscle cars. However, he is still deeply in love with his ponies and has driven a classic 1967 Mustang Fastback on the way to test a brand new Mustang Mach 1.
Richard Hammond Test Drives New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Fastback 11 photos
Photo: Drivetribe/YouTube screenshot
Richard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style FastbackRichard Hammond Tests New Mustang Mach 1, Arrives in His 1967 Bullitt-Style Fastback
Usually, we don't get to see what car reviewers drive on the way to an event. But Hammond's deep connection with his classic slice of American pie makes this one of the most emotionally charged Mach 1 reviews. It's also slightly ironic, considering the Mach 1 picks up where the Bullitt just left off.

Richard really knows what muscle cars are all about. There's no EcoBoost in his vocabulary... unless he's driving a Focus RS. Instead, the classic Mustang he's owned for about fifteen years is a 390 GT Fastback. That means a 6.4-liter V8 resides under the hood.

And while just a few months ago, he said it was a 1968 model, "the same year and model as the legendary Bullitt chase car," (see the second video) it's got the wrong side vents for that. Even so, Highland Green with silver stripes is a pretty cool combo. Almost a Bullitt is better than not a Bullitt at all.

Unfortunately, Richard isn't able to sample the full rawness of the Mach 1, as in European specification, the 5.0-liter V8 pumps out only 454 hp (460 PS), down from 480 hp on the other side of the pond. Torque is also down from 420 to 390 lb-ft (569 to 528 Nm). Well, at least that's what the presenter says, but this doesn't have the steering wheel in the right place for a UK model.

The review itself uses a slightly goofy, but interesting concept. Several questions from Drivetribe readers are shown on screen and answered by Richard Hammond from behind the wheel. So even pretty average features like active exhaust and suspension can be highlighted and made to sound interesting.

If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories