Is Ford bringing back the Mustang Mach 1?
The iconic Mach1 was first introduced by Ford as a performance model in 1969 and carried through the Mustang II era in 1978. The name was revived from 2003 to 2004 to usher out the fourth generation Mustang. It has not been used since.
There are already a variety of Ford Mustang models to choose from. From the EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder to the V-8-powered GT to the supercar-rivaling GT500. There is even an all-electric SUV model, known as the Mach-E, which Ford recently introduced. So how does the Mach 1 fit into this lineup?
The most popular theory, according to a MotorTrend article, is the Mach 1 will replace the limited-production Bullitt in the lineup. That Bullitt model was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Steve McQueen classic film Bullitt. It is a special version of the GT with unique trim and 480 horsepower (20 more than a standard GT) thanks to a special intake manifold derived from the GT350’s.
It has been reported the Mach 1 speculation reached a fevered pitch when enthusiast forum “Mach-E Club” posted leaked dealer VIN decoder guides for the Mustang Mach-E and a 2021 Ford Mustang coupe.
“While the Mach-E document offered very little new information, the Mustang coupe’s guide contained a big surprise: A Mach 1 trim level for the 2021 model year. Sadly, that’s all the details we have at the moment, as the document doesn’t give specifics on drivetrain, features, or price. But we can certainly speculate about the Mach 1’s long-rumored comeback,” states the MotorTrend article.
One thing that is certain is that all Mustang Bullitt special editions are subject to a licensing agreement with Warner Brothers, the studio that owns the rights to “Bullitt”. The MotorTrend article explains that this licensing agreement is likely over this year and to keep the Mustang Bullitt formula going Ford could rebrand it as a Mach 1, a name it owns. This won’t be the first time this has occurred. The first Bullitt special edition in 2001 was replaced by a limited production Mach 1 just two years later, although with a different engine.
At this time, no one knows what it will look like. Ford enthusiasts are rooting for the Mach 1’s return. It may be a bit confusing to launch the Mach 1 now, considering Ford already has a Mach-E in the lineup. But they are two totally different vehicles just sharing the glow of the Mustang lineup.
All indicators suggest that the Blue Oval is finally ready to put the Mach 1 badge into the spotlight.
Source: MotorTrend
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