Have you ever wondered what type of vintage Mustang would make for the best daily driver in 2024? I have, and I think the answer is the late first-gen Mach 1. It’s one of the best-looking Mustang specs ever, if not the best. Plus, you can get it with a super wide range of engines nowadays, seeing as how most used examples have been fitted with some type of replacement V8.
Photo: Bring a Trailer/autoevolution
Of course, choosing a late first-gen model requires no explanation. Everyone knows those are the quintessential Mustangs – ideally, you’ll want to aim for the 1969 model year, since that’s when Ford decided to add more “heft” to the design, extending the body by 3.8 inches in length, and half an inch in width.
Those were also the first Mustangs to use a quad headlight setup (both inside and outside the grille), while the lonely grille pony made way for the pony and tribars logo. Now, I don’t have to tell you just how popular the Mach 1 specification was when it was introduced back then. Ford sold over 72,000 units through 1969, and it’s easy to understand why.
These babies came with a wide variety of engine options, plus several styling and performance upgrades. Visually, there’s a clear argument to be made in favor of the Mach 1 over the Boss-spec models, although the latter are still more desirable, especially the Boss 429.
Anyway, we just happened to come across a very special 1969 Mustang Mach 1, up for grabs to the highest bidder. In fact, there’s only one bid in place for it, with someone ready to drop $50,000 on it right off the bat.
Visually, this car is rocking the Acapulco Blue colorway, to go with its Mach 1 graphics, grille, front chin spoiler, dual side mirrors, rear spoiler, rear window louvers, dual exhaust outlets, and 15-inch Magnum 500-style wheels with Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires. Meanwhile, interior highlights include the custom high-back front bucket seats with aftermarket seat rail extenders, custom sound system, floor-mounted center console, cup holders, an aftermarket wood-rimmed steering wheel and a Vintage Air climate control system.
Photo: Bring a Trailer
Sounds pretty good already, right? Wait for it – because it gets even better. This Mach 1 also features power steering, power-assisted front discs, and (drum roll please) a rebuilt 390 ci V8 with a four-barrel Holley Street Avenger carburetor, an Edelbrock Performer intake manifold, Ford Racing valve covers, and a Griffin aluminum radiator with dual electric fans.
We’re not sure how much power it’s got, but everything goes to the rear wheels via a three-speed automatic transmission.
