1969 Ford Mustang

Description

The Mustang was again restyled in 1969 and gained in length, width, and weight. Joining the coupe and convertible models was the new "SportsRoof" model which replaced the old "Fastback" model (basically a new name for the same thing).

The 1969 Mustang had four headlights with two set into the grill. A smaller horse emblem set on three vertical, colored bars, was mounted on the left side of the grill. New side scoops (non-functioning) were added above the belt-line just behind the doors, while the lower side panel indentation was now gone.

The 351 cubic inch engine debuted in 1969 (rated at 250 and 290 horsepower), and it was the last year for the 390. It was also the last year for the GT option on the Mustang until 1982.

New for 1969, the Mach 1 Mustang had a 351 cid engine standard, with the 428 Cobra Jet or 428 Super Cobra Jet engines as options. The Mach 1 came with a flat black hood with a hood scoop and NASCAR style hood pins standard. It also included dual body-colored racing mirrors. A chromed pop-open gas cap was also standard. Front and rear spoilers, and rear window louvers were optional.

The Boss 302 and Boss 429 Mustangs were also introduced in 1969. The Boss 429 had a 429 cubic inch high revving engine rated at 375 hp and 450 ft-lbs of torque, while the Boss 302 had a 302 cubic inch engine rated at 290 hp and 290 ft-lbs of torque. The Boss 302 came with a flat-black hood and trunk, and a front spoiler.

1969 Shelby Cobra Mustang

The 1969 Shelby Cobras had three NACA air intake ducts plus two air extractor vents on the hood. They also had new air intake ducts on the forward section of the front fenders just behind the side marker lights.

Rectangular driving lights were mounted under the front bumper. The gas cap was now located under the license plate which was set between the tail lights instead of under the bumper as before.

1969 Mustang Key Differences

1969 Mustangs are unique in that they are the only Mustangs to have four headlights (all the same size) standard. Earlier GT Mustangs had driving lights mounted in the grill, but they were of a smaller diameter than the headlights. The large horse emblem in the grill was replaced by a much smaller one mounted on three vertical bars.

Similar Years

1969 and 1970 Mustangs were the third version of the First Generation Mustangs (1965 - 1973). Both years had the same body, but the front ends, grills and headlights, are completely different and easy to distinguish.

How to Identify a 1969 Mustang

Overview

• Third version (1969 - 1970) of the First Generation Mustang (1965 - 1973)
• SportsRoof body style shown
• The 1969 Mustang was again available in coupe, convertible, and "SportsRoof" (formerly fastback) forms (1965-1973)

1969 Mustang Headlights

• The 1969 Mustang had dual headlights on each side, with the inner lights mounted in the grill (1969)

1969 Mustang Grill

• The running horse emblem was much smaller this year and was no longer surrounded by a "corral", but was set on top of three colored bars (1969 - 1970)
• The Mustang emblem was positioned on the left side rather than in the middle (1969)

1969 Mustang Grill Mesh

• The grill had a slightly larger rectangular grid pattern this year (1969)

1969 Mustang Fender Scoop

• The lower side panel indentation was gone, but there was a new side scoop mounted high on the rear fender just behind the door (1969)

1969 Mustang Pop Open Gas Cap

• The optional pop open gas cap was the same as before (1967 - 1970)

1969 Mustang C-Pillar Badge

• The fastback/Sportsroof C-pillar louvers were replaced by a Mustang badge for 1969 (1969)

1969 Mustang Mach 1 Hood

• The Mach 1 hood was painted flat black and had hood pins (1969)

1969 Mustang Mach 1 Hood Scoop

• The Mach 1 hood had a non-functional hood scoop standard (1969-1970)
• A working "shaker" hood scoop mounted on the engine came with the 428 Cobra Jet engine (1969 - 1970)

1969 Mustang Rear Panel

• The rear panel of the Mustang was still concave (1967-1969)

1969 Mustang Tail lights

• The tail lights were changed and now protruded out from the rear panel (1969)

1969 Mustang Rear Wing

• A new rear wing spoiler was optional (1969 - 1973)

1969 Mustang Dash

• The dash was new and had four large dials in a single row (1969 - 1970)

1969 Mustang Magnum 500 Wheel

• The optional Magnum 500 wheels continued unchaged

More 1969 Mustang Pictures

For more photos of vintage 1969 Mustangs, visit the First Generation Mustang Gallery at the Muscle Car Jungle.

If you have any comments, or would like to report any errors or omissions, contact us at feedback@oldcarsguide.com