1970 Mach 1 Packing 7 Liter Cobra V8

Mach 1

The Mach 1 nameplate is making a triumphant return to the Mustang lineup this year. And while muscle car enthusiasts await the arrival of the new trim, the very first iteration of the Mach 1 is still growing in popularity. Whether in original condition or beautiful restomod projects like this one, these old Mustangs are fetching top dollar at auctions these days.

Photos: Mecum

Legendary History

Although a brief two-year appearance in 2003 and 2004 saw the Mach 1 moniker in production in the new millennium, most of us still consider the 1969-1978 model the only true Mach 1. Introduced as a high-performance variance for the pony car, it quickly gained massive popularity, which kept it in production for the better part of a decade. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic Cobra Mach 1 right here in the Mustang Source Forum!

Restomod-ed

And this modern/retro build serves as a great tribute to the legend of the original Mach 1. Completed in 2014 by a shop named American Collector Specialties, the 1970 Mustang now has a built fuel-injected 7.0-liter Cobra V8 under the hood, mated to a 4-speed manual gearbox. The massive motor features eight separate throttle bodies.

>>Join the conversation about this classic Cobra Mach 1 right here in the Mustang Source Forum!

Thorough Build Process

The 3,500-hour build includes work on the vehicle's exterior styling as well. The Mach 1 has been given custom bumpers, a rear wing, and a custom carbon fiber hood scoop. Painted in black, the body sits on a 4-link suspension setup. The lowered ride height not only improves handling but also reduces the gap between the wheel's arches and the custom forged wheels, giving the Mach 1 an aggressive stance. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic Cobra Mach 1 right here in the Mustang Source Forum!

Sold at Auction

There's more carbon fiber to be found inside the cabin. The seats have been sourced from a 997 Porsche 911. The steering wheel is a Sparco unit, and JME White-face gauges display pertinent information. This beauty very recently hit the auction block at Mecum's Glendale, AZ event, where it was sold for $148,500. 

>>Join the conversation about this classic Cobra Mach 1 right here in the Mustang Source Forum!

For help with service and mods on your Mustang, visit the how-to section of our sister site MustangForums.com.