Frame Off Restored Mustang Mach 1 390 V8 4 Speed

When you ask most Ford enthusiasts what their favorite Mustang is, the '69 fastbacks are always at the top of the list. Between a slick sloping rear and slightly larger stature, it was the 'stang that officially buried the “secretary car” stigma and left a pile of rubber on its grave. Production numbers weren't exactly low, but when an example like this awesome aqua coupe comes along, we're always happy to clear a spot in our showroom. Wrapping a seldom seen color combination around a big 390 V8, a tough Toploader 4-speed and enough appeal to draw a crowd anytime it stops, this Mach 1 is a fresh twist on a can't-miss favorite. And if you're looking for the perfect first generation pony car to rule local shows and cruise on nice weekends, it's your hot ticket!

According to Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works, this showroom-fresh coupe was bolted together at Ford's San Jose, California assembly plant on January 6th of 1969. Here's a thorough breakdown of its original door data and optional equipment:

DOOR DATA:

SERIAL NUMBER: 9R02S29675
* 9 – 1969 model year
* R – Built in San Jose, California
* 02 – Mustang Sportsroof
* S – 390 cubic inch, 4V engine
* 29,675th Ford vehicle scheduled for production at San Jose
* 63C – Mustang Mach 1 Sportsroof
* F5 – Ford #3065-A Gulfstream Aqua paint that's accented with a blacked out hood
* 3W – White Clarion Knit vinyl Mach 1 hi-back bucket seats
* 03A – Scheduled to be built on January 3rd, 1969
* 72 – San Jose Ordering District
* 9 – 3.25 standard axle ratio
* 5 – 4-speed, wide ratio manual transmission

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

* 4-speed, wide-ratio manual transmission
* F70x14 Wide Oval belted tires
* White sidewall tires
* AM radio

In January of 1969, this unique fastback was delivered to Zumwalt Ford in St. Helena, California. At the time, it looked much as it does today and, much like it does today, did an excellent job of standing out against more common color schemes. The car's current visual pizzazz is thanks to a fresh, rotisserie restoration that created a better-than-showroom appearance. That restoration involved a laser-straight body that was married to a rich coat of correct Gulfstream Aqua two-stage. There is little to fault in the car's finish work, as reflections are clear and inspections highlight a notable absence of waves and flaws. Original black stripes have been fittingly duplicated. And while this stunning combination of aggressive war paint is now more than 40 years old, it still receives compliments that involve the words “fresh”, “new” and “different”.

For 1967, Ford rolled out a bigger, more muscular pony car, and the 1968 and 69 model years saw that design subtly refined. The front end was cleaned up thanks to a deletion of horizontal grille bars and a redesigned Mustang emblem. That brightwork was replaced with a single band of trim surrounding the grille opening which, on this car, also houses driving lights. Above that grille, a factory hood features stainless lanyards and a small, “390” branded scoop, in the absence of previous years' “FORD” lettering. Along the car's profile, clean Mach 1 stripes parallel dent-free stainless rocker trim and small marker lights. At the doors, body-matched sport mirrors complement traditional quarter scoops and highly detailed B-pillar emblems. Below the roofline, show-quality stainless and chrome edge flaw-free glasswork. And when you follow the fastback rearward, a large spoiler dumps into triple-segment taillights, a mustang-branded fuel filler and ”MUSTANG” “mach 1” scripts that are affixed opposite quad-outlet exhaust tips.

As with the car's styling, Ford continued to tweak an impressive list of engine offerings that, in 1969, ranged from the 200 cubic inch Thriftpower I6 to the mighty 429 cubic inch Boss V8. Towards the top of that list, just beyond the 302, was the 320 horsepower, 390 cubic inch FE V8. It's no secret the FE was virtually stolen from the Thunderbird but, in Mustang guise, it easily achieved 13-second quarter mile passes right off the showroom floor. The correct 390 in this fastback has a showroom fresh look thanks to plenty of Ford Blue paint and a long list of period-correct accessories. Under the big mill's polished and decaled lid, a blue single-snorkel air cleaner draws wind into a coated Holley 4-barrel. Atomized fuel passes through a stock intake manifold to correct, cast iron heads that are topped with chrome, “POWERED BY FORD” valve covers. At the front of those valve covers, a rebuilt alternator, correct power steering pump and restored fan spin in unison, while a re-cored radiator keeps the block cool via reproduction Autolite hoses. Spark comes courtesy of a traditional points distributor that sequences fire between an Autolite Sta-Ful battery, an authentic Autolite voltage regulator and fresh Autolite Radio Resistance plug wires. From its satin black fenders to its duplicated inspection marks, the car's bay presents a clean, authentic appearance. And best of all, the engine fires instantly and sounds surprisingly mild breathing through cast iron exhaust manifolds and an OEM-style, true-dual exhaust system.

At the bottom of this Mustang, a freshly restored undercarriage houses appropriately oversprayed floors that are bolted to lots of factory-correct components. Nice enough to show but still fully drivable, this is the perfect compromise for enthusiasts who like to display their car and still enjoy the occasional back road jaunt. Behind the aforementioned FE, a wide-ratio Toploader 4-speed, which is still one of the best shifting transmissions ever made, sends power to a correctly marked Ford nine inch. The car's suspension remains in its original configuration with control arms up front and leafs out back. All of the chassis' parts carry appropriate inspection marks, lending a mild concours feel to the restoration. While Mustangs were far from heavy, this coupe's steering effort is even lighter thanks to factory power assist. Braking is equally good with power front disc and rear drums brining momentum to a hurried halt. And at the corners, snazzy 'styled steel' wheels spin 215/70R14 BF Goodrich Radial T/As around small galloping horses.

Inside this Ford, a comfortable white interior should make any Mustang fan feel right at home. All the soft parts from the carpet to the headliner look new, and the hi-back bucket seats provide plenty of support for spirited driving. From the captain's chair, a familiar Mustang dash features plenty of black vinyl and tasteful wood applique. A nice set of factory gauges keep tabs on fuel level, speed, oil pressure, charge and temperature while a Rim Blow steering wheel connects the driver to the road. In the center of the cockpit, a familiar Philco radio hangs over an original-looking console that frames an ornate chrome shifter. At the sides of the cabin, attractive door panels feature a mix of black, white, chrome and wood applique. And behind the passengers, a restored trunk seals a fresh mat and full-size spare tire beneath an appropriate decklid decal.

The sale of this slick fastback includes the Deluxe Marti AutoWorks Report outlined above.

It's hard to picture the automotive world without Mustangs. They've been a staple in the collector market for decades and continue to be favorites among racers and purists alike. With its strong 390, smooth Toploader and nearly universal appeal, this Mach 1 is ideal for anyone who wants a great mix of old school fun and show-stopping looks!