Mustang Mach 1 Returning for 2021 Model Year
Published on Fri, May 29, 2020
By: Collin Morgan
Harkening back to the dawn of muscle cars, the Mach 1 name will be returning next year to deliver the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever.
Ah, yes. Mach 1. In non-car terms, it’s the speed of sound. To muscle car enthusiasts, it means the sound of speed. First debuting in the late-1960s as the epitome of Mustang performance, the nameplate will be resurrected on the 2021 Ford Mustang. During this dawn of unfathomable power, this new era deserves powerful names.
“Mach 1 has a special place in Mustang history, and it’s time for this special edition to claim the top spot in our 5.0-liter V8 performance lineup and reward our most hardcore Mustang enthusiasts who demand that next level of power, precision and collectability,” said Dave Pericak, director, Ford Icons. “Like the original, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 will be true to its heritage, delivering great looks and as the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever.”
The Mach 1 debuted in 1969 and was one of the most popular performance editions of the Mustang. In the following years, improvements separated itself from the Mustang GT, while allowing it to be more attainable than the nutty Boss and Shelby variants.
“Mach 1 has always been that bridge between base Mustangs and the Shelby models,” said Ted Ryan, heritage brand manager, Ford Archives. “From a style and handling perspective, the original Mach 1 managed to stand out as unique, even in the Mustang lineup – and as the name implies, it could really move.”
In 1971, only two years after its debut, the Mach 1 hit the streets with increased length and size boasting a staggering amount of engine options. The Mach 1 underwent major changes in 1974 and was released as a hatchback. An optional Rallye Suspension Package was available, which improved handling noticeably.
Mach 1 returned for 2003 and 2004 model years, mixing together nostalgic styling that is so popular to this day. Unique Mach 1 handling combined with larger Brembo brakes separated it from the rest with performance, while a matte black spoiler and hood stripe instilled the ‘wow’ factor on the outside.
And here we are again, 17 years later, with the all-new 2021 Mustang Mach 1 set to return as the most track-ready 5.0-liter Mustang ever. Que the music, it’s showtime.
