In Italy, This Mustang is a Four Wheel Dream

Photography by Federico Bajetti

Here in Italy, where you might catch a glimpse of some nice Ferrari or Maserati hurtling noisily through the tall trees and narrow streets with a bit of luck, the Ford Mustang is quite unusual. In this case, we’re talking about a particularly rare Ford Mustang Mach 1. The mythical “Pony car” was born was born as the Baby Boom generation came of age, right on time. Debuted at the New York Auto Show of 1964, it had to be light and lean. The Mach 1 performance package was introduced in late 1968 and intended for the 1969 model.

The original recipe was simple: with a V8 powered ‘Sportsroof’ body and numerous visual and performance enhancing items such as matte black hood treatment with hood pins, Shaker hood scoop, competition suspension, chrome pop-open gas cap, revised wheels, chrome exhaust tips, deluxe interior, unmistakable livery, dealer optional chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvers. This beautiful bordeaux specimen with black details, dates back to 1970 and was imported directly from its previous owner, after a trip to the United States where the new owner saw and immediately felt in love with it, deciding to buy and import the Mach 1.

Which brings us to the peaceful countryside of the “Pianura Padana”, in Northern Italy. The big V8 351 Cleveland fires up, coughing with a dull roar, settling on a into a lopey rumble. The long hood rises suddenly as the accelerator pedal drops and the 300hp are unleashed with a 3-speed transmission to the rear wheels. The V8 is loud and becomes increasingly raucous to over 5,000 rpm.

A magnificent car, with a sporty character, this Mach 1 was a real four-wheel-dream for the ’70s Baby Boomers, a racy alternative for those who won’t go unnoticed.