2004 Ford Mustang

The Ford Mustang's first major redesign in fifteen years occurred in November of 1993 and was code-named 'SN-95.' It used an updated version of the rear-wheel-drive Fox platform (Fox-4) and was styled by Patrick Schiavone using styling cues sourced from earlier Mustangs. The base engine was a 3.8-liter overhead valve V6 unit rated at 145 bhp, rising to 150 in 1996. A five-speed manual transmission was standard equipment and a four-speed automatic was optional.

1996 was a monumental year as it marked the retirement of Ford's 302 CID pushrod small-block V8 after nearly three decades of use. In its place was a new Modular 4.6-liter SOHC V8 in the 1996 Mustang GT. Initially, it was rated at 215 horsepower, increasing in 1998 to 225 horsepower.

Ford's New Edge styling theme was introduced in 1999, bringing with it larger wheel arches, creases in the bodywork, and sharper contours.

The use of the 'Bullitt' name had proven success so Ford decided to turn to its heritage once again and revive the Mach 1 name. Built for the 2003 and 2004 model year, it was built in a similar fashion to the Bullitt by using the Cobra's 13-inch Brembo front brake rotors, Tokico gas shocks and struts, and lower and stiffer springs. The heart of the Mach 1 was the dual overhead cam 32-valve 4.6 liter Modular V8, referred to by Mach 1 owners as an 'R' code DOHC (in reference to the unique VIN engine R code), delivering 305 horsepower. The all-aluminum engine was fitted with the same high flow heads as the SVT Cobra and the intake camshafts of Lincoln's 5.4-liter 'InTech' V8. Transmission options included a four-speed automatic and a Tremec sourced 5-speed manual. To cope with the increase in power, a factory steel 'Box' cross-section subrframe connectors were added to the chassis.

The styling of the Mach 1 drew inspiration from the original 1970 Mach 1. It used a matte black spoiler and hood stripe, Mach 1 rocker panel stripes and Mach 1 badging on the rear, flat black chin spoiler, and faux Magnum 500 polished 17x8 alloy wheels. The interior continued the retro theme with well-bolstered dark grey leather seats with 70's style 'Comfort Weave' textures. The gauge cluster was also 1970's themed along with a machined aluminum shift ball. The outside featured a bulging hood with cut-out, and a semi-legitimate 'Shaker hood' providing some air to the motor and function as a code air 'snorkel' and a partial Ram Air at speed.

The 2004 Mach 1 saw minor cosmetic changes that included aluminum finished valve covers instead of the black finished covers on the 2003 models. There were 40th anniversary tags ahead of the doors while the 2003 models wore traditional Mustang Running Pony and Tri-Color bar. The only change to the interior was the removal of the overhead 'cargo net' mounted on the headliner. Horsepower and torque remained the same.

9,652 examples were built in 2003 and 7,182 were built in 2004.

The 2004 model year was the final use of the New Edge body platform and the Fox framed unibody chassis. The 2005 model year introduced the first new frame design since 1979.

By Daniel Vaughan | Aug 2020

This 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Coupe is a 40th Anniversary example and one of 1,259 Mach ones produced in Torch Red. It is one of 956 in Torch Red with a five-speed manual transmission. There is a leather interior, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power seat, tilt wheel, cruise control, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2020