2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1: Where Shelby meets GT

Remember in 1969, when people could literally travel at the speed of sound? That’s right. It’s called a concorde, and on that occasion, it was the Mach 1. But it’s not that Mach 1 that’s broken the internet today. It’s the namesake who first emerged in the very same year the supersonic plane took flight to become the best performing “civillian” Mustang of its time.

Ranking just below the legendary Boss and Shelby models, the Mach 1 proved so popular, it even outsold the GT. It was every muscle car enthusiast’s dream, equal parts performance and power, and in 2004, we thought we’d seen the last of it after its fourth edition.

But now, after all the spy shots and speculation, she’s back with a vengeance for 2021 and threatening to tear down the roof.

One engine, two transmissions

Here’s a question: what would you get if you crossbred a Bullitt with a Shelby GT350 and add a little bit of the GT500? No, not Mambo number 5 if that’s what you guessed.

Combining the Bullitt’s 5.0L Coyote V-8 engine, delivering 480 ponies and 420 lb-ft of torque, with the GT350’s Tremec TR-3160  6-speed manual transmission, this is exactly what Ford needed after the earlier backlash, recalling more than 2 million cars after a safety glitch.

If you can’t handle a stick, then you do have a 10-speed automatic trim available (what’s the point doh?). Here’s the best part, if you do the right thing and get the manual, you’ll instantly recognise the Bullitt’s white cue ball shift knob.

The Mach 1 also takes its lower front vents from the iconic GT350. Above the vents are incandescent park and turn lamps and two large intakes integrated into the grille that cool the engine and transmission oil.

And there between the air holes is the iconic pony badge, with Mach 1 emblems adorning the front fenders and rear decklid in a stunning low-gloss silver finish.

A little bit of the GT500

The Mach 1 has also taken the legendary GT500’s rear axle cooling system, rear toe link and rear diffuser, with four new 4.5 inch exhaust tips at the back. It’s like taking Kate Upton’s chest, pre rehab Lindsay Lohan’s face and sticking Kim Kardashian’s derriere onto it.

The standard 19-inch wheels feature a five-spoke design mildly reminiscent of the Magnum 500 wheels on the original Mach 1. The 9.5 inchers (front) are shod in Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tires, with six-piston Brembo front brakes from the Bullitt and the Perf Pack’s vented single-piston rear brakes greenlighting it for Mach 1 track duty.

If you do decide to go all out and get the manual trim, you’ll benefit from the GT350’s 20-inch wheel/tire spec, wearing Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 meats, covered by unique wheel lip mouldings to hide the larger tires, the GT500’s rear tire spats, and various other aerodynamic upgrades.

The new Mach 1 is a nod to the old timers of the 60s and 70s, and certainly one for Mustang enthusiasts who’ve been waiting patiently for 17 years for Ford to come up with the goods.