The Mustang Mach 1 is a Bullitt Without the Bullitt

The Mustang Mach 1 is a track-focused pony that fills the void left by the Bullitt model that’s gone. It’s a high-fidelity tribute to all the great parts found in the current GT line-up, with a potent powertrain, the same chassis tuning and a lot of unique exterior details.

Exterior

The Mustang has been a staple in Ford’s lineup for nearly 60 years. It’s not uncommon for unique trims to come out periodically, allowing customers to get a taste of performance without breaking the bank.

The mustang mach 1 is one of those packages, and it’s something you should check out if you love the idea of a big, powerful muscle car. It combines a classic look with modern technology, and it even comes with some cool graphics that change depending on the driving mode you’re in.

It also features a 5.0-liter V8 engine that churns out a claimed 408 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. The automaker claims Mach 1 can have a 0-60 mph time of four seconds and a 168 mph top speed.

Interior

If you’re in the market for a racier version of a Mustang, Mach 1 is a must. This 480-hp model packs parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500 models, while offering more performance than an ordinary Mustang.

The exterior of this rear-drive coupe has a strong nod to the ’69 Mach 1, including functional bonnet vents and a deep splitter that adds to its take-no-prisoners appeal. Our test car also came with snazzy painted aluminum wheels, the Mach 1 Appearance package and unique Fighter Jet Gray paint.

The cabin is minimalist but still has a retro-like feel. Touchups like the white cue ball gear knob from the Bullitt edition and a dash-mounted Mach 1 badge help to give this model its own unique identity.

Performance

The mustang mach 1 bridges the gap between the GT and Shelby models, offering V-8 power, unique functional aerodynamic enhancements, competition-capable suspension upgrades and a driver-focused cockpit. It’s the most track-capable 5.0 Mustang ever, thanks to Ford Performance parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500.

The 5.0-liter Coyote engine produces 470 hp and 410 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a six-speed manual gearbox from Tremec or a 10-speed automatic that sends the power to the rear wheels.

To get the most out of its power, Ford recommends switching to sport+ mode. This fully opens the active exhaust, gives the steering a hefty feel, and disengages most of the traction control.

On the road, the mach 1 feels like a Franken-Stang — a mix of a Bullitt and a Shelby GT350. That’s because it’s equipped with a lot of Shelby parts, including the same intake manifold, oil filter adapter, transmission cooler and rear toe-link as the Shelby GT350.

Value

Compared to other Mustang models, the Mach 1 is a great value. It starts at $52,915, which is more than you’d pay for a Bullitt but less than the GT350.

It also features a lot of parts that are shared between the GT and the Shelby GT350. The engine, twin-disc clutch and short-throw shifter are all from the GT.

The Mach 1 is powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that delivers 480 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. It’s a 20-horsepower improvement over the standard 4.6-liter V8 found in the GT, which puts out 435.

The Mach 1 offered a wide variety of options that made it a performance-oriented model, including the two-barrel 351 Windsor that produced 250 horsepower on regular fuel and the 7.0-liter 428 CJ that put out 330. There was also a special “Competition HD” suspension package for the 428-equipped cars that included beefier front spindles, Gabriel heavy-duty shocks and shock tower bracing.