Streetside Classics - The Nation's Trusted Classic Car Consignment Dealer

Streetside Classics - The Nation's Trusted Classic Car Consignment Dealer

This 1969 Ford Mustang is a real-deal Mach 1 coupe with bright red paint, speedy details, and a powerful V8 that's ready to show off. So this is the growling classic sports car with a bold attitude you've been waiting for. While the Mustang was the original pony car, these first-year Mach 1 specials have the fastback profile and beefy fenders to look like they went to stallion finishing school. That's especially true with this example. The Candy Apple Red is a nice upgrade with plenty of gloss to radiate in the sunshine. But you'll really love the red is because it does a great job of showing off this car's dark side. The blacked-out hood w/scoop, front air splitter, side/ rear stripes, and full-width spoiler really give this one attitude. There are also nice details, like the fog lights, hood pins, and bright chrome bumpers. But those who are truly detail-oriented will notice the wheels.

They look like classic-style mags, but they are a little larger to carry more meaty tires. It's your first hint (but not your last) at some quality upgrades. More of the sporty attitude continues inside. In fact, while the exterior is red with black accents, that's reversed inside. The high-back bucket seats have the correct Ford knit-style pattern and an awesome red streak going across the top. This coordinates nicely with the addition of red floor mats. There are plenty of nice classic-style features, like the fold-down rear seat, wood paneling, center console, and even the factory AM radio is still on display. But that cobra in the steering wheel's center reminds you that you'll love this one for more than just history. The engine bay is ready to showcase right now. Its powerplant is looking good with fined polished valve covers with cool blue inserts, and even the long air topper matches, too. Plus, a tidy setup and blue plug wires give this a carefully crafted attitude. More than just look nice, this is Ford's hardy 351 cubic-inch V8 Windsor motor. It's been enhanced with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, Offenhauser intake, and headers that add even more power while contributing to the rumble of the H-pipe dual exhaust. Ford's three-speed transmission is an ideal paring that's stout enough for the power while also being an easy-cruising automatic. The same goes for features like power steering, power brakes w/discs up front, and modern BF Goodrich gForce tires. Complete with owner's manual and service manuals, this Mach 1 is a rare treat in Candy Apple Red. So you know you want it in your garage.

Lasting from 1985 to 1989, Merkur is the shortest-lived automotive nameplate on the American market in modern times. The discontinuation of Merkur began another major transition of the Mercury lineup. In 1989, the Cougar switched to an all-new platform; although still a personal-luxury coupe based on the Thunderbird, interior room and handling were improved. The Capri, a name dormant since 1986, was revived in 1991 as an import from Ford of Australia. In 1992, the Grand Marquis was redesigned for the first time since 1979; using the same platform as before, it shared no sheetmetal with the 1991 model and both V8 engines were replaced with a single all-new design. Although significantly more aerodynamic than before, Mercury left the basic shape of the Grand Marquis intact including its radiator grille. In terms of Mercury's smaller cars, the Tracer name was retained, but in 1991, Ford (and Mazda) compact cars were designed onto a common platform and the Tracer became a twin of the Ford Escort.

In 1995, the Mystique was introduced as Mercury's Topaz replacement; a version of the Ford Mondeo mid-size "world car", it was commonly viewed as compact for an American car. The Sable was controversially redesigned alongside the Taurus for 1996; although they still shared much of their sheetmetal, the Sable now could be better distinguished from the Taurus. As the 1990s progressed into the 2000s, Mercury's compact car line shrank during a series of redesigns. As the Ford Focus replaced the Escort, the Tracer was not replaced and the Sable became the smallest Mercury sedan after the 2000 discontinuation of the Mystique. A casualty of the 1992 redesign of the Grand Marquis included the Colony Park station wagon; by the early 1990s, full-size station wagons had largely been replaced by minivans. Although Ford had introduced the Aerostar in 1986, it had already undergone a midcycle refresh and was considered too trucklike to be a good fit with Mercury dealers.