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This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is the Perfect Vintage Daily, Packs Relatively Rare V8 Unit

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off 23 photos
Photo: Bring a Trailer/autoevolution
1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off
Have you ever wondered what type of vintage Mustang would make for the best daily driver in 2024? I have, and I think the answer is the late first-gen Mach 1. It’s one of the best-looking Mustang specs ever, if not the best. Plus, you can get it with a super wide range of engines nowadays, seeing as how most used examples have been fitted with some type of replacement V8.
Then there’s the restomod aspect, where you can also easily find a used Mach 1 that now features air conditioning to go with an aftermarket sound system. If it’s also got power steering and disc brakes, then you really do have it made in the shade.

Of course, choosing a late first-gen model requires no explanation. Everyone knows those are the quintessential Mustangs – ideally, you’ll want to aim for the 1969 model year, since that’s when Ford decided to add more “heft” to the design, extending the body by 3.8 inches in length, and half an inch in width.

Those were also the first Mustangs to use a quad headlight setup (both inside and outside the grille), while the lonely grille pony made way for the pony and tribars logo. Now, I don’t have to tell you just how popular the Mach 1 specification was when it was introduced back then. Ford sold over 72,000 units through 1969, and it’s easy to understand why.

These babies came with a wide variety of engine options, plus several styling and performance upgrades. Visually, there’s a clear argument to be made in favor of the Mach 1 over the Boss-spec models, although the latter are still more desirable, especially the Boss 429.

Anyway, we just happened to come across a very special 1969 Mustang Mach 1, up for grabs to the highest bidder. In fact, there’s only one bid in place for it, with someone ready to drop $50,000 on it right off the bat.

Visually, this car is rocking the Acapulco Blue colorway, to go with its Mach 1 graphics, grille, front chin spoiler, dual side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear window louvers, dual exhaust outlets, and 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. Meanwhile, interior highlights include the custom high-back front bucket seats with aftermarket seat rail extenders, custom sound system, floor-mounted center console, cup holders, an aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel and a Vintage Air climate control system.

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 getting auctioned off
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Sounds pretty good already, right? Wait for it – because it gets even better. This Mach 1 also features power steering, power-assisted front discs, and (drum roll please) a rebuilt 390 ci V8 with a four-barrel Holley Street Avenger carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, Ford Racing valve covers, and a Griffin aluminum radiator with dual electric fans.

We’re not sure how much power it’s got, but everything goes to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.

If we had to ball-park it, it’s probably upwards of 320 horsepower and more than 427 lb-ft of torque, which is what you got with the standard big block s-code 390 ci FE unit. This used to be a very desirable engine option back then, and they’re relatively rare today.
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About the author: Sergiu Tudose
Sergiu Tudose profile photo

Sergiu got to experience both American and European car "scenes" at an early age (his father drove a Ford Fiesta XR2 supermini in the 80s). After spending over 15 years at local and international auto publications, he's starting to appreciate comfort behind the wheel more than raw power and acceleration.
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