After the success of the 2001 Mustang Bullitt, Ford launched another “Living Legend” specialty Mustang in 2003 with the re-introduction of the Mach 1 model. Mach 1 offered car collectors and enthusiasts alike a modern Mustang with an infusion of Ford muscle-car styling cues from the ’60s. Its functional “shaker” hood scoop was modeled after the car’s original shaker hood, and other signature design cues also came from the Mach 1’s 1969 namesake, including the logo. These include a matte-black hood stripe, black front air-dam extension, a black rear decklid spoiler, predominate rocker panels, body side scoops and five-spoke wheels. Even some classic color schemes returned; Mach 1 exterior paint choices in 2003 were Oxford White, Black, Torch Red, Zinc Yellow, Azure Blue and Dark Shadow Gray.
To match its aggressive looks, the Mach 1’s 4.6L DOHC modular engine originally developed for the SVT Cobra featured a dual-bore 57mm throttle body, cast-aluminum intake manifold and a set of new, high-flow four-valve cylinder heads. Exhaust manifolds were port matched to the heads, and specific Mach 1 mufflers were tuned to create a unique sound. Mach 1 was offered with a manual or automatic transmission.
Engine
Type: 90-degree DOHC 32-valve V-8
Displacement: 4.6L / 281 CID
Horsepower: 305 hp @ 5,800 RPM
Torque: 320 lbs.-ft. @ 4,200 RPM
Bore x Stroke: 90.2mm x 90mm
Compression: 10.1:1
Suspension
Front: Independent, modified MacPherson strut with separate spring on lower arm and 26.5-mm stabilizer bar.
Rear: Four-bar link with coil springs on lower arm, unique horizontal axle damper and 23-mm solid stabilizer bar
Brakes
Front: 13.0 in. Brembo disc, Aluminum dual-piston custom anondized caliper
Rear: 11.6 in. vented disc, single-piston caliper
ABS: Four-channel ABS system, linked to all-speed traction control
Wheels
Wheels: 17 x 8 in 5-spoke “Heritage” wheels
Tires: 245/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagle ZR45
Performance
0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds (Motor Trend)
60 to 0 braking: 120 feet (Motor Trend)
1/4-mile @ MPH: 13.88 seconds @ 101.9 mph (Motor Trend)
Production
Total Produced (Coupe Only): 7,182
– Torch Red: 2,513
– Azure Blue: 2,250
– Black: 1,611
– Dark Shadow Grey: 1,595
– Zinc Yellow: 869
– Oxford White: 814
