Mach 1, the first big "muscle" car built by Ford in the 1971 mustang
series, was the last restyling of the original first-generation Mustang
platform. The body was now 14" longer and
the wheelbase is 109". The car was nearly 800 Ibs heavier than the
original Mustang. Due to emission controls, rising fuel prices and regulations
introduced by government and the insurance industry, the "muscle"
car era diminished during the early 1970s. The new engine for the 71 Mustangs
was the Boss 351 (4V Cleveland engine), which produced 330 hp.
The 429 and Ram Air 429 engines both produced 370 hp. Flush mounted door
handles, large, bold triple-lens tail lights at the rear and color-keyed dual
racing mirrors were standard
equipment and each car bore "Mach 1" decals on the front fender.
Power windows were also offered for the first time. A special honeycomb grille
bearing the pony logo and
a color-keyed front bumper came fitted. The 351 cu. in. Boss V8 engine pushed
the Mustang to 60 mph in 6.6 seconds. The car also featured a competition
suspension with staggered
rear shocks, a four-speed transmission with a Hurst shifter, power front disc
brakes, dual exhausts and a 3.91:1 differential with limited slip at the rear
end. The standa interior featured high-back knitted vinyl sport bucket
seats, a mini console and an all-new instrumentation layout.
