The 1969 MustangThe 1969 Mustang was a continuation and improvement of the major changes started in the 1968 model year. Engine and Power TrainThe 390 cubic inch V8 was still available, whose specs have it making a conservative 320 horsepower with over 400 feet of torque. Things that make you go hmmmm...The standard inline six cylinder was still available, but Ford added an additional 250 cubic inch six with horsepower upped to 150. The 302 cubic inch v8 was still available as a 2 barrel, however, new for the 1969 Mustang were two different 351 cubic inch engines manufactured in Windsor Ontario, Canada. Two and four barrel carburetor options were available and horsepower was increased from the base 302's 210 horsepower, to 225 hp and 290 horsepower with the 351 cubic inch engines,respectively. This cold air induction is still a popular way to get "free horsepower" from your motor, because when air is colder, it is denser and holds more oxygen. As well, since the air is entering the carb at a higher than normal velocity, the extra volume and oxygen, cause an increase in power. Exterior StylingThe 1969 Mustang styling was fine tuned, and a unique 4 headlight system with 2 lights positioned inside the grille mouth, where in past models, had seen the addition of fog lights. The fastback was for some reason, renamed a "sports roof" and If you wanted a , 1969 Mustang Mach 1 that's the only way you got one! So if you see any Mach 1 coupes or convertibles for sale, I'd say pass them by.... The Boss 429The rarest of the breed was the homologation special, 1969 Mustang Boss 429, a purpose built 1969 Ford Mustang, which was designed to compete against the deadly 426 hemi powered NASCAR race cars developed by Chrysler.
To qualify a motor for NASCAR, it had to be based on a street car motor, with a production of at least 1,000 motors. The only problem? It was too big to fit into the stock Mustang's engine bay. Ford Shipped out stripped down body/chassis to Kar Kraft, a custom car builder who had been involved in development of the original GT40 cars. Substantial changes to the body, frame and suspension were made to shoe horn the Huge 429 cubic inch engine into a too small engine compartment. Catch the full details in the
Boss 429 Mustang section.
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