Everyone wants the model with the image, it seems. Take the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach I as an example — it was a new model for a popular pony car that looked racy and featured fashionable stripes. However, the hardcore folks who wanted to go fast and didn’t care about looking fast could opt for something like our Pick of the Day, a 1969 Mustang SportsRoof with the 428 Cobra Jet engine. It is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Lithia Springs, Georgia. (Click the link to view the listing)
The Mustang was redesigned for 1969, following the industry trend of being longer/lower/ wider. Though not having the light-on-its-feet look of earlier Mustangs, the new beefy pony car was popular with enthusiasts both then and now, often making the list of enthusiasts’ favorite Mustang. Certainly, the charms from Mustangs of the past were not lost with the redesign, but now with the added attraction of several new models.
Most importantly, the all-new Mach I model was the right car at the right time for Ford, and it sold very, very well. One reason for that was thanks to a standard 351 two-barrel that belied its performance looks, though the more performance-oriented 351 four-barrel sold well too. The Mustang GT continued to be offered, sharing most of the same equipment that was standard on the Mach I, but the GT appeared more subtle and seemed like from a bygone era, even though it was only a few years old. The difference in production between the Mach I and GT was over 60,000, so can you guess which model was discontinued for 1970?
Ford also offered the Boss 302 and Boss 429 models, each serving a different homologation purpose and having a different image. And, for the coupe, Ford introduced the Mustang Grandé, a luxurious pony car that closed the gap between the Mustang and its cousin, the Mercury Cougar.
While many folks liked (and continue to like) to appear fast, there were enthusiasts who preferred going fast and didn’t care about looks or attracting attention. These folks would have opted for the regular Mustang and ordered it with performance equipment. While much rarer than an equivalent Mach I, they also tended to be faster due to the lack of deluxe features and sound-deadener that was part of the Mach I.
One of those Mustangs, a 1969 SportsRoof equipped with the 428 Cobra Jet, is what you see here. The original owner ordered this Acapulco Blue vehicle from the Atlanta district and specified the 428 CJ with ram air (coded R in the VIN), four-speed manual, standard bucket seat interior, and non-locking 3.50 gears. Ford built 10,130 SportsRoofs in total with the R-code CJ, with over 9,000 estimated to be Mach Is and GTs, so you can see that most folks wanted to look the part. “This particular 1969 Ford Mustang … is powered by a period-correct 428 Cobra Jet V8 engine [with] a date code of 8J25 (November 25th, 1968), adding to its authenticity,” says the seller. “The car’s restoration, completed in March 2023, has been a labor of love, mainly undertaken by the consignor. It features aftermarket date-coded glass and seat belts, and a Holley carburetor that’s a period-correct reproduction from Holley.”
Other features included AM/FM radio, Scott Fuller exhaust system, drum brakes all around, and extensive documentation including Marti Report. “The 1969 Ford Mustang R-Code 428 Cobra Jet is a remarkable blend of raw power and classic style. Its era-correct restoration and attention to detail make it a standout piece for collectors,” adds the seller. If you agree, you’ll have to pony up $124,995.
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day.
I always liked the ’69 better than the ’70 just because the headlights looked more in scale with the car, and the high beams looked like proper driving lights, which, after my buddy at GE had 100W aircraft landing lights reconfigured with automotive lugs for mounting (they’re really soldered on, so no biggie) they really were. I also liked the taillights better. Often the first iteration’s the best, before the marketing department wants some baroque change. Worst was Chrysler after ’57.
Drum brakes ?
After all is said n done, it’s still just a ford
Knew a guy in HS had one. One of the few cars to ever really scare me…. The thing was an animal.
Only thing that kept him out of jail was his step dad was a sheriff. Lol Good times
Nice car but reproduction door tag, data plate and vin tag gets me running the other way. I respect a restored car with weare and tear to these plates showing originality. The price is close to or more than scj money.
I just Love Ford,I will never buy no other Auto,it has to be a Ford
My first Ford was a 1973 Mercury Cougar with a 351 C