1969 Ford Mustang 428 SCJ Fastback (LHD)

Description

Ford’s 1969 line-up was all about Total Performance and the completely revised Mustang – with larger bodywork, quad headlamps and a more sharply raked windscreen – boasted a remarkable range of powerful V8 engines.  Alongside the production 351-cid Windsor and big-block 390-cid V8s, Ford also offered two Boss homologation specials, the Trans-Am inspired 302 and drag strip special 429.  For many pundits however, the best ’69 Mustang of all was the 428 Super Cobra Jet, a big block option available to buyers of the Mustang GT or Mach 1 Sportsroof models.  The Mach 1 package consisted of a matte black bonnet, bonnet scoop, stripes, competition suspension and chrome-styled steel wheels, plus chromed exhaust tips.  When the Mach 1 buyer ticked the Cobra Jet option, he or she got a 335 horsepower big-block Police Interceptor 428-cid V8 breathing through a four-barrel Holley 735cfm carburettor, along with a performance intake manifold, hydraulic lifters from the GT 390 and staggered shocks.  Even more exclusive was the Super Cobra Jet, a $420.96 option aimed squarely at drag racers that added Ram Air induction (identified by the Shaker bonnet scoop), an external oil cooler, a hardened steel cast crankshaft, special ‘Le Mans’ cap screw connecting rods and harmonic balancer.  Although the advertised horsepower rating was unchanged, the R-code 428’s true output was significantly boosted, creating one of the best Mustang street racers ever made.  After turning in a quarter-mile time 13.56 seconds at 106.64mph, the Cobra Jet was described by Hot Rod magazine as being “The fastest running pure stock in the history of man” and even today the performance of these fire breathing monsters cannot fail to leave a lasting impression.  Interest in muscle cars has never been stronger and a 1969 Super Cobra Jet Mustang is undoubtably one of the most collectible models to emerge from Detroit.