The first-generation Ford Mustang, which debuted in April 1964, saw its first upgrade in 1967. The pony car’s exterior was given a sharper look, and there were more engine options available besides the 289 cubic inch (4.7 liter) small-block V8. In 1969, a redesign with even more aggression was added, along with new engine and trim options. The Mustang, which at the time came with no fewer than six performance packages, had a big year. Ford added a few Boss variations including the Mach 1 in addition to the GT, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT500 models that were already available.
The Boss Mustang found its way into dealerships for homologation purposes. The Boss 302 made the Mustang eligible for SCCA Trans Am racing and gave Ford a competitor for the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28. The Boss 429, on the other hand, was released to homologate the 375-horsepower, 429-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) Boss V8 for NASCAR use.
Finally, Ford debuted the Mach 1. Essentially a performance package slotted above the GT, the Mach 1 was restricted to the fastback body style. But unlike its Shelby and Boss siblings, it was available with a range of V8 engines.
No fewer than four powerplants were included on the model’s options list, starting with the 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) Windsor. The unit was offered as a two-barrel H-code with 250 horsepower and a four-barrel M-code with 290 horsepower. Ford also provided a four-barrel 390-cubic-inch (6.4-liter) FE with 320 horsepower.
The Mach 1 shared its top-of-the-line 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) big-block V8 with the Shelby GT500 even though it wasn’t offered with the Boss 429. I’m referring to the 335 horsepower-capable Q-code Cobra Jet. The 428 became a Super Cobra Jet with race-spec goodies when it was additionally equipped with the Drag Pak. The Mach 1 also received a sportier suspension, distinctive spoilers, and a special stripe package, which helped it unexpectedly gain popularity. About 72,500 of the over 300,000 Mustangs that were sold in 1969 came with the Mach 1 combo. In comparison, the GT only had 5,396 owners, which led to its discontinuation.
Come 2023, the 1969 Mach 1 is not regarded as a rare Mustang. The Cobra Jet version, however, is among the most desirable despite a production run that included more than 13,000 examples. But while the Mach 1 may be common overall, some versions are scarce due to their drivetrain/paint/options combos.
For instance, the car you are looking at is a valuable treasure that does not have a Cobra Jet or Super Cobra Jet mill. What causes it to be rare? It’s finished in a hue that wasn’t fashionable back then, though. I’m referring to Silver Jade, a metallic, pale green color that was specified for only 434 Mustangs in 1969.
How many of these were included in the Mach 1 package as well? I don’t have that information, but I can assume that a little over 100 people left the Silver Jade factory. And if we add the 351-cubic-inch V8 to the mix, it’s probably one of fewer than 80 specimens.
Rarity aside, this 1969 Mach 1 is also an unrestored and very lucky survivor. According to our host, the muscle car was retired in a barn in 1978 after less than ten years of use. And it spent about four decades in storage. And I say “lucky” because, apparently, the Mustang was dragged out of a barn right before the roof collapsed. The vehicle has since been cleaned and parked in a safer spot, but there’s no word on whether it’s being restored. But I sure hope so because 1969 Mach 1s are pretty as hell, and they look outstanding in Silver Jade. See for yourself in the video below.