REVIEW: The Mustang Mach 1
 In
1969, the muscle car was at its zenith. Every domestic
car manufacturer was offering a variety of big-block
behemoths, ensured to rumble their way into every drag
racer’s gas-guzzling heart.
In that year, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 made its first
appearance. With its distinctive styling and ram air
scoop, the Mach 1 was an instant classic. Now, 38 years
after the first one left the showroom floor, Mach 1 is
making a comeback.
Ford, in the throes of celebrating 100 years in the
auto industry, is heavy into retro these days. Mach 1 is
the latest in Ford’s series of Living Legends. Other
cars featured are the Thunderbird, the new GT40, and the
Forty-Nine concept car.
Living legend the new Mach 1 may be, but this car
behaves like no senior citizen. This limited edition
Mustang is about mind-bending speed and power. Put the
pedal to the metal and 60 mph. can be yours in a
blistering 5.2 seconds. So sit back, tighten up that
seat belt and hang on, because this Ford will blow your
mind.
In 2003, Ford pays homage to the 1969 Mach 1 with
styling cues lifted right off the original. The new Mach
1 features prominent rocker panel mouldings, and a black
stripe running down the side. The wheels are an updated
version of the classic Magnum rims seen on the original
car. Then, of course, there is the scoop. In keeping
with the Mach 1 heritage, the “shaker scoop,” is not
just cool, it is also functioning. The scoop is fitted
through an opening in the hood, and is mounted on the
intake manifold. Air is directed through a secondary
filter to the intake. The Mach 1 also draws air from the
front grille, ensuring maximum oxygen intake.
The original scoop was mounted on one of two engines;
the 351 Cleveland V8, generating 250 bhp, or the massive
335 horsepower 428 Cobra-Jet V8. In 2003, Mach 1’s
powerplant is smaller in size, but equally impressive.
The engine is Ford’s MOD 4.6 litre, 4-valve
dual-overhead cam V8. It is modified to
 accommodate
the scoop, and also features specially calibrated cams,
a heated PCV, performance exhaust manifolds and a forged
crank (automatic transmission models will have a cast
crank). All these toys add up to 305 bhp @ 5,800 rpm and
320 lb/ft. of torque at 4,750 rpm. Engine power is
delivered to a five speed manual transmission capable of
lightening fast shifts. Drop the hammer and this Mustang
will pin you to your seat. During the week I had the
Mach 1, more than one pocket rocket pull alongside me at
a stoplight and rev an engine the size of a sewing
machine in challenge. It was not unlike an automotive
David versus Goliath, only this time David takes a
powder. Never one to disappoint, I felt compelled to
blow the doors off of all who dared to take me on.
All that acceleration and power is supported by an
equally impressive suspension system and tight handling.
The Mach 1 is a half an inch lower than the standard
Mustang GT and features a performance-handling package
for superior road manners. Included in the package are
new front and rear coil springs with adapted load and
rate, re-valved Tokico struts up front and shocks in the
back and unique stabilizer bars front and rear. Ford
also added frame rail connectors to stiffen the body.
With all these additions, the Mustang’s handling is very
good. With all that power and superb handling at my
fingertips, highway on ramps were like playgrounds,
where I could let this beast truly step out.
With all that stepping outgoing on, stopping became
an important factor as well. Thirteen-inch Brembo front
rotors with performance calipers provide braking. Rear
brakes are 11.7-inch Brembos. ABS and traction control
are standard.
The Mustang is not just about power though; this was
an attractive beast to look at as well. Even with all
the Mach 1 styling elements, the Mustang doesn’t go over
the top. With all that power under the hood, the Mach 1
has nothing to prove, and it’s appearance reflects a
certain confidence in it ability. The test
 model
came in Torch Red, and, with the black stripes on the
hood and sides, this was a very hot looking car. The
clear coat finish on the Mustang was excellent as well,
probably one of the best finishes I have felt on a
domestic automobile.
Mach 1’s interior is vintage, with comfort-weave
leather seats and a retro instrument panel. The centre
console and shifter ball were finished in brushed
aluminum, giving the interior a satisfying hot-rod look.
Metal pedals finished off the look.
The Mustang Mach 1 is a great sports car, offering
all the speed and power that one could hope for. Its
only real flaws are typical of the breed; a smallish
back seat, a puny trunk, and horrendous fuel economy.
For those who are shopping for a true muscle car, these
flaws are expected and won’t be much of an issue. Price
may be an issue though, the Mach 1 as tested rings in at
$39,070. For those who dare, you won’t be disappointed,
for with this limited edition Mustang Mach 1, Ford has
created another living legend.
Our reviewer: Elaine’s
love of cars started in high school. All the guys she
hung out with then were car addicts (two of them when on
to be auto mechanics). It was with these guys that
Elaine learned all about the automobile. Her first days
behind the wheel were spent in a red and white Ford
pick-up, (affectionately referred to as The Pig)
belonging to one of these guys (Thanks Mike!). After
graduation from high school and through university,
Elaine’s love of cars lay dormant, until, while pursuing
a diploma in journalism at Toronto’s Centennial College,
the opportunity to become editor of the Up to Speed
section was presented. With a solid background in
mechanics (Thanks to Humber College for that!), and her
passion for cars still intact, Elaine jumped at the
chance and is currently loving that role, while
finishing her diploma at Centennial.
photos courtesy of John Holland
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