1969 Mustang History
back1969 Mustang History
The 1969 Ford Mustang receives a significant facelift. New models are introduced and engine power is increased. The body grows shy of four inches while keeping the same 108 inch wheelbase.
Visual body changes include an additional pair of headlights and the repositioning of the fender marker lights to the front valance panel. There are changes to the rear scoops on the convertible and coupe models, and the front end takes on a sharper look combined with a new grille showing off the "running horse" emblem on the left side.
New models for the 1969 Ford Mustang included:
The "Coupe Grande" which was sold as a luxury model.
The "Mach 1" available for the performance minded individual, was offered with a choice of the 351, 390 or 428 cid motors.
The "Boss 302" which came with a sporty looking trim package, including a semi-gloss black painted hood and trunk lid, front and rear trunk lid spoiler, flared fenders, body side vinyl stripes, louvers on the rear side windows and best of all, a high compression 290 bhp screaming 302 cid engine and a high performance suspension package to handle the extra power.
The "Boss 429" (the sickest of the bunch) showcasing the amazingly fast 429 cid engine which was sold as a 375 bhp unit, but many believed it to push in excess of 500 bhp. It featured a large hood scoop, dual sport mirrors and front spoiler. It came with a heavy duty sporty suspension including power front disc brakes, an engine cooler, power steering, rear stabilizer bar and a trunk mounted battery.
1969 will be the last year for the Shelby Mustang. Models available are still the GT350 and GT500, and may be ordered as a fastback or convertible.
The GT350 is powered by the freshly introduced 351 cid Windsor engine rated at 290 bhp. A 428 cid Cobra Jet engine is offered with the GT500 model pushing 335 bhp.
As far as the body goes, there is still a fair amount of distinction between the Mustang and the Shelby. Big year for scoops..five grace the hood panel, two on both the front fenders and quarter panels.
The hood panel and trunk lid as well as the front fenders and the front nose extension are made out of fiberglass. A redesigned grille holds two 7" headlights with the fog lamps being relocated underneath the bumper. The taillights are borrowed from the Thunderbird.
Production for the 1969 Shelby totaled 3,153 units, of which 789 were sold in 1970 as updated units.
| Model | Body Style | Particulars | Produced |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shelby GT350 Fastback | 935 | Shelby GT350 Convertible | 194 |
| Shelby GT500 Fastback | 1536 | Shelby GT500 Convertible | 335 |
| Shelby GT500 (Hertz Rental Units) | 150 | Crash Test And Prototype | 3 |
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