A limited-edition Mustang Mach 1 will join the New Zealand Ford Mustang 2021 line-up with potential customers able to secure the sports car via a bespoke reservation programme.

October 14 is the 73rd anniversary of Chuck Yeager’s historic flight in the Bell X-1, in which he became the first pilot to break the sound barrier – Mach 1 – which became the inspiration for the upgraded Mustang model in 1969 through to 1974

“Achieving Mach 1 for the first time was a significant human feat,” said Simon Rutherford, Managing Director, Ford New Zealand. 

“That spirit and determination to keep pushing, never settling and always trying to go further is what the Mach 1 Mustang was all about – and it’s fitting that we can bring our customers, who’ve made Mustang part of our motoring landscape, a 2021 Mustang Mach 1 of their very own.”

The iconic Mach 1 model, which first went on sale in North America in 1969, will be offered in New Zealand in 2021 with the first ever factory right-hand drive model produced at the legendary Flat Rock, Michigan, plant.

In another New Zealand Mustang first, customers will be able to secure their own 2021 Mustang Mach 1 online through a bespoke reservation program with details to be confirmed in the coming weeks.

Mustang Mach 1 brings a new pinnacle of naturally-aspirated 5-litre V8 pony car performance. Following the lead of the original 1969 Mustang Mach 1 that bridged the gap between the Mustang GT and Shelby models, the all-new Mach 1 delivers additional V8 power, driver-focused cockpit and track-focused upgrades above the Mustang GT.

Since its arrival in New Zealand in December 2015, the Ford Mustang has become the best-selling sports car in New Zealand and has seen a passionate customer base for special edition models, including Mustang BULLITT which was sold out before arriving.

Additionally, Mustang became the choice for Ford Performance global racing programs in 2019, which saw Mustang spread to NASCAR, GT4, NHRA and, in Australia, the Virgin Australia Supercars Championship, where it has won the 2019 and 2020 Manufacturers Titles for Ford.

The Mach 1 will be offered alongside the Mustang 2.3L High Performance and Mustang GT in 2021, with New Zealand specification and pricing to be announced closer to launch.