Speed Demon: The New 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1

If you are a hard-core Ford Mustang enthusiast like us, the chances are that Ford took your breath away when it announced the upcoming, limited-edition 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. To be honest, we are still catching our breath over the Mach 1’s 5.0-liter V8 engine capable of producing 480 horsepower. Talk about a need for speed! So, where will you be able to find one of these limited-edition fastback coupes? A quick search for a “Ford dealership near me,” and you will discover DePaula Ford in Albany, New York, where our team is ready to help make your vision of getting behind the wheel of the new Mustang Mach 1 a reality.

With the Mach 1 returning after 17 long years since its fourth-generation incarnation was ended in 2004, everyone is focused on the new release set for spring 2021. We know what you’re thinking: what’s all the fuss about, and will the Mach 1 live up to the hype? To answer your questions, let’s look at the first-generation Mach 1 released in 1969 and compare it to Ford’s plans for the new 2021 model.

The Pony Car War: The History of the Mach 1

The war between the Pony Cars reached its peak in the late 1960s with the release of the Chevrolet Camaro. This prompted Ford to release the first-generation Mustang Mach 1 in 1969. The muscle car was an instant hit and set 295 speed and endurance records at the Bonneville Salt Flats within its first year. Add in the fact that buyers could easily customize the Mach 1 from its engine and transmission to its interior and exterior trims and upgrades, and it’s easy to see why the Mach 1 was a massive success that even eclipsed the Mustang GT.

One of the biggest draws to the Mach 1 was that drivers could choose between multiple engine and transmission options. The first-generation Mach 1 came standard with a 5.8-liter V-8 engine that produced 250 hp and 355 lb-ft of torque but could be optioned with more powerful engines all the way up to a 7.0-liter V8 generating 335 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque. The available transmissions included a three-speed automatic, a three-speed manual, and a four-speed manual.

While early sales were high, the popularity of the Mach 1 slowly faded, and the name was retired in 1978 when production of the second-generation Mustang came to an end. However, it was briefly revived in 2003, when Ford introduced a Mach 1 variant for the fourth-generation Mustang – but this Mach 1 was short-lived as the fourth-generation Mustang was phased out in 2004. Fast forward 17 years, and we’re now looking at the highly anticipated 2021 Mustang Mach 1.

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1

Dubbed the sleek and powerful offspring of the famed Shelby and BULLIT models, the 2021 Mach 1 has big shoes to fill, but we have no doubt it will live up to the hype. Jim Farley, Ford’s chief operating officer, said just as much in the press event for the Mach 1. “Bold styling, great acceleration and speed—Mach 1 says it all,” Farley said. “This is one of those special Mustangs that truly brings a smile to the faces of our owners, enthusiasts, and fans—including me—so there’s never been a better time to bring back Mach 1 and have it go global too.”

Bridging the gap between the Shelby and BULLIT, the Mach 1 includes many nods to both models beginning with the BULLIT’s iconic white cue-ball shift knob. Hints of the Shelby GT350 are found under the Mach 1 hood with its specially calibrated 5.0-liter V8 engine capable of producing 480 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque. The engine includes the same intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and engine cooler found on the high-performance Shelby models.

The Mach 1 comes standard with the Tremec 3160 six-speed manual transmission, also from the Shelby GT350. Ford took the transmission up a notch and, for the first time, outfitted the system with automatic rev-matching to help smooth out quick shifts. Drivers who prefer an automatic transmission have no reason to worry thanks to the Mach 1’s optional 10-speed transmission with paddle shifters, an upgraded torque converter, and a second air-to-cooler that increases cooling capacity.

Inspired by the classic Magnum 500 style wheels, the 2021 Mach 1 comes standard with 19-inch five-spoke Tarnished Dark-painted aluminum wheels that measure 9.5 inches wide in front and 10 inches wide in the rear. The Handling Package upgrade offers even wider wheels at 10.5 inches in the front and 11 inches in the rear, wrapped in high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires. Additional upgrades in the package include newly designed front wheel lip moldings, Shelby GT500 rear tire splats, a low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap, and a larger front splitter for additional downforce.

Ford pulled out all the stops in terms of engine and performance, but they didn’t forget the exterior and interior. The 2021 Mach 1 offers several exterior color options such as Fighter Jet Gray, Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Twister Orange, Velocity Blue, Grabber Yellow, and Race Red. To add to the Mach 1’s iconic look, Ford included a new two-piece upper grille, lower grille, valance, and side grilles that enhance its cooling performance. The Mach 1 also features black satin side and hood stripes with available accent stripes in red, white, and orange, as well as a rear spoiler that creates the ideal lift balance.

The interior of the Mach 1 will feature several upgrades, including new door sill plates emblazoned with the Ford logo. Ford also updated the instrument panel in what the manufacturer calls a Dark Spindrift with aluminum accents. There’s a unique splash screen on the 12.3-inch LCD instrument cluster as well as two seat options – the standard seats that feature a horizontal orange or white accept stripe or upgraded ebony leather.

Pricing

It’s still too early for Ford to release official pricing for the 2021 Mustang Mach 1, but that hasn’t stopped speculation. Many rumors suggest that the Mach 1 is slotted to replace the special edition BULLITT, which starts at $48,900. Because of that, rumors suggest that the Mach 1 will start around $50,000 and increase depending on trim packages and upgrade options. But, we won’t know anything official until closer to the launch in spring 2021.

Get Behind the Wheel

Are you anxious to get behind the wheel of the new 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1? The team at DePaula Ford shares your excitement, which is one reason why we’re ranked as the top Ford dealer in upstate New York. We have a genuine passion for cars, and we are committed to providing the best customer service in the area.

We are here to help you find the Ford of your dreams, so stop by, introduce yourself, and let us know what you’re looking for, whether it’s the new Mach 1 or another make and model. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff will guide you through the process, which is another reason why DePaula is a one-stop-shop for all your car needs. We are also conveniently located at 799 Central Avenue in Albany, New York, just off I-90, making it easy for you to drop by and check out our inventory.