It's Official! The Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is Back!

The attainable track-ready Mustang is gearing up for 2021.

Ask Ford Mustang fans what the most iconic performance version of the pony car is and you'll likely hear a few answers, among them, the GT350 and GT500. But there's another hallowed nameplate in Ford's catalog that sends shivers down the spines of Detroit's rival executives - Mach 1. The Mustang Mach 1 represents the pinnacle of hardcore track-ready 'Stangs, and Ford has just confirmed that the iconic nameplate will be making a comeback in 2021. That's right, there's a new Ford Mustang Mach 1 on the horizon, and we've already been given a first look at the new car in its natural habitat - on the race track.

Originally introduced in 1969, the Mach 1 was the most track-ready version of the iconic sports car, with improved dynamics courtesy of track-ready suspension and a diet that made it formidable on the track. But with a low asking price, it was more attainable than models wearing Shelby and Boss badges. "Mach 1 has always been that bridge between base Mustangs and the Shelby models," said Ted Ryan, heritage brand manager, Ford Archives. "From a style and handling perspective, the original Mach 1 managed to stand out as unique, even in the Mustang lineup - and as the name implies, it could really move."

Throughout the years we've seen various iterations of the Mach 1 nameplate, most recently in 2004 with a retro-inspired design. But after a 17-year hiatus, the badge is returning. While details are scant at this early stage, the Mustang Mach 1 will be track-ready, lightweight, and stripped out, and it will stick to the 5.0-liter V8 found in the standard Mustang GT.

Dave Pericak, director of Ford Icons, claims, "Like the original, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 will be true to its heritage, delivering great looks and as the most track-capable 5.0-liter Mustang ever." We'll likely see more of the Mach 1 as the year progresses, with a full unveiling expected before year-end, packing high-performance Brembo brakes and other mechanicals making it an affordable track weapon.