• Matching numbers car imported in 2002

• Road legal and UK registered

• Lots of money recently spent

• Excellent overall condition in need of minor detailing

Ever since it first appeared in 1964, the Ford Mustang stood for affordable style and accessible performance.

But those performance models got ever-more extreme, culminating in 1969 with the launch of seven different high performance Mustangs. There were three ‘Boss’ models, the Shelby GT350, The Shelby GT500, the Mustang GT and this - the Mach 1. 

The Mach 1 package was only available in the "SportsRoof" fastback body style previously known as the 'fastback’. It was aimed as a younger buyer who liked the performance of the more extreme models but at a slightly more affordable price. 

The Mach 1 specification began with a V8-powered SportsRoof body and added numerous visual and performance enhancing items such as matt black bonnet stripes, chrome hood pins, an air scoop, competition suspension, a chrome pop-open filler cap, revised sports wheels, chrome exhaust tips, a deluxe interior, Mach 1 livery and dealer option chin spoiler, rear deck spoiler, and rear window louvre, all three of which this car has.

Power came from a 302 cu in (4.9-litre) Ford V8. With a choice of three-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, the former of which is fitted to this car. 

You could buy a Mustang Mach 1 as late as 1973, but this example comes from the third year of production – 1971 - which improved on earlier models thanks to the addition of reinforced front suspension towers, thicker sway bars and heavier duty suspension. The 1970 models also got an improved deluxe interior with wood effect dash inserts.

The car was imported to the UK from the USA by the vendor’s uncle in 2002, who had a lot of work carried out on the car to make it road legal and ready to use. 

But in 2003, he stopped using it and parked it up in the garage, where it remained until the vendor retrieved it last year and put it back on the road. 

Included with the Mustang are all of the import paperwork and export papers from the USA proving its official status in the UK. 

There are also three bills from a respected classic car specialist in Essex, which show over £5,000 of expenditure this year on renewing the fuel system, running gear, brakes and getting the car to run right.

The cabin is gloriously of its era,  with black vinyl seats, black carpets and dark wood-effect panelling in the dashboard. 

It's the details that make it, though. The integrated Kenwood radio-cassette player, three-spoke sports steering wheel and Mustang dealer floor mats. The dash also sports a period accessory fabric mat – a common feature to protect the dash vinyl from cracking, though the dashboard underneath it does have some wear. 

Everything is in good, serviceable condition. The driving position is surprisingly snug given the car’s bulk, as you sit low down behind a deep dish steering wheel. This, though, just adds to the feeling of unbeatable cool that this car transmits. It’s a very, very special place in which to spend time as you gaze out over that black-trimmed bonnet scoop and vast front end.

Finished in Dark Ivy Green, this is a car that truly epitomises an iconic era of affordable American muscle and in the process manages to be as cool as the idea of a night out with Steve McQueen and Paul Newman, accompanied by a bottle of bourbon and the perfect period soundtrack.

It's a fabulous piece of classic Americana that couldn't be more faultless in its image if it tried. 

But it's not just its inimitable coolness that gives this Mustang such appeal. It’s also a remarkably sound example and needs nothing immediate to make it a head-turner. The rear window trim is a bit worn

There's something about the sound a V8 engine waking from its slumber as each of the cylinders kicks in and it settles from a clamorous idle to a contented burble. It intoxicating, and this car does it seductively.

Admittedly, it's hardly an eco-car and you'll be lucky to see 15mpg if you drive it enthusiastically. But then you know that because you wouldn't be looking at a 4.9-litre Ford Mustang otherwise. 

After 18 years sitting idle, this one has been fettled back into life by a renowned specialist and is now in fine running order, with a renewed fuel system and a recent service. 

 

This car is an icon. One of the most famous American cars of its era in an extremely cool and desirable specification, with impressive originality. 

It’s a wonderful car with a huge presence, that will become an instant talking point wherever you take it and which has a timeless appeal. If you’ve got more than a drop of petrol running through your veins, it's a car that's very, very hard not to want to own.