Mustang Then and Now

Our Legacy Series, located in the Benefactors Gallery, focuses on a contrast between Pony cars. Mustang: Then and Now juxtaposes a 1969 Mach 1 Cobra Jet, a 2006 Saleen, and a 2021 Mach 1 Coupe.

1969 Mach 1 Cobra Jet

This Mustang is equipped with a 428 cubic inch Cobra Jet engine. The “Shaker” hood scope pulls fresh, cool air into the single 4-barrel carburetor to produce 435 HP through dual exhausts. The transmission is a Ford C6 automatic connected to a 9-inch (ring gear diameter) Traction Lok differential with power front disc brakes and power steering also installed. The fastback is unique because its restoration was completed more than 20 years ago. Adhering exactly to how it came off the assembly line, all of the components are original Ford-built items and correct for the car. The exterior, interior, engine bay, and chassis finishes, along with the markings and materials used in the restoration, replicate the processes, appearance, and Ford production line specifications applicable at the time. As a result, this Mustang earned the coveted Mustang Club of America “Silver” award—a Gift to the Museum from Joseph and Belinda Sikora, Virginia Beach, VA.

2006 Saleen Mustang Convertible

Like many other racecar drivers and builders, Steve Saleen yearned for his name on a car he produced and raced. At the top of his “want list” was the race-proven Mustang. Soon, the Saleen-designed pony car, with a special suspension and racing-type body kit, was racing in the SCCA Showroom Stock Escort Endurance Series, where it dominated for four years. Soon known as Saleen, Inc., the company became an original equipment manufacturer and began designating models with the 4.6-liter, DOHC V8 Ford engine, bearing the number 281. An aerodynamic body kit and a heavy-duty suspension transformed the original Mustang GT platform. The special edition Saleen Coupe features front and rear end bumper modifications, special wheels and decals, and exclusive rocker panel moldings. Inside are special seats with exclusive Saleen accents. Saleen number 0491 is all original and painted in a not-often-seen yellow color. On loan from the owner, Dale Yingst.

2021 Mustang Mach 1 Coupe

The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 is a performance-oriented edition of the famous Pony Car. It bridges the gap between the GT and Shelby models, featuring a 5.0-liter V8 engine producing 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque. It includes features from the GT350 — like a Tremec six-speed manual transmission — and from the GT500 — such as enhanced cooling and aerodynamics for track-ready capabilities. Key features include aggressive styling, a unique front fascia, improved cooling, and an available handling package for even more track-focused performance.   The car is on display courtesy of Maguire’s Ford in Hershey, Pa.