It seems as though sedans are also on their way out. Don’t ask. But Ford want us to remember what it’s like to drive a real car, and that’s why for episode 2 of save the manual, we’re giving you the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1.
They’re bringing back the Bronco for 2021. And they’re also bringing back their supersonic hot rod.
Third wheeling like a Boss
Fact. Back in 1969, people could finally travel faster than the speed of sound. That’s three to the power of friggin’ fast. They called it the Mach 1. Mustang wanted to jump on the Mach 1 bandwagon, and so they unveiled the Mach 1 performance package for their top performing ‘civilian’ Mustang.
Why ‘civilian’? Well simply put, this would be the third wheeler on a Shelby-Boss date. Concerned that you can’t handle a Shelby? Can’t get your hands on a Boss? The Mach 1 is the answer.
It’s cheaper than both, but with a wide range of engines, you can expect some performance overlap with the other models. In fact, the Mach 1 was so popular, it actually outsold the GT.
If you want a football analogy, the Mach 1 is basically like mid-2000s Theo Walcott.
He’s got the pace to beat defenders, but lacks the end product of say a Robin Van Persie. But give him enough shots on goal, and he still may score enough to make up his 30 million pound valuation. Certainly cheaper than paying more than 100 million for an elite winger like present-day Jadon Sancho, right?
A beautiful transmission
Okay, moving away from football, the thing we’re celebrating most about the 2021 Forst Mustang Mach 1 is its Shelby GT350 Tremec TR-3160 manual and short-throw shifter with twin-disc clutch.
Mated to a 5.0L Coyote V8, you’ll get 480 hp at 7,000 rpm and 420 lb-ft of torque at 4,600 rpm. Yep you guessed right, very similar to the Bullitt.
The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is a throwback to the ‘69 and ‘70 originals, which claimed back-to-back SCCA Manufacturer’s Rally Championships and set 295 speed and endurance records at the Bonneville Salt Flats. Historic.
That makes number 4 on our list of 5 cars still available with manual transmission. Save the manual!
