Lot 351: 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 351ci M-Code Fastback

To win over younger buyers to their marque, Ford Motor Company Vice President Lee Iacocca and his team of visionaries introduced their Mustang ‘Pony’ car in 1964 and, to counter ‘The General’s’ high performance competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird, soon there were high performance versions and go-faster packages in the Ford sales brochure. Mustang bodies became longer and wider, styling more aggressive, for the 1967 sales season, a trend which was continued on 1969 models which had engine options ranging from 115bhp six to 360bhp V8. This 351 was the power unit engine used for the Mach 1, which was only available in fastback coupe form, the same bodywork shared with the Boss 302, 351 and 429 Mustangs.
The muscular Mustang Mach 1 Fastback 351ci M-Code Fastback auto offered here - which is currently presented in blue metallic and cream vinyl interior with such visually enhancing factory items as black painted bonnet secured by pins, chromed petrol cap and chin-spoiler - was supplied new to Canada in 1969. With the 5485cc V8-engined car are an original 1969 driver’s handbook and a Ford Canada booklet containing service stamps for the first 42,000 miles. Following shipment to the UK, a dozen MOTs record low annual mileage readings of 89,000 miles in 1981 to 97,000 when last tested in April. The likely total mileage had only risen to 97,700 when consigned for this sale.
Whilst it is unclear where and when restoration took place, the left-hand drive coupe has certainly been renovated at some time and various receipts from 1984-2008 record service work carried out and parts supplied, most recently to renew the radiator and to refurbish the power steering. This potent American has a V5C confirming chassis ID and UK registration, whilst the current historic vehicle eligible tax disc and latest MOT certificate will be valid until March and April 2009 respectively.