Automatic Acceleration: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I – SOLD!

January 7, 2022 Update – Over the holidays, we received an anonymous comment by a reader indicating they were buying this Mach 1. We confirmed the seller of this “Classifind” deleted their listing, so we’re now able to call this one “SOLD!” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

Coinciding with the car’s styling redesign, Ford introduced its new Mustang Mach I performance package only available on the fastback “Sports Roof” models. It’s very hard to find an unmolested of these first-year Mach I’s, so we were pleased to spot this Candy Red example originally listed in December 2021 on Craigslist in Chittenango, New York (Syracuse) featuring a matching numbers 351/4v/automatic drivetrain sending power to a Traction-Loc rear end.

Currently offered for $50,000, comparing that price against the Hagerty Insurance Online Valuation Tool confirms the private seller has their Mach I priced five hundred dollars above this guide’s #2 “Excellent” estimate of $49,500.  Interestingly, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool provides a slightly different assessment in that the asking price falls between this guide’s #2 “Very Good” estimate of $35,400 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $54,300.

By 1969 Ford offered no fewer than six factory performance models: GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and the new Mach 1. Due to Mach 1’s success in 1969, the GT model was discontinued after 1969 following poor sales of 5,396 units versus the 72,458 sales for Mach 1. The Mustang would not wear the “GT” badge again until 1982.

The Mach 1 package was only available in the “SportsRoof” fastback body style. All first-generation Mach 1’s are distinguished by the body style code 63C on the door data plate.  The Mach 1 started with a V8-powered SportsRoof body and added visual and performance-enhancing items such as matte black hood treatment with hood pins, hood scoop (including optional Shaker scoop), competition suspension, chrome pop-open gas cap, revised wheels with Goodyear Polyglas tires, chrome exhaust tips, deluxe interior, livery, and dealer optional chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers (SportSlats).  Standard equipment was a 351 cu in (5.8 L) Windsor (351W) 2V engine with a 3-speed manual transmission, and a nine-inch 28 spline open rear axle.

The US Auto Industry YouTube Channel features this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I commercial:

The seller’s brief description has us asking more questions than it answers, most of which is whether this car is a survivor or has been restored.

Here’s the seller’s brief description:

“1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 candy apple red with Marti report. Numbers matching drivetrain 351 Windsor 4v, fmx transmission 300 traction lock rear end. Runs great many new parts, serious inquiries only.“

Show or go: what would you do with this 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I?  Comment below and let us know!