1969 Ford Mustang Mach I 

1969 was a pretty good year if you liked performance cars, especially Mustangs.  You had the option of the GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and the Mach I.  If we all had a crystal ball back then, we would have picked up one of each and tucked them away in secure storage only to pull them out and sell at the right time, whenever that may be.  These cars were priced between $2,700 and about $5,300 which seems like chicken feed today, but $5,300 is equal to $44,800 in today's money, so amassing a collection in 1969 would not have been that easy. 

For consignment, a car to begin your collection of one!  A 1969 Mach I in the iconic red and black livery.  This car has gone through some recent work too, in the consignor's words to “wake it up from its slumber”.  Well, rise and shine because this car is ready to start your day!  It houses a 351ci Windsor V8 under the hood along with an automatic transmission and this car checks all the boxes for muscle car coolness. Lest we forget the coveted Marti report that comes with the car to show its pedigree.
 
Exterior
Today's car is painted Candy Apple Red, and anytime '69 Mach I's are referenced, the poster car is the red and black we see here in most cases.  The paint has considerable gloss and smoothness, and the striping looks fresh.  The black hood and hood pins are Mach I markers as is the chin spoiler and shaker scoop.  And the coolness continues on this car with rear window louvers, side scoops and rear deck spoiler.  If you were a 12 year-old in the 60's or 70's and doodled your ideal perfect car, it would surely have some of these features!  The car wears 15-inch Cragar SS wheels which are visually connected by the Mach I yellow stripe at the waistline of the car.  Unlike modern Mustangs, that flip down gas cap in the back is functional and really is where you add fuel!  As noted, the paint is in great shape but we note several areas of bubbling just above the rocker panel, some paint drips, and some imperfection on the rocker panel itself. 

Interior
Black vinyl door cars are enhanced by the wood applique panels and carpeted bottoms and look to be in very nice condition.  Black vinyl seats with tuck-and-roll inserts occupy the front and have the Mach I specific red stripe on the seats.  The rear seats mirror the pattern and are low backed, flanked by molded plastic sidewalls.  The rim blow steering wheel is missing the center piece, but we imagine there are aftermarket resources for it.  Faux wood surrounds the four round gauges while the rest of the dash is black vinyl and plastic.  The center stack houses an AM/FM radio and vent controls, while the passenger has a view of an analogue clock surrounded in more faux wood.  A Mach I emblem resides in that space as well.  The center console has the automatic shifter, this one in chrome and black, in front of a wood applique panel with some chipping, then a black vinyl armrest and storage compartment.  For the convenience of the back occupants, an ashtray is offered on the backside of the bin.  The black loop carpet is in good condition protected by rubber Mustang mats.  The headliner shows repair on one stitch line, but is in good general condition.  A plaid mat is found in the trunk along with a full size spare tire.  The trunk could use a bit of freshening if the new owner intends on showing the car. 

Drivetrain
The 351ci “Windsor” V8 under the black hood is fueled by a 4-barrel carburetor and a C4 three-speed automatic transmission bolted on the back.  Mustang Power valve covers sit under the Ford blue air cleaner which is topped by the shaker scoop.  This all was rated at 290 horsepower which gets sent to the rear wheels where it meets the Ford 9” rear.  Our example is equipped with power disc brakes in the front and power drums in the rear.  

Undercarriage
Relatively clean underneath with a healthy dose of surface rust, with areas of more invasive rust, deep pitting, flaking, or former repairs on both body and frame.  We note various repairs at the front unibody stubs along, however the shock towers remain solid overall.  The dual exhaust flows from headers then to a pair of Flowmaster low profile mufflers and finally out the back through twin tips on each side.  It's here, on the tips, that we notice some red overspray.  Fluid on the transmission pan is noted as well as some residual oil on the rear diff.  Independent coil suspension is up front and leaf springs are in the rear.  

Drive-Ability
A few pumps of the gas pedal and a turn of the key, and we awaken this slumbering giant and hit the road, or in this case, test loop.  290 horsepower doesn't sound like much today, but in 1969, the average horsepower in the U.S. was around 145, so this represents performance numbers and with the 4-barrel carburetor, sits smack in the middle of Mach I horsepower ratings.  And it did perform for us, looping the track with good acceleration and decent braking.  The cockpit is basic and comfortable and visibility is good with the exception of the rear pillar blind spots. The only frown to creep up during our drive was a non-functional rim blow horn. 

A collectible Mustang in show ready red and ready to fulfill your dream of owning a Mach I.  Here's one you can drive for pleasure and show for fun.  On the scale of Mustang exterior performance cues, this one is off the charts!  Throw your name in the hat as an interested party before this one gets away. 

9T02M166942

9-1969
T-Metuchen, NJ Assy Plant
02-Mustang Mach 1
M-351ci 4bbl V8 290hp
166942-Sequential Unit Number

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