Hot Lap in the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and Shelby GT500

Written By Nestor Cabrera
April 2021 • Photos Courtesy Ford Media
Presented by USAutomotive.co.uk
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When Ford asks you if you would like to drive their new 760hp streetcar you don’t say no. You jump at the opportunity to drive one of the most powerful street cars ever produced.

This special media event wasn’t just to let a bunch of journalists beat on their prized cars but to re-introduce a moniker that has been parked for many years, the Ford Mustang Mach 1. If you are familiar with the history of the Ford Mustang, then this name is not new to you.

Mach 1 is the term used for an object going faster than the speed of sound and was first used on the futuristic Levacar concept in 1959. Re-Introduced in 1969 as a trim for the Ford Mustang, the Mach 1 went on to become one of the best-selling options in the lineup. 1969 was a breakthrough year for the Ford Mustang with six performance models available including the GT, Boss 302, Boss 459, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500, and Mach 1.  The Mach 1 started life as a V8 powered sports roof fastback body with numerous visual enhancements such as a matte black hood with hood pins, hood scoop (including an optional shaker hood) performance suspension package, chrome pop up gas cap, special livery, optional chin spoiler, and rear deck spoiler. The standard V8 was the infamous 351 Windsor (351W) 2V but it could also be had with a 351W 4V, 390 FE, and the Cobra Jet 428 with Ram Air option. The engines were mated to a 3-speed manual but a 4-speed manual and 3-speed auto were optional.

Over the years the ‘69 Mach 1 has gone to become one of the most popular classic pony cars with fans paying tribute by building their own. A real Mach 1 can be identified by the body code 63C on the doorplate, in case you were wondering.

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The 2021 Mach 1 pays tribute to the original but with a modern twist. I’ll try and not bore you with details but according to Ford, the Mach 1 makes 480HP @ 7000RMP and 420 ft/lbs. of torque @ 4600RMP out of a naturally aspirated 5.0L Coyote V8. The 5.0 is mated to a Tremec 3160 6-Speed manual transmission from the previous Shelby GT350.  Ford has also outfitted the Mach 1 with rev-matching, so you don’t need to blip the throttle when down shifting, the GT350 oil cooler and Mustang GT’s twin clutch and short shifter. The exterior also receives an array of enhancements like an improved front spoiler that not only gives it a more aggressive look but that can add from 22 percent to 150 percent more downforce.

The Mach 1 will be positioned between the Mustang GT and Shelby GT500, giving enthusiast a more track ready option from the base GT but in a more affordable package than the monster GT500.

Most people would think the Shelby GT500 would be the quicker and more practical choice for a track car but after driving the Shelby and then getting a ride along with a pro driver in the Mach 1, I would have to say the Mach 1 is a pretty good choice for a dual-purpose street/track car. There is no denying that having 760hp on tap can be a thrill, especially when you depress the accelerator down and feel the rear end start to slide while the rear tires try to bite into the pavement. But it’s a double-edged sword, without skills those horses can get away from you very quickly. The Mach 1 is no slouch, I had a huge grin on my face, under my mask that is, every time the accelerator pedal got pushed to the floor and although the course was short it was long enough to feel all the power from the Coyote Engine.  

Although the Mach 1 is slated to hit dealerships this year the first one has already been sold. It was auctioned off at Barrett Jackson, and although the $500,000 it pulled for the JDRF Type 1 diabetes research foundation, does not reflect what the actual retail price will be it shows that the name still carries a lot of prestige

• Engine: 5.0L Coyote DOHC with Ti-VCT V8
480HP @ 7000 RPM
420 ft/lbs. Torque @ 4600 RMP
• Transmission: Tremec TR-3160 6 speed with oil cooler and dual-clutch
• Suspension Front: Double-ball-joint independent McPherson strut (Optional MagneRide)
• Suspension Rear: Integral-link independent with coil springs (Optional MagnaRide)
• Brakes Front: 13.8” rotors with four-piston calipers (Optional six-piston Brembo brakes)
• Brakes Rear: 12.5” rotors with single-piston calipers
• Wheels and tires: 19X9.5 front and 19X10 rear wrapped in 305/30R19(front) and 315/30R19(rear) summer tires.

Nestor Cabrera

A native Angelino with a deep passion for cars, Nestor’s love for cars grew out of a desire for independence and exploration. Trying to be a cool teenager he purchased a 1966 Ford Mustang that turned out to be a problematic money pit. Fixing its many problems paved the way for his love for tinkering with cars and he enrolled at Universal Technical Institute. Instead of going to work as a mechanic after graduation he applied and got a job with Nitrous Oxide Systems that led to an extensive career in the automotive aftermarket working for some of the premiere aftermarket brands such as Holley Performance, SO-CAL Speed Shop, Edelbrock, K&N Engineering, Falken Tire and Meguiar’s. Nestor continues to pursue his passion for cars and can be found any given weekend at a local car show, motorsports event or working on cars.

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