1969 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 COBRA JET

1969 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 COBRA JET

This 1969 Ford Mustang Cobra Jet is a pristine example of one of the most iconic models from the golden era of muscle cars. It is powered by the 428 cu in (7.0-litre) V8 鈥楥obra Jet鈥?engine with four-barrel carburettor and Ram Air induction, and driven through the four-speed close-ratio manual transmission. The indicated mileage is just 2,650 miles, which is not warranted. The Cobra Jet engine was introduced to the Mustang range in 1968, which was followed closely by the launch of the Mach 1 performance package. This left-hand drive car is a genuine R-code example, manufactured at the San Jose, California factory in April 1969. It was specified with a number of desirable options, including power steering, the 鈥榮haker鈥?hood and the front chin spoiler. More recently, the car has been the subject of an extensive restoration, and now presents superbly. Its Black Jade paintwork is described by the vendor as being in excellent condition. There is a glossy, even finish around the whole car - and it is perfectly set off by the gold 鈥楳ach 1鈥?stripes and script down the flanks and around the rear spoiler.

The only significant blemish is some chipped paint around the top of the nearside rear wheel arch. The sought-after 鈥榮haker hood鈥?bonnet features pin fastenings, and the front of the car features the optional chin spoiler in the correct black finish. All of the chromework around the body is in very good order. The car sits on a set of five-spoke black and polished steel 14-inch rims, which are free of blemishes and secured by pristine wheel bolts. Inside, the 鈥楧eluxe鈥?interior has been fully re-trimmed, with the high-back front seats and rear seats upholstered in soft cream smooth vinyl and 鈥榢nitted鈥?vinyl finishes. The dashboard is trimmed in black vinyl, complete with the original simulated teak wood grain panels around the instrument dials and in the door cards. Under foot, the floors are fitted with black carpets and red overmats. The console is equipped with a JVC radio cassette player. Lifting the bonnet reveals an engine bay that presents superbly. The imposing Cobra Jet engine sits far back, accented by the bright blue of the air cleaner, and topped by the ribbed bonnet scoop. It benefits from having a recent thorough service, including renewal of all fluids. The most recent technical inspection took place in July 2019, which resulted in no warnings or advisories. All four wheels are shod with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tyres, in size 225/60 R14 at the front and 235/60 R14 at the rear. This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet is a fantastic example of one of the most significant American performance cars of its era. It is presented in pristine condition - a true credit to its fastidious former keeper - and is ready to thrill a new owner with its power and presence.

Worth noting, there are persistent rumors that a few early production 1969 Mach 1 CJ/SCJ Mustangs may have left the factory with the 1968 Mustang鈥檚 fixed hood Ram Air hood scope. A 1969 Mustang equipped with the 428 CJ or SCJ with Ram Air was factory rated at 360 gross horsepower which was still ridiculously underrated. The 1969 Mustang Mach 1 equipped with the 428 CJ or SCJ went 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.9 seconds at around 103 mph. Very impressive indeed, it would be the pinnacle of Mustang performance for the average performance buyer. It would be a very long time (about 4 decades) before another reasonably priced Mustang that the average buyer could afford, would surpass these performance figures. Ford did a slight update to the 1970 Mustang but continued the Mach 1 option and the availability of the 428 CJ and SCJ. For 1971 the big-block 429 CJ and SCJ officially replaced the 428 CJ and SCJ. Surprisingly both the CJ and SCJ equipped 1969 Mustangs can be obtained for reasonable prices even in today鈥檚 high priced classic car market when compared to the Shelby and Boss Mustangs from the same era. Count on the prices of the 1969 Mach I CJ and SCJ Mustangs to skyrocket in the near future.

The history of the Ford Mustang is well known (visit the first generation Mustangs on display in this museum to learn their story). For 1971, the Mustang underwent a complete redesign and grew bigger in every way. Compared to the first generation model, the second generation was 7.1 inches longer, 6.8 inches wider and 500 pounds heavier. Mostly it seemed bulkier, and hardtops had a high trunk and a tunnel back window. The Mach I was a performance oriented package of the Mustang and was introduced in August 1968 and ran until 1978 (it reemerged in early 2000鈥榮 via Ford鈥檚 Heritage program). The Mach I used a different grille than the regular Mustangs. They also had a urethane-covered bumper in body color, two driving lights in the grille and non-functional air vents. The hood and the lower body were black or silver, depending on the body color. Interior decor featured wood applique, molded door panels and knitted vinyl high-back buckets. Stripes and Mach 1 decals were applied to the exterior side panels. Also, the Mach 1 package was only available in the SportsRoof body style (previously known as the Fastback), never on the hardtop or convertible. Many restomod鈥檚 have since been performed by owners and enthusiasts, but are not Mach I鈥檚 by VIN code. Mustang sales in 1971 were 149,678 units. Of that, 36,449 were Mach I cars. This particular Mach I was donated to the museum in October 2017 by Joseph Ruffner of Ventura. It is an excellent running car, and promotes the museum at various car shows and events throughout the year. We are glad to have it as part of our permanent collection.

Ford's much-anticipated reveal of the new all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV has been a tightly held secret 鈥?but not quite as long as intended. While the official unveiling is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. PST Sunday in advance of the Los Angeles Auto Show, images and information about the car were accidentally posted on a company-run web page meant to be kept confidential. The post included performance specifications, pricing, trim levels and photos 鈥?all information that was under an embargo agreed to by media organizations. But the post was captured by a Jalopnik reporter before it was taken down. The USA TODAY Network's Detroit Free Press continues to honor the official embargo and will not use images and information it has been provided until the embargo lifts Sunday evening. Ford spokesman Mike Levine. The debut will be streamed on YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Autohome (China), the news release said. British actor Idris Elba, known for his roles in "The Wire" and "Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom," will participate in the introduction.