The Ford Mustang is unquestionably a classic. It has been since 1964. As the Pony Car battle reached its apex, Ford Motor Company responded with the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1. It was the nastiest Mustang up to that moment. It embarrassed the GT in sales to the point where Ford had to cancel the GT and replace it with the Mach 1 with the COPO-rivaling 7.0-liter Cobra Jet engine.

Besides engines, Mach 1 offered a wide range of axles, transmissions, external trims and add-ons, and interior and exterior colors to potential buyers. It was a dream come true for individuals who enjoy tinkering with paperwork at the dealership and loading their automobiles with add-ons.

With a total of 299,824 Mustangs sold for the 1969 model year, Mach 1s accounted for nearly a quarter of all Mustangs sold. But, despite competition from Chevy's Camaro, Pontiac's Firebird, Plymouth's Barracuda, and even sectoral mate Mercury's Cougar by 1969, "Mach 1" is far up there in terms of sexiness.

Admittedly, there was enough room for everyone in that congested market, showing the popularity of the pony car concept. Mustang had a solid reputation and star power, even if it wasn't at its peak of sales. The Mach 1 outsold all other fastback models combined in its first year, selling 72,458 units, thus killing the GT. The Mach 1 was successful enough that they kept it in production until Ford reverted to the GT designation with the introduction of the Fox body.

RELATED: Here's How The 1969 Ford Mach 1 Mustang Compares With Its Rivals

Mach 1 Strength: Lots Of Engine Options

1969 Ford Mustang Mach-1 all black quarter front
Via classiccars.com

They redesigned the Ford Mustang for the second time in 1969. The Mustang lineup swelled, thanks in part to the employment of Bunkie Knudsen and designer Larry Shinoda from General Motors. And the business probably never offered such a diverse selection of engine options and models again.

With 1960s automobiles, this is where the fun began. The Mach 1 was a step up from the GT, giving potential buyers a plethora of options to choose from at showrooms. There were six different engines, starting from the two-barrel, 5.8-liter 351 Windsor with 250 horsepower to the 7.0-liter 428 CJ with 335 horsepower. Mach 1 could reach sixty in eight seconds from a standstill in its lowest version, while at its fastest, it could do it in 5.7 seconds. When you realize it was the late 1960s and most automobiles couldn't hit sixty in a single number, that was very extraordinary. The Mustang looked meaner than ever, even without the Mach 1's let's-hit-the-track enhancements, and for good cause.

How Much The Ford Mustang Mach 1 Is Worth Today

In 1969, a Ford Mustang Mach 1 would cost around $3,125. Ford installed it with a 351cid carbureted V8 engine, producing 250 horsepower. A four-barrel intake rated at 290 horsepower was also available for an extra $26. For $357, you could have a 428cid Cobra Jet V8 with a 335 horsepower Ram Air configuration for your Mach 1. For a half-century ago, that was a hot set-up, for sure.

But that was back in the day, and this is now. The Mach 1 market has a lot of alternatives in terms of both style and running gear, thus costs vary a lot. If your wallet allows it, there are Mach 1s for as little as $75,000, with some breaching the mental barrier of $100,000. But those come with all the bells and whistles and are in nearly perfect condition, making them rather too good to ride. You may get a nice '69 Mustang with a smaller engine for as low as $40,000. But prices are rising, and you should be wary of Mustangs that look like Mach 1s but aren't.

RELATED: Lifelong Ford Fan Finally Builds His Dream Mustang Mach 1 Restomod

Alternative Options To The Classic Mach 1

1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Rex Gray via Flickr

There are, however, those out there that are keen to give you a classic look while incorporating new technology, such as Classic Recreations of Yukon, Oklahoma.

Ford has granted classic Restorations an official license to manufacture the first-ever turnkey reproductions of the 1969-1970 Mach 1 Mustangs. They equip the automobile with the latest chassis and drivetrain technologies. As well as new Ford-licensed replica components to satisfy customers ’needs. The cost of a vintage body or a fresh reproduction Ford crate engine with fuel injection begins at $169,000.

Each restomod, dubbed "Hitman," starts with a fully restored 1969-70 Mustang Mach 1 chassis. When you get underneath the vehicle, things get much better. A big 5.0-liter Ford Coyote V-8 powers the automobile that produces 345 horsepower. It uses a six-speed Tremec manual transmission. If this isn't enough for you, a 1000 horsepower twin-turbocharged engine is also available as an option. Added with Z-rated performance tires and Mach 1 accessories.

John Wick, played by Keanu Reeves, is the coolest character in a movie ever. You can't buy the car that Keanu Reeves rides in the film (signature Mach 1 Mustang). However, you can buy a copy of his blacked-out automobile.