Buzz
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet exuded the essence of a modern pony muscle car, featuring a standard matte-black hood and faux body-side air intakes. Explore more images of classic muscle cars.Ford's effort to shake off its underdog status received a significant push with the introduction of the Mach 1. This Mustang not only embodied the aesthetics of a contemporary pony muscle car but also delivered exceptional performance, especially in the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet configuration.
The Mustang underwent a redesign in 1969, adding 3.8 inches to its body length—all positioned ahead of the front wheels—and approximately 140 pounds to its curb weight. The sleek design perfectly complemented the new Mach 1 styling. As the flagship performance model, it came equipped with a standard 351-cid V-8 engine, but the standout option was the powerful 428-cid Cobra Jet.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The sporty interior featured standard bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel with a "rim-blow" horn, and elegant woodgrain trim.The same V-8 engine that established Ford's muscle car reputation in the 1968 1/2 Cobra Jet Mustang was offered in three configurations for 1969. The base model without Ram Air was priced at $224, while an additional $133 added the fresh-air induction system, featuring a new "shaker" hood design where the air cleaner scoop protruded through the hood, vibrating dramatically with the engine's power.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. The top-tier engine was the 428-cid Cobra Jet, equipped with an optional ram-air shaker scoop that extended through the hood and shook in sync with the 335-bhp V-8.A third variant, the 428 Super Cobra Jet Ram Air, was available with the $155 Drag-Pack option. It included the shaker scoop, a reinforced crankshaft, stronger connecting rods for enhanced high-rpm performance, and an engine oil cooler that reduced lubricant temperatures by 30 degrees. The Drag Pack featured limited-slip differentials with 3.91:1 or 4.30:1 ratios and excluded air conditioning. All versions were paired with a four-speed manual or Ford's upgraded SelectShift automatic transmission, and all were conservatively rated at 335 bhp.
©2007 Publications International, Ltd. With 59 percent of its weight over the front axle, the Mach 1 428 Cobra Jet faced traction challenges, but its striking appearance, raw power, and charismatic personality solidified its status as a Ford muscle car icon.The Cobra Jet's defining feature was its immense torque, capable of sending the F40xl4 tires spinning in a cloud of Polyglas smoke. Even with 3.91:1 gearing, the automatic transmission could break traction during full-throttle upshifts. While this made for thrilling drives, it hindered quarter-mile times. The issue stemmed from a 59-percent front weight bias, which also contributed to less-than-precise handling.
This Mustang was the dream come true for Ford enthusiasts—more affordable than the Boss 429, more reliable than the Boss 302, and a dominant presence wherever high-performance cars gathered.
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Specifications
Wheelbase, inches: 108.0
Weight, lbs: 3,600
Number built: 13,261
Base price: $3,500
Standard Engine
Type: ohv V-8
Displacement, cid: 428
Fuel system: 1 x 4bbl.
Compression ratio: 10.6:1
Horsepower @ rpm: 335 @ 5200
Torque @ rpm: 440 @ 3400
Representative Performance
0-60 mph, sec: 5.7
1/4 mile, sec. @ mph: 13.9 @ 103
