1969 Ford Mustang Grande & Mach 1

The 1969 Ford Mustang, Ford's iconic "ponycar," underwent a significant redesign and introduced several notable models, such as the 1969 Ford Mustang Grande and Mach 1. Five new models were launched, followed by two "Boss" versions later. With seven engine options, the Mustang catered to a wide range of style and performance preferences.

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The redesigned Mustang appeared slightly bulkier and more exaggerated in nearly every aspect. Its signature quad headlights remained, with the outer set nestled in a recessed niche, distinct from the inner pair within the grille. Vent windows disappeared, and the dashboards adopted a more striking design.

Opinions varied on whether every alteration was an improvement. The rear panels stayed true to the classic Mustang style, featuring flattened tri-section lenses. However, the car's proportions seemed slightly off, primarily due to the extended front overhang.

Despite this, 1969 introduced names that would become legendary in performance car history. The Mach 1, dubbed the "wild newcomer," took its name from a futuristic 1967 concept car, symbolizing the speed of sound (approximately 750 mph). With such a name, the car was expected to deliver supersonic performance—and it did, especially with the optional Cobra Jet 428-cid V-8 engine.

Motor Trend confirmed this when their testers accelerated an early Mach 1 equipped with a 335-bhp Cobra Jet to 60 mph in just 5.7 seconds, completing the quarter-mile in 14.3 seconds at 100 mph. This feat was achieved using a three-speed automatic, leveraging the 428's impressive 440 pounds/feet of torque.

While not entirely satisfied, the magazine noted that the "sum falls short of its parts," feeling the performance didn't fully match the car's bold, aggressive stance. Despite these criticisms, they still declared it the "toughest one yet."

The Cobra Jet, available with or without Ram-Air, was one of five engine options for the Mach 1. Opting for Ram-Air replaced the standard faux hood opening with a functional "shaker" scoop. The base engine was Ford's lively 351-cid V-8, available with either two- or four-barrel carburetion, while a 390-cid engine sat in the middle. All engines except the 351 featured quad-tipped dual exhausts. Big-block engines paired with a four-speed manual or the optional SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic. Surprisingly, a tachometer was an additional cost.

Continue reading to explore the design details of the Mach 1's interior and exterior, and discover what the Mustang Grande had to offer.

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Continued

While catering to distinct audiences, both the 1969 Ford Mustang Grande and Mach 1 featured unique options that distinguished them from the standard Mustang.

The Ford Mustang Mach 1's exterior showcased a sleek fastback design, complemented by small quarter windows and a smoothly integrated rear spoiler. Reflective dual stripes accentuated the spoiler and quarter-panel, while two-tone stripes ran along the sides.

Additional distinctions from the standard SportsRoof fastback included a unique grille, a black honeycomb rear panel, and a sporty hood scoop on the matte-black center section. Both fastback models omitted the earlier pillar-mounted air extractor.

Every Mach 1 came equipped with GT-style features, such as E70 Wide-Oval belted whitewall tires on chrome wheels, performance springs and shocks, and a quick-fill gas cap. Dual racing mirrors were installed for both driver and passenger. High-back vinyl bucket seats and a three-spoke wood-rimmed steering wheel added to the interior. The dashboard and door panels were adorned with teak woodtone accents. A low-gloss hood and cowl paint reduced glare, and pin-type latches secured the hood.

The Ford Mustang Grande catered to a different audience, emphasizing comfort over performance. It offered a range of engines, from the 200- or 250-cid six-cylinder to various V-8 options, including the Cobra Jet.

The Grande featured narrow two-tone stripes, racing mirrors, and wire-style wheel covers. It came with a manual three-speed transmission or an optional SelectShift, complete with a T-bar gearshift. Black and white vinyl roofs were optional. Inside, passengers enjoyed knitted vinyl and hopsack cloth bucket seats, with teak-toned accents on the door panels and dashboard. Enhanced insulation significantly reduced noise and vibrations.

The Mach 1 was priced at $3139, while a six-cylinder Grande started at $2866, compared to the base Mustang's $2635. Ford advertisements highlighted a modified Mach 1 that set 295 USAC land speed records on the Bonneville salt flats.

Despite the appeal of the Mach 1 and Grande, overall Mustang production (excluding Boss models) dropped to 299,870 in 1969, down from 317,404 the previous year and far below the nearly double figures of 1966. The expanded lineup likely prevented an even steeper decline.

While the Mach 1 and Grande models continued into the early 1970s, they struggled to match their initial sales success. This was more a reflection of shifting market trends than any shortcomings in the vehicles, as they remain standout examples of Detroit's creativity and engineering prowess.

Find comprehensive specifications for the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Grande on the following page.

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1969 Ford Mustang Grande & Mach 1 Specifications

Despite their potential, declining sales of the 1969 Ford Mustang Grande and Mach 1 reflected changing preferences in the automotive market.

Specifications

Engine: Grande: ohv inline-6, 200 cid (3.68 x 3.13), 115 bhp; 250 cid (3.68 x 3.91), 155 bhp; ohv V-8, 302 cid (4.00 x 3.00), 220 bhp; 351 cid (4.00 x 0), 250/290 bhp; 390 cid (4.05 x 3.78), 320 bhp

Mach 1: ohv V-8, 351 cid, 250/290 bhp; 390 cid, 320 bhp; 428 cid (4.13 x 3.98), 335 bhp

(A limited number of Mach 1 Mustangs were custom-ordered with a 427-cid engine.)

Transmission: 3-speed manual; optional 4-speed manual and 3-speed SelectShift Cruise-O-Matic

Suspension front: Upper control arms, strut-stabilized lower arms, coil springs, and a link-type stabilizer bar

Suspension rear: Live axle with variable-rate leaf springs

Brakes: Drum brakes on both front and rear (optional front disc brakes)

Wheelbase (in.): 108.0

Weight (lbs.): Ranging from 2,873 to 3,175

Top speed (mph): Mach 1: 115

0-60 mph (sec): Grande V8-351: 8.0; Mach 1 V8-428: 5.5-5.7

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