It seems most people gravitate to cars that are dolled-up—they want stripes, chrome, and spoilers. But there’s a few who are content to sit in the shadows and have no need to make a grand entrance. Our Pick of the Day is the kind of car for the latter folks who aren’t out to impress but, ironically, it’s quite an impressive car. This 1969 Ford Mustang SportsRoof is listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Ford Mustang was redesigned for 1969, bigger, bulkier, and badder than before. The wheelbase remained the same, but length from nose to tail grew by around four inches and weight went up by several hundred pounds. A step backwards? It would seem so, but 1969 has become a collector’s favorite, and it’s easy to see why thanks to several highlights within the Mustang portfolio.
First were engines. New was a 351 Windsor small-block, available in both two- and four-barrel configurations. This was a much-needed selection under the hood as Ford previously had no engines between the 302 and 390, while Camaro customers had a performance 302, a pair of 327s, a performance 350, and a 396 big-block in several states of tune. The new Ford small-block filled that gap.
Next were models. Just like the Mercury Cougar proved that there was a market for a more upscale pony car, Ford followed suit with the Mustang Grande, a luxuriously trimmed Mustang Coupe that raised the ante among entry-level pony cars. Then there was the mid-year introduction of two homologation specials: the Boss 302 was created to certify Ford’s efforts in the Trans-Am circuit, while the Boss 429 was created to certify the new 385-series engine for NASCAR (the rules never indicated the engine needed to be installed in the same car that was racing). Both were based on the SportsRoof. The GT package also made its final appearance, available in all three body styles.
And then there was the Mach I. Based on the SportsRoof, this new model was reflective of Ford getting its performance marketing in order and creating an image model. The Fairlane series had suffered from a similar predicament, so the introduction of the Mach I and the Fairlane-based Cobra was enough to properly bring Ford up to speed in the youth market. Mach I came standard with a 351 two-barrel, but buyers could specify a 290-horsepower version with a four-barrel, a 320-horse 390, or the already-famous 335-horse 428 Cobra Jet. But it wasn’t under the hood that was newsworthy as much as how it presented itself: longitudinal reflective side stripes, low-gloss black hood and cowl, dual racing mirrors, high-back bucket seats, console, molded door panels with integral arm rests, fat tires with chrome styled steel wheels, and more. It may be a cliché, but the Mach I looked like it was speeding while still.
Alas, the Mach I weighed 266 pounds more than an equivalent SportsRoof, and over 200 pounds over a SportsRoof with the GT package—sure, the Mach I had image in spades but, ironically, it also was equipped more like a gran turismo, so it also was built for comfort. Want a car built for speed? A basic SportsRoof with any of the performance engines was your best bet.
So, to some, buying a car isn’t about being Mr. or Mrs. Popularity, unless that means being the one with the most racing trophies. This 1969 Ford Mustang SportsRoof looks like it was ordered to be the hot shoe in town, but it holds a secret between its shock towers: a 427 side-oiler with 4-speed, 9-inch rear, and 3.50 gears. Ford never built a Mustang with a 427, but it’s a combination that die-hards always dream about. Other features include aluminum radiator with dual electric fans, new exhaust system, fuel tank and lines, new power steering, brakes, and suspension, and Firestone Wide Ovals.
“This super-straight Mustang is a nut-and-bolt restoration and has show-quality paint and underside,” says the Canadian seller. “This Mustang was built in Dearborn so no tax, duty, or tariff to U.S. buyers.” For $88,000 USD (or $119,000 CDN), you can be the popular guy or gal not by being beautiful, but by being fast.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com