Experimental 1968 Mustang Mach 1

     This was a customized version of the 1967 Mustang 2 + 2 with a competition image. It had rectangular, competition-style headlamps. Large scoops were attached to the body sides, behind the side cove. Large, round competition-style flip-open fuel fillers were seen on both sail panels. The rear had four exhaust extensions exiting in the center of the car, just below the bumper. It had red stripe tires and slinky-looking mag wheels. It had red, monotone finish. Body-colored racing mirrors were affixed directly to both side windows. The car looked quiet a bit like the production version Mach 1, introduced in 1969. It was actually an early version of the more radical 1968 Mach 1 show car.

1968 Mustang Mach 1

     Ford Division’s experimental 1968 Mustang Mach 1 was reported to have many design features of the production Mustang and the Ford GT competition vehicles. The Mach 1 prototype was revised. Up front, it had a recessed grille and rectangular headlights set horizontally in the fenders. The twin-louvered hood and 64-degree windshield angle accentuated the racing look of the car. Air intakes in the body, just behind the doors, provided extra cooling for the rear brakes. The wheel openings were flared to accept special Wide-Oval low-profile racing tires mounted on cast aluminum alloy wheels. Side marker lights were mounted on the front and rear fenders. The prototype was designed at the Ford Design Center in Dearborn, Michigan.