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2021 FORD MUSTANG MACH 1 PRICE: MORE THAN BULLITT, LESS THAN SHELBY GT350

And It “Won’t Be Built To Demand”

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Price Blue Specs Info Photos
Photo via Ford.

October 14 marks the 73rd anniversary of the first known supersonic flight achieved by mankind. Mach 1. Chuck Yaeger achieved this milestone in 1947 with the X-1 rocket plane over Rogers Dry Lake in southern California, and since then that record has been surpassed several times over. In fact, on October 3, 1967, the X-15 set and continues to hold the record for fastest manned aircraft, at Mach 6.72 (4,520) – nearly seven times faster than the initial milestone. Anyway, with today being the fourteenth of October, there’s more news about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1, one we’ve been patiently waiting for.

The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price starts at $51,720, plus $1,195 destination and delivery charge. This effectively splits the difference between the outgoing Mustang Bullitt that stickered at $46,705 and the beloved Mustang Shelby GT350, which carried an MSRP of $59,140. Order books open today, and the Mach 1 will arrive in Canadian and USA dealerships by spring of 2021.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach-1
Photo via Ford.

That said, if horsepower, loud noises, and pissing excellence is all you’re looking for, The 2021 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack with 485 horsepower from its 392 Hemi V8 engine is currently marked at $39,995. Will it dance around the road course like the Mustang will? No. But, it’s definitely a benchmark in Power-per-Dollar. Just as well, the 2021 Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE – arguably the most direct competitor to the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 – stickers at $45,495 including destination. It may be slightly down on horsepower, at 455 hp, but the lithe Camaro SS 1LE has been a thorn in the Mustang’s side for many comparison tests.

As MC&T first confirmed, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 will be sold in global Mustang markets where the Shelby GT350 and GT500 are not permitted, such as the European Union. Production volume remains a closely guarded secret, as Mustang Marketing Manager Jim Owens tells us that the new muscle car “won’t be built to demand”. The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price is unknown for other markets at the time of this writing.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Specs Info Price Colors Photos Options
Photo via Ford.

2021 Mustang Mach 1 model is all about bold styling, great acceleration and outright speed. Starting with the latter, the Mach 1 is powered by a specially-tuned variant of the 5.0L V8 engine, producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, just like the Mustang Bullitt it’s replacing. But it’s more than just a re-skinned Bullitt, as there are several parts pulled from the Shelby portfolio, as well. The Tremec 3160 6-speed manual transmission is pulled right from the GT350, and now for the first time it offers active rev-matching capabilities in the Mach 1. Buyers can also spec the 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with an upgraded torque converter, tuned to maximize the engine torque available from the 5.0L.

Under the hood, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 and its 5.0L V8 receive revised versions of the Shelby GT350’s intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and engine oil cooler, which helps to increase engine oil cooling capability by 50 percent over the standard car.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Logo
The Updated Logo Courtesy of Ford.

For more on track cooling capability, Ford has also fit the Mach 1 with the rear axle cooling system and lower diffuser from the almighty Shelby GT500. Yes, even GT500 parts can be found here. Combine that with the rear subframe, stiffer bushings, and a rear toe-link borrowed from the GT500, and the intention for the Mach 1 is clear: a track star that seeks to out-run the Chevrolet Camaro SS 1LE.

Other performance oriented hardware includes the latest version of Ford’s MagneRide suspension system, the short throw shifter from the Mustang GT Performance Pack cars, a stiffer steering I-shaft, new EPAS calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, and the brake booster from the Mustang GT Performance Pack Level 2. However, much of the Mach 1’s newfound capabilities come from its improved aerodynamics. That all starts with the new underbelly pan, which extends a full 20 inches further rearward than it does on the GT Performance Pack models. This helps to clean up the air under the car, and thanks to some integrated fins, it also helps with cooling the brakes. Not bad for a Mustang. Thanks to the front splitter optimized for the new fascia paired with a rear spoiler, the Mach 1 produces 22 percent more downforce than a GT equipped with Performance Pack Level 1.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Muscle Car
Photo via Ford.

Opt for the manual-exclusive Handling Package, and downforce improves 150 percent over the Mustang GT. The Handling Package includes a larger high downforce front splitter, new wheel lip moldings up front, a low-gloss Magnetic swing spoiler with a Gurney flap, and the rear tire spats from the GT500.

As a bit of a throwback, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-1 features a pair of placeholders where a set of rally lights would be, as seen in the original Mach-1. Ford tells us that these circular panels can simply be popped out, and the aftermarket (which doesn’t have to deal with the prohibitively expensive rigors of re-engineering a front fascia in the name of compliance), can provide a solution to customers looking to fit throwback rally lights if they so choose. Historically, the Ford Mustang Mach-1 took home a pair of SCCA Manufacturer’s Rally Championships in 1969 and 1970.

Aside from the rally light placeholders, the new Mustang Mach-1 visually separates itself from its stablemates with unique paint options, unique wheels, a specific aero kit, and an oh-so-cool orange/gray stripe option.

If you think the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 price is worth it, you better get yours before they’re all gone.

2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 specs price info photos colors options
Photo via Ford.

Written by Manoli Katakis

Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.

Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.

Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.

Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.

At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.

Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the cockpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.

One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.

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