Ford Mustang Mach 1 Returns As 2021 Limited Edition Model

Ford already has a dizzying number of available trims and configurations for the Mustang, but that isn’t stopping the automaker from adding one more option to its lineup. Rumors of Ford reviving the iconic Mach 1 nameplate have been swirling around for quite some time and the automaker is taking the guesswork out of the equation by confirming that the Mustang Mach 1 is indeed returning. This time, it’s coming back as a limited-edition model for the 2021 model year.

Let’s not beat around the bush here, the Mustang Mach 1, just like the historic nameplates that came before it, will be “the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever.” The fact that Ford specifically called out its 5.0-liter V8 engine is important for a few reasons. Not too long ago, Ford introduced the GT Performance Package and Performance Package – Level 2 for consumers that wanted to bridge the gap between the regular Mustang GT and the track-focused Shelby models. The upcoming Mustang Mach 1 will further close that gap.

Based on the few photos that Ford put out of a camouflaged Mustang Mach 1, the sports car looks like it will come with upgraded brakes, improved aerodynamics, sticky tires, and lightweight wheels. The test vehicle also sports a unique grille with circular air inlets or fog light holes like the ones found on the original ’69 Mustang Mach 1, which had fog lights mounted right on the grille. We also expect Ford to fiddle with the suspension system or introduce a unique tune for its MagneRide adaptive dampers, as those are found on the Performance Package – Level 2.

Rumors speculate that the upcoming Mustang Mach 1 will replace the Bullitt trim. If true, it’s likely that Ford would use the 5.0-liter V8 engine from that trim in the Mustang Mach 1. Over the standard Mustang GT, the V8 in the Bullitt produces 20 more horsepower for a total out of 480 horses. Other rumors claim that Ford will do away with the Shelby GT350 and GT350R for the 2020 model year, too. That would create a larger gap between the Mustang Mach 1 and the 760-hp Shelby GT500.

The Mach 1 name is steeped in rich history. The first time the name appeared on a Mustang was back in 1969 on a pony car that came with improved performance and acted as a way to separate the Boss and Shelby versions of the vehicle. Over the years, Ford continued to update the Mach 1 to ensure it remained competitive with other muscle and sports cars. In 1971, Ford introduced even more performance updates for the Mach 1 with engine upgrades and additional suspension enhancements. The Mach 1 name even found its way over the Mustang II in the form of a smaller hatchback. By the end of the ‘70s, the Mach 1 took roughly 30 years off before reappearing on the fourth-gen Mustang for the 2003 and 2004 model years.

If rumors are to be believed, and Ford really is killing off the Bullitt, Shelby GT350, and Shelby GT350 for the 2021 model year, introducing a new, high-performance version of the pony car with a historic nameplate is a great way to appease die-hard fans. Our best guess is that pricing will start at around the $50,000 mark.

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