First-generation Ford Mustang Mach 1 models are among the most desirable American classics we can think of. In other words, they’re special without needing to be special editions. Of course, on rare occasions all the planets do align, and you end up with something like this ultra-rare Mach 1 ‘Twister Special’.
What’s the story behind the ‘Twister Special’? I’m glad you asked, because it’s a fairly interesting one. Back in the 1960, Ford’s Special Promotions Division saw fit to unveil a range of limited-edition models, which included cars that paid tribute to specific regions – like the High Country or the Ski Country (Colorado market), and the Cardinal Edition (in North Carolina).
Fast-forward to 1969 and we’ve got a Detroit-based real estate developer named Lawrence LoPatin looking to purchase high-spec Mach 1 Mustangs to use as pace cars and promo cars for the Michigan International Speedway, along with four other tracks in separate states – all managed by LoPatin’s company, American Raceways Incorporated (ARI).
No fewer than 100 Mach 1s were commissioned, but the contract ended up getting terminated because of ARI’s financial issues.
How did Ford’s Special Promotions Division respond? They went on to attribute the project to the Kansas City District Sales Office (DSO 53), which had already requested a series of so-called territorial specials, the ones we just said pay tribute to specific regions.
That’s how we ended up with 96 Mustang Mach 1s, 90 Torino Cobras and a couple of Rancheros getting branded as ‘Twister Special’ and distributed to the carmaker’s Kansas City district, which back then covered Kansas, Missouri, and the Northwest region of Arkansas.
As far as the Mustangs were concerned, the plan was to have all 96 units fitted with the 428 ci Super Cobra Jet unit, but because Ford couldn’t produce that many in time, they ended up strapping the 428 SCJ to 48 Twister Specials, while the other 48 got the new four-barrel 351 ci Cleveland V8 with its 300 horsepower. One such car is getting auctioned off today.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
This is one of just 39 Twister Special Mustang Mach 1s fitted with the 351 ci V7 and paired with a three-speed automatic transmission.
Like the other 95 Twister Special Mustangs, this Mach 1 is also wearing Grabber Orange, to go with its Mach 1 grille and graphics, Twister Special graphics, dual side mirrors, a rear spoiler, rear window louvers, dual exhaust outlets, and 14” wheels with G70-series Goodyear Polyglas tires. The car also has power steering and power-assisted front discs.
Meanwhile, interior highlights include the black vinyl high-back bucket seats and rear bench, woodgrain trim for the dashboard, center console and door panels, an AM/FM radio, and a non-functioning air conditioning system, which this car’s future owner would be wise to either fix or replace with one of those Vintage Air climate control systems.
I don’t say this very often, but this is a hell of a collector’s item. I can’t even think how much this car would have been worth if it wasn’t for that 351 ci V8 having already done 87,000 miles. Either way, it’s not going to come cheap.
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. Full profile
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