Ford created plenty of desirable First Generation Mustangs, and the right car will command an eye-watering price. Near the top of the pecking order is this immaculate 1969 Mach 1. The original owner ordered it with the 428 Super Cobra Jet V8 and the optional Drag Pack. After a meticulous restoration leaving no stone unturned, it needs a new home. It is listed here on eBay in Leesville, South Carolina. Bidding has raced to $68,300, although it remains short of the reserve.
Ford instituted significant design changes to the Mustang in 1969, increasing its length, width, and average weight. There were people in the corridors of power at Ford who opposed the changes, but some were the people who signed off on the updates. Their complaints came after the fact, which is indicative of the internal political turmoil consuming the company at that time. The seller states that this Mach 1 is ready to hit the show circuit following a recent meticulous restoration. Its overall appearance makes that statement difficult to dispute, especially since the restoration utilized almost exclusively NOS parts to achieve a “factory” appearance. Its Candy Apple Red paint shines magnificently, and I can’t spot a single flaw in it or the panels it coats. There is no evident rust visible, with the floors wearing their correct red undercoat. The stripes are crisp and clean, and the tinted glass is flawless. The trim shines like a new penny, and the car rolls on its faultless chrome wheels wrapped in period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tires.
If you wanted a fast Mustang in 1969, it was hard to bypass cars like this Mach 1. Its original owner ordered it with the 428 Super Cobra Jet V8 and the Drag Pack. Although Ford quoted an official power output of 360hp, that figure has been long disputed. The truth was undoubtedly higher, but numbers vary depending on who you ask. While almost everyone agrees it is north of 400hp, some categorically claim it is 450hp. To avoid any potential arguments, I’ll say that the actual number is probably somewhere around “a lot.” The Marti Report and Window Sticker confirm the original owner selected the C6 automatic transmission, a 3.91 Traction-Lok rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. With the ability to demolish the ¼-mile in 14.3 seconds, this pony car commands respect. Although the seller doesn’t specifically state that this Mach 1’s drivetrain is original, they indicate it wears the appropriate date codes. For those seeking instant gratification, it runs and drives perfectly and is ready to tear up the tarmac with a new owner behind the wheel.
I may be the odd man out, but I admit that I’ve never been attracted to the Dark Red vinyl upholstery Ford used in Mustangs from this era. There’s something about it that always looks slightly “dirty,” even when it is brand new, as we find in this Mach 1. It is a matter of taste, and your opinion might differ from mine. Regardless of preferences, it does present nicely. There is no evidence of flaws or marks, and it wouldn’t stretch credibility to describe its condition as “showroom fresh.” It has no apparent needs, but it’s worth noting it isn’t dripping with optional extras. The rim blow wheel was standard in the ’69 Mach 1, but the original owner spent $61.40 on a factory AM radio. Otherwise, I can’t spot any aftermarket additions.
Cars like this 1969 Mach 1 blur a line within the classic world. The First Generation Mustang created the pony car sector, but when a buyer ordered a Mach 1 equipped as this one is, it possesses performance that would frighten most muscle cars. I’ve often wondered how other enthusiasts feel on the subject. Do you class it as a pony or a muscle? We recently saw a similar car at Barn Finds in the same condition, although it featured a four-speed transmission. On that occasion, the seller set a BIN of $175,000. Recent sales results suggest this one may nudge $125,000 before the hammer falls, although the already solid bidding could see that figure climb higher. Would you consider pursuing it further if the bidding doesn’t head into the stratosphere?
Ford did use ugly red interior. Not a Mustang guy, but this car looks to be correctly restored. Gonna take big money to take it home.
Am I the only one that thinks Mustangs automatic floor shifters look cheap ? However this is an awesome car that I would be proud to own . Anyone got an extra $100,000 their not using ?
Am I the only one that thinks Mustangs automatic floor shifters look cheap ? However this is an awesome car that I would be proud to own . Anyone got an extra $200,000 their not using ?
Yes it does seem that Ford only made one floor shifter and used it in everything. Back in the late 70’s when i was in high school everyone wanted Mustangs and Camero’s and I never got it as to why they did. I just never liked them but as I have gotten older some of the mustangs are starting to look ok. Camero’s are still meh, always liked bigger cars, something easy to get in and out of.
Ford made a horseshoe auto shifter for some of their full size cars – not sure if it could be made to fit here.
Very desirable car. A high point in the extensive family of Mustangs. From the available pics it looks like it has undergone a high-end restoration. It has been on the AACA circuit. Perhaps time to journey along the Mustang Club of America show circuit.
Those auto floor shifters bulletproof, got one on my 68 Chevy pickup hooked to 350 turbo
The big question on my mind is how long did that four gallons of gas charged on the invoice last? Not to mention is only cost 0.33 a gallon, surely it was hy-test
I have always liked the 69 Mach 1 ever since my 1st navy blue hot wheel at age 7. I think that’s what I bought a 1969 SCJ with drag pack according Marti Report in 1999. Unfortunately only a CJ engine and not original drive train but its clean and looks and runs super strong. Not sure what it is worth now but I love it
In the third photo you can see the hood scoop sitting crocked.
Also on the photo showning the front end. The centerpoint of the hood clearly shows the scoop is off center.
One of the nicest looking cars ever,& they also did a great
job with the accenting paint & stripes.
Anybody that pays that kind of money for this car…IMHumbleO should be mentally checked out…..then, of course there are those where money is no object…the car is non-numbers matching with the not so desirable C6 automatic…everybody I know wants the top loader 4 speed….$65k tops, and that’s still a maybe with me anyhow…..unbelievable……
Before they went to the stratosphere in price you could buy a Mach 1 for low bucks. 1984 I purchased a turqoise 69 with a 351 automatic. Granted it was not a 428 cj with the drag pack (drool) but I bought it in California ( rust free) for the paltry sum of $995 advertised on the Auto Trader rag. Superclean and ran like the wind. Boy do I miss those days. If we only knew then what these superb aumobiles were going to fetch down the road we all would have bought as many as possible. I have had the pleasure of owning all the great American brands of muscle in my day. At least I have the memories to smile about. Gotta love the old torque monsters. Sideways anybody?
Just a quick note….I became a licensed dealer in California in 87 just so I could get more cars for myself on the cheap. If a car came through the dealer auction minus smog equipment you could buy it for 50 cents on the wholesale dollar. I raised my kids doing this for income and basically got paid to play. I’m retired now and still like to get sideways. Some things never die, and the teenager in me is still alive. I am amazed how much our mass produced $3500 new muscle cars fetch today. America all the way baby. The new muscle cars are awesome (except for the price) but back in the day anyone could buy a road runner for a few hundred more than a VW bug. Those were great times.
The 428 and 429SCJ Mustangs never performed like they should given the hardware. They were overrated. A car with 370hp with 3.91 gears should easily run low 13s, not low to mid 14’s. The Boss 429 should have been the baddest muscle car ever.
I can see you never ran a car on the strip. Just because the horsepower is there don’t mean it will run low 13’s and not as easy as you think. There are strip cars and there are street muscle cars and very few could get into the 13’s after years of drag racing that is one thing I and many others found out. There is much more than horsepower and gears when the light turns green at the bottom of the tree.🙃
I love the muscle cars made in the 60’s to 71. But you have to wonder how many could out run that GNB with the V6 in the 1/4 mile. And probably not even close to the dual turbo GNB.
Grand National didn’t have twin turbos?
GNB = Grand National Buick
In my opinion the 69 Mach 1 is the best looking Mustang made 👌
69 Mach 1 in my humble opinion is the best looking mustang ever. I owned a 67 stang for my first car and have owned all different years and models up to present. Lots and lots of Mustangs, stock and hot rods
Love them all.Started driving in 71 and I consider myself a mustang maniac.
73 is not very popular year for the Mustang buyers now.
No twin turbo.
69 Firebird owner here and that’s a sweet ride. I will never understand the camero love when the Firebird was a step up when they came out in nearly every category. The mustangs like that one are awesome and that seems to have some extra check marks but I still prefer the Firebird
1st of all, INSIDE the ’67-68, you’d be hard pressed to tell if u were in the more expensive firebird – or camaro, unless you noticed that the speedo & fuel gage were swapped, & the seat pattern was different, but not superior in the bird.
PLUS you could NOT get very kewl hidden headlites, 4 wheel disc brakes, headlight washers, liquid tire chain, & very kewl horseshoe shifter on a bird – years vary for each feature.
As for ’69, i would prefer that Pontiac left the ’68 firebird exterior(especially the front end) alone, but IMO the new bird’s DASHBOARD was light years better looking than the restyled one in the ’69 camaro. Still, the rest of the interior was pretty much the same between the 2 cars. So why not get the cheaper Camaro? lol
& there probably were more Chevy dealers around too – convenience.
& i’m sure people were leery about the OHC engine, with a cheaper more powerful small block available for the Chevy that was of course lighter than any pontiac v8, tho i would say the latter was more durable than the small block.
Shouldn’t the carpet on the floors & lower door panels be matching maroon instead of black?
I really wish magnum 500s were the only avail wheels on such a beautiful car.
1 of the few cars where the drive belts are easier to change than the spark plugs!
Got the same car 11-13-1972 have had it 50 years. Was 15 working at a since station pumping gas when the car pulled in. Had for sale on it guy could not afford gas, remember peek of oil embargo. Got it for $850. Has 4 speed and white interior. 33k original miles. Car and I have aged well together.
Mustangs have never been a desire for me. Chevs and mopars are alot faster and not prone to breakage like fords. With that being said my first wife had to have one, so instead of buying the yenko camaro i had picked out, i got her a 68 shelby gt350. Luckily after she wreaked it for the 4th time, i was able to sell it for the 3500.00 i paid for it. That was 1978. They still handled like a p.o.s. falcon… thats right ford boys… chevrolets rule….i would put my street legal corvette with a 427 bbc up against any supposedly street legal ford! And one thing else, Little duce coupe, I dont care what you got!
I’m a die-hard Chevy guy, but my older sister’s first boyfriend had one of these in high school. (Mid 70’s). One of the handful of street cars that have scared me over the next 45 years…………..