If you have been looking for information on the 2003-2004 Mach 1, LMR has you covered with everything you need to know about this restyled classic!
Fords second throwback to the 60’s was the relaunch Mach 1 for 2003-04. Two years prior Ford produced the Mustang Bullitt based on the GT with the 4.6L SOHC 2V engine. This time around, the guys at SVT made their 4V DOHC engine from the 99-01 Cobra but made some tweaks for better low-end torque and a stronger engine across the powerband. This Mach had clear cosmetic touches reminiscent of the 1969-70 versions which instantly became a classic with its retro looks and modern power!
Engine:
Performance:
Wheels/Tires:
Brakes
General:
2003 Mach 1 Production Numbers:
Total Produced (Coupe Only): 7,182
Interior | Torch Red | Azure Blue | Black | Dark Shadow Grey | Zinc Yellow | Oxford White | Totals |
Graphite suede | 2,513 | 2,250 | 1,611 | 1,595 | 869 | 814 | 7,182 |
2004 Mach 1 Production Numbers:
Total Produced (Coupe Only): 7,182
Interior | Azure Blue | Torch Red | Black | Dark Shadow Grey | Competition Orange | Screaming Yellow | Oxford White | Totals |
Graphite suede | 1,316 | 1,259 | 1,064 | 1,039 | 1,039 | 768 | 697 | 7,182 |
Mechanical
This Retro Mach utilizes the DOHC 4.6L 32-valve engine but has an aluminum block similar to the 1999-01 Cobras verses the Cast Iron Block in the 2003-04 SVT Cobra models. Ford changed up the Cam profiles in these four-valve heads and used the 5.4L’s Intake Camshafts and a unique Exhaust Camshaft. To expel the extra airflow, this Mustang also had a specific set of port-matched Exhaust Manifolds. The remainder of the Exhaust was very similar to the 2001 Bullitt that was equipped with Tuned Arvin Mufflers for a unique exhaust note. Valve covers were black in 2003 and were switched out for silver valve covers in 2004 like the ones used on the SVT Cobra.
The Manual Transmission was the same 5-speed TR-3650 that was in the late 2001-04 GT, the 2001 Bullitt, and 2001 Cobra while the Automatic Transmission was a beefed up 4r75w 4-speed.
The Brakes were also carried the same specs as the 2001 Bullitt and Cobra with 13” Front Brembo disc with Aluminum dual-piston custom anodized calipers and 11.6” Rear vented disc with single-piston calipers.
Interior and Exterior
Here is where this mustang stands out from the GT and Cobra Mustang. Two Words: Shaker Hood! If there as any part of this car that paid homage to the original Muscle Car, it is the Shaker Scoop that sticks through the hole in the hood that shakes as the engine torques under load. It immediately brings one back to the late 60’s! Along with that, Ford came through with the Exterior stripes on the hood and rocker panels, Magnum 500 Style wheels, Mach 1 Chin Spoiler, and a semi-gloss black spoiler as well as Retro Mach Badges on the rear decklid to complete the exterior. The late concept Mach cars carried the Bullitt Smooth rocker moldings and “mudflap” but these were replaced with the standard rocker moldings once the car his production.
As for the interior, this Classic Pony has Front and Rear leather bucket seats that are a modern version of the 1969 Mach with bolstering similar to its Bullitt and Cobra siblings. Speaking of the Bullitt, its wrap around Gauge Cluster and polished aluminum shifter ball found their way into this much storied Mustang! Even the Bullitt’s Metal-Trimmed Pedals were an option!
Conclusion
All in all, Ford hit a homerun with the 2003-04 Mach 1! Unfortunately, it has been overshadowed by its big brother, the Terminator; also known as the 2003-04 Cobra with its Eaton Supercharger, 6-speed T56 Transmission, and underrated “390” Horsepower. But if you wanted the best Naturally Aspirated DOHC 4.6L Engine that Ford ever tucked into a Fox Chassis, the Mustang Mach needs to be in your driveway!
There is just something about that Shaker Hood.
