Mustang Mach 1 is Back
In the final year of the 1960s the Mach 1 killed the GT name on the Mustang line up by out selling it. The main reason for this was that Mustang Mach 1 sounds way cooler than Mustang GT. The Mach 1 name lived on until 1978 before taking a back seat to the return of the GT on the fox body Mustang going forward into the 1980’s. The last time this century saw a new Mustang Mach 1 was way back in 2003 and only lasted until 2004.
Now, for 2021 the Mach 1 name is making a franchise reboot comeback and it’s only playing the hits.
From what Ford is telling us the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is a collection of parts from the GT350, GT350R, GT500, PP2, and using the Bullitt as a base. With all these go-fast goodies Ford claims the Mach 1 will be the highest performing Mustang built globally. So let’s get right down to it.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will be powered by a 5.0-liter V8 putting out 480 horsepower and 420 pound feet of torque. If those figures sound familiar it’s because it’s the same performance as the 2019 Mustang Bullitt. Ford’s six speed manual transmission will come as standard, with a 10-speed automatic offered as an option. The Mach 1 is intended to be a street legal track inspired muscle car.
The Mach 1’s intake manifold and oil filter adapter are from the Shelby GT350. Its 6-speed manual transmission was tested to endure the same track standards as the Boss 302 from 2012. The transmission’s oil cooler system is also from the GT350.
To help the Mach 1 ride the apex like rails it features MagneRide calibration, stiffer bars and front springs, and brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2. Front and rear subframes with heavy duty bushings and rear toe-link are from the GT500. As well as the Mach 1’s 9.5/10 inch split wheels size wrapped in Michelin PS4 tires.
There will be an optional handling package offered on the 2021 Mustang Mach 1. This package will include a MagnaRide calibration that is unique to the Mach 1. Stiffer front and rear springs, rear bar, and tire fitment from the Shelby GT350R. Bigger wheels at 10/10.5 inch with Michelin Cup2 tires, front splitter, swing spoiler with gurney flaps, and adjustable front mounts for track camber. All of which are from the Shelby GT500.
The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will be offered in eight different colors: Fighter Jet Gray, Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow. Side and hood stripes are available in three colors: Satin Black with Reflective Orange, Reflective Red or Reflective White.
The interior seems to look a lot like the Bullitt Mustang, which is great. The Bullitt offers arguably the most comfortable interior in the stable. Photos show ebony leather racing bucket seats and a white shift knob taken from the Bullitt. The 12.3 inch digital dashboard will show a unique splash screen for the Mach 1. You better believe the glove box will have a special plate telling passengers this is a Mach 1 Mustang along with its chassis number.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 seems to be a greatest hit album featuring the best ballads from other Mustangs. Ford says this will be a limited edition Mustang, but have not released pricing or how many are going to be built. They are set to go on sale in spring 2021.
Jesus Behind the Wheel 