1971 Ford Mustang
As seen on Season Four of FantomWorks
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The Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented option package of the Ford Mustang, originally introduced by Ford in August 1968 as a package for the 1969 model year. The Mach 1 title adorned performance oriented Mustang offerings until the original retirement of the moniker in 1978.
As part of a Ford heritage program, the Mach 1 package returned in 2003 as a high performance version of the SN95 platform. Visual connections to the 1969 model were integrated into the design to pay homage to the original. This generation of the Mach 1 was discontinued after the 2004 model year, with the introduction of the fifth-generation Mustang.
Ford first used the name “Mach 1” in its 1959 display of a concept called the “Levacar MACH-1” at the Ford Rotunda. This concept vehicle used a cushion of air as propulsion on a circular dais.
In 1971 the Mach 1 started with a base engine of the 302ci based Windsor motor, with a 2 barrel carburetor, followed by four optional 351 Cleveland engines – the 2-V, 4-V, the C.J.(Cobra Jet) and H.O.(BOSS 351). The H.O was canceled after mid-year 1971, and shortly thereafter the low-compression 351 ‘Cobra Jet’ became available. At the top were two 429ci options, the CJ (Cobra Jet) & SCJ (Super Cobra Jet). Mach 1s, as well as all other Mustang models (except the BOSS 351) were available with the optional CJ and SCJ motors. The SCJ came with a drag pack V or W code rear gears, oil cooler and a different rotating assembly. 429 Super Cobra Jet engines used 780cfm Holley 4-barrel carburetors, while the Cobra Jet engines utilized GM-sourced Rochester Quadra-Jets.
One of the most recognizable features of the ’71-’73 Mustangs is the optional (standard on Boss 351) NACA (NASA) hood with dual scoops. Though available as a visual, non-functional item, they could be made fully functional on models ordered with the Ram Air option, which included vacuum controlled ‘flappers’ at each scoop, and a fiberglass under-hood ‘plenum’ that directed cool, outside air into the carburetor. The ram-air option included a two-tone hood paint treatment in either ‘matte black’ or ‘argent’ (matte silver), coordinated to the color of the Mach 1 decals and striping. In addition, all Ram Air-equipped Mustangs of this generation came equipped with twist-style, chrome-plated hood lock pins.
A 1971 Mustang Mach 1 was featured in the James Bond film, Diamonds Are Forever (1971). Of the three known cars that claim direct connections with the film, only one M-code car – VIN #1F05M160938 – has been proven authentic.
A Yellow 1973 Mach 1 was used in the original version of the film Gone in 60 seconds.
