S-CODE 390CID MACH 1 RESTORED TO FACTORY SPECS, MARTI REPORT, PS, PB, FR DISC

Description

There are a lot of nice Mustangs around, but the list of investment-grade ponies is short and includes vehicles like this 1969 Mach 1. Clearly built for speed when it was new, this S-code sportsroof has been beautifully and accurately restored so it's at home on the street or the show field.As long-time readers know, we're fans of the unusual here at Streetside Classics, and the code I5 Lime Gold with the matte black hood on this Mach 1 certainly qualifies. Not exactly a sleeper, the equipment list suggests that it was built for combat and what better way to lure in unsuspecting prey than to give it a subtle, low-key paint job? Of course, when it was restored the finish was replicated in modern two-stage urethane so it looks infinitely better than the original enamel, with an almost iridescent shine that will make this car stand out at any show. The bodywork underneath is in great shape, and they wanted to do it right, so the restorer scoured the country to find clean replacement doors to make it as good as he possibly could. All the Mach 1 details are there, from the blacked-out hood treatment and hood scoop to the yellow Mach 1 graphics and hood pins, not to mention chin and deck lid spoilers plus beautifully chromed bumpers. There aren't many Mustangs that can compete with a fully dressed 1969 Mustang Mach 1 in terms of eyeball appeal.Black Clarion Knit is Ford's fancy way of saying "textured," but you can't argue that the high-back buckets in the Mustang aren't comfortable. The bright red stripe across their faces is a racy touch that works well in the Mach 1 and ties together with the bright red floor mats, which I'm seeing a lot these days and are starting to grow on me. The woodgraining on the dash and center console are meant to bridge the Mach 1's performance and luxury sides, and the dashboard looks very well preserved and is full of original gauges, plus a tach strapped to the steering column. And while the car was originally carrying an AM radio above the center console, it now has a digital AM/FM/cassette unit that sounds a lot better. In fact, everything works, including the clock! A fold-down rear seat makes the sportsroof practical, although I suspect that this car's days of hauling a spare set of race tires are over. But speaking of the trunk, there is a correct mat and plenty of room for your gear on a long road trip.There weren't many cars that could stand up to the S-code Mach 1's 390 cubic inch V8. Rated at 325 horsepower (only 10 less than the mighty 428), it delivers the kind of tire-shredding performance these cars were famous for. We believe this to be the car's original, numbers-matching engine, which has been pulled, cleaned, and detailed to a very high level, starting with the correct air cleaner and Ford Blue engine paint. It also has correct pieces like the original chrome valve covers, open-element air cleaner, power steering, and hoses with correct stampings and clamps. It's backed by a C6 3-speed automatic transmission and a set of 3.25 gears in the 9-inch rear, so it's easy to drive and still savagely fast. The undercarriage is pretty original but well maintained, and shows off a brand new set of long-tube headers and a Flowmaster exhaust system, so it sounds spectacular. Handsome styled steel wheels were part of the Mach 1 package, with these wearing right-sized Goodyear Eagle radials.Documented with a Marti Report and a set of restoration photos, this high-grade Mach 1 is still a lot of fun. Call today!