Unlike The Mach-E, This Mustang Mach 1 Is Pure V8 Power

Feb. 16, 2020 4:10 PM ET by Jay Traugott For Sale / 5 Comments

An oldie but a goodie.

Times are changing, there's no doubt about it. When this 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1 rolled off the production line at the Dearborn Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, the very idea of all-electric vehicles becoming mainstream was laughable. Battery technology wasn't anywhere near what it's become today. Smartphones? They didn't even exist yet. The first iPhone didn't arrive until 2007. This was also the pre-recession time for GM and Chrysler, but Ford realized its financial problems in advance, saving it from a government bailout a few years later.

This was also the final year for the fourth-generation Ford Mustang. Although it rode on an updated Fox body platform called SN-95, the Mustang was in need of a replacement. Ford didn't consider discontinuing it and instead launched the fifth-gen model with retro styling. The fact that the Fox body was finished was also the end of an era that began way back in 1978. As a way of giving the Fox body a proper farewell, Ford wanted to do something special.

One of those ideas that materialized was the Mustang Mach 1, built from 2003 to 2004. Ford understood this new Mach 1 had to be done right, otherwise, there'd be a rightful backlash. Power came from the naturally aspirated 4.6-liter V8 used for the Mustang Cobra, though it received new cylinder heads. Total output came to 305 horsepower with power going to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission. The exterior was given a special Mach 1 package featuring a functional Shaker scoop, decals on the hood and door panels, a chin spoiler, a flat black-rear spoiler, Brembo brakes, and 17-inch Magnum 500-style wheels. These unique features worked quite well with the "New Edge" styling at the time.

The interior had some cool retro elements applied, specifically the gauges and the aluminum shifter ball. As an added bonus, Ford opted for "comfort-weave" seats as another tribute to the original 1969 Mustang Mach 1.

And now that it's been 16 years since the last Fox body Mustang was built, it could be a good time to consider buying one in good condition as a future collectible. Of course, not just any fourth-gen Mustang will do, but we think this 2004 Mach 1 is quite suitable. It's currently up for sale on Bring A Trailer and, as of this writing, has a bid of only $5,000. The auction is scheduled to end on February 19.

This Mach 1 only has 10,000 miles on its clock and features a cool Screaming Yellow exterior over a black leather interior. There is a dent in the rear bumper cover and some paint chips on the front end, however.

The interior even features a six-disc CD changer and Mach 1-embroidered floor mats. Lastly, anyone interested should be aware there's some corrosion on the driveshaft that needs to be dealt with. Not every Mustang fan can afford a classic Mustang, but given that the final Fox body generation cars are approaching two decades in age, now could be a smart time to buy while they're still relatively cheap.