2003 Ford Mustang Mach 1 - Shake This Baby
Two summers ago I had the pleasure of testing Ford's Hollywood-inspired Mustang Bullitt. Fortunately it produced measurably greater talent and significantly more substance than the regurgitated made-for-DVD shlock spewing out of Tinseltown these days. Personal biases aside, Ford is digging deep into its past glory-days to ignite the passions of muscle car enthusiasts everywhere, with a remake of the legendary 1969 Mustang Mach 1.
"Of all our Living Legends (that include the Mustang Bullitt, Thunderbird, Forty-Nine and GT40), Mustang might have the richest heritage. While everyone has a favorite, Mach 1 is one of the most memorable and most collectable Mustangs," stated Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president.
Unlike the GT40 shown at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year, the Mach 1 that made its debut in New York doesn't look identical to the original. Rather it's based on the current Mustang GT, a formidable machine on its own. Add a matte-black striped paint scheme, 'shaker' hood scoop, 'comfort-weave' leather seats and gorgeous 5-spoke alloy rims that mimic the original 'Magnum 500' chrome wheels, and the transformation begins. Both C-pillars feature a distinct trim appliqué, further distinguishing the Mach 1 from its GT roots. Also the front air dam has been extended while its rocker-panel moldings appear more prominent. Colors will include Azure Blue, Black, Dark Shadow Gray, Oxford White, Torch Red and Zinc Yellow.