1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Cobra Jet
Striking turquoise paint is called Aztec Aqua on the build sheet
The Cobra Jet has a connection to Tasca Ford in Providence RI
Iconic Mach I “sportsroof” fastback
1969 was the first calendar year of the production of the Mach 1 body type, as Ford actively tried to move away from the previous GT moniker used since the release of the first Mustang model in 1965. Sales of the car had been slowly plummeting in the wake of the success of the 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and 1967 Pontiac Firebird.
The creation of the engine, the most significant innovation of this car, was a happy accident, and is credited to Bob Tasca of Tasca Ford in East Providence, RI! Tasca had an entire Ford-sponsored drag-race team that won the National Hot Rod Association Championships in 1964.
In 1968, one of his engineering techs crashed the factory 390 FE Mustang model released that year, and set about fixing the blown motor. The engine was replaced with a 428cid Police Interceptor short-block, and the resulting creation became known as KR-8, for “King of the Road 1968.” The KR moniker was later transferred to the Shelby Mustang line.
The car received such an overwhelmingly positive response that the engine was put into rush production to prepare for the 1968 model release and race season. The first 52 built were sent directly to the NHRA races. The engine was a factory-option through the 1971 model year and was available for purchase for an additional $420.
The factory-standard body now included the “sportsroof” body style (previously referred to as the fastback), the dealer-optional chin spoiler, the matte black Shaker hood with pins, the rear deck spoiler, and the rear window louvers, also known as slats.
The car’s turquoise color is called Aztec Aqua on the build sheet.
It ran a 13.56 second, quarter mile at 100mph, which was outstanding for the era.
Specifications
Configuration: Longitudinal front engine
Engine: Cobra Jet V8
Displacement: 428cid/7.01 liter
Horsepower: 335hp at 5,600 rpm
Torque: 440 ft-lbs at 3,400 rpm
Transmission: 3-speed Cruise-o-Matic automatic