• The black stripe down the center is unique to the Mach 1 model.Out of Rubber image by JDsheely from Fotolia.com
  
  Introduced as a performance model in 1969, the 1971 Mach 1 began a short-lived trend towards larger engines and faster cars. Its run ended 10 years later with the introduction of the lighter Fox Mustang body. The Mach 1 made a brief reappearance in the 2003 model-year. The 1971 Mach 1 Mustang was featured in the James Bond film "Diamonds are Forever."
  
  

Engine

• The 1971 Mach 1 had several V8 engine options. The standard engine is a 302-cubic inch displacement (CID) with a two-valve carburetor (2V), 210-horsepower, 296 ft.-lbs. of torque and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. There was also a 351 CID with a two- or four-valve carburetor. The horsepower in this powerplant ranges from 240 to 330, its torque varies from 350 to 370 ft.-lbs., and the compression ratio ranges from 9:1 to 10.7:1, depending on the transmission and the carburetor. An even more powerful 429 CID, four-valve engine was also available; this motor generates between 370 and 375 horsepower, 450 ft.-lbs. of torque and has a compression ratio of 11.3:1. The 351 CID with 280 horsepower and the 429 CID are both Cobra Jet engines, and the 351 with 330 horsepower is a Boss. Cobra Jet and Boss engines required special packages of features for the cars they were installed in. The standard transmission was a three-speed manual, but there were also three- or four-speed automatics available. The 1971 Mach 1's fuel efficiency averages 16 miles per gallon.
  
  

Dimensions and Features

• The 1971 Mach 1 was elongated in comparison to the 1970 model. Its wheelbase is 109 inches, and it weighs approximately 3,560 pounds. It is 50.1 inches high, 74.1 inches wide and 189.51 inches long overall. This car came with several options, including a console, Competition Suspension, a rear deck spoiler, SelectAire air conditioning, front disc brakes, Magnum 500 wheels, a Rim-Blow steering wheel, tinted glass and a Drag Pack, which was only available for the 429 CID Cobra Jet package. The Drag Pack offered different axle options and a Holley carburetor.
  
  

Price, Production and Performance

• The Mach 1 cost $3,268 when it was first released in 1971. There were 36,499 Mach 1s produced. The 1971 Mach 1 has a maximum speed of 108 MPH and can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 8.1 seconds with the standard 302-CID engine.