With an enviable lineage that stretches back to its inception in 1964 the mighty Ford Mustang has become a firm favorite, in all its guises, for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Along the way there have been several landmark models like the Boss 309, the GT350 and Shelby GT500 KR each being elevated to legendary status.

Star of both the silver screen and street racing scene, the Mustang is instantly recognizable to all thanks in part to its unmistakable pony badge and timeless, ever-evolving silhouette.

Standing proudly alongside these and other sought after specials is the 2021 Mustang Mach 1. A car equally important as its more popular stable mates, and with an all new model based on the sixth generation platform rapidly approaching over the horizon. Here's what we now know about the Mustang Mach 1.

10 The Original

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Offered in 1968 to compliment the 1969 model, the Mach 1 was a performance-orientated option package only available to Mustang fastback buyers.

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via: Twitter

Equipped with a matte black hood treatment plus optional Shaker scoop, competition suspension, deluxe interior, spoilers, and special decals, the model became so popular it quickly replaced the GT package.

Related: Here's What The 1969 Mustang Mach 1 Costs Today

9 Engine Choices

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Offered with a choice of seven engines between 1969 and 1973, base models were equipped with a 351 cu in Windsor V8 engine rated at 250 bhp, whilst those with deeper pockets seeking more power could choose the 335bhp Cobra Jet Engine.

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In 1971, following a refresh, buyers could also tick the option box that instructed the factory to drop a Super Cobra Jet under the hood, with 4 barrel Holley carburetor and ram air scoop the car was officially rated at 375bhp but most believed this figure to be rather conservative.

8 Second Generation

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With the arrival of the Mustang II in 1974 the Mach 1 moniker remained but, thanks to downsizing, was only available with a 2.8 liter V6 which offered 105bhp. A higher performance option was later offered in 1975 thanks to the reintroduction of the 302 Windsor engine, as power now climbed to 140bhp.

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Despite the move away from outright performance and power, these versions outsold the previous Mach 1 incarnations of the previous 4 years.

Related: Why The 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra II Was One of The Worst Fords... Ever

7 The Revival

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The Mach 1 name was retired in 1979 with the launch of the third generation Mustang, and enthusiasts would have to wait until 2003 before they would see it appear again.

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Utilizing an all aluminum 4.6-liter modular V8 with 32 valves, the revived Mach 1, now based on a generation four Mustang, would accelerate to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds thanks to its 305bhp and 320 lb ft of torque.

Related: Here's What Made The 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1 Special

6 A Legend Returns

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Limited in production from 2003 to 2004 the Mach 1 name was once again put out to pasture and wouldn’t see service again until some 17 years later.

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Reawakened for 2021 the all new Mach 1 Mustang retains its predecessor’s aggressive looks and outright performance but now features a whole host of technology that the original could have only dreamed of.

5 Rare Opportunity

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Having been absent from the revitalized Mustang line for so long, the new Mach 1 represents a unique opportunity for buyers to obtain a high performance Ford backed by a factory warranty.

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Even more so for European buyers who were never offered previous Mach 1 models, this is also the first version of the Mach 1 to be built in right-hand drive.

4 Coyote Engine

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Powered by a snarling uprated version of the 5.0-liter Coyote engine and pumping out a massive 480bhp and 420lb ft of torque, this new Mach 1 will rip to 60mph in a startling 4.0 seconds and hit a limited 155mph with ease.

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The engine modifications are shared with the GT350 and made up of intake manifold, oil cooler and oil filter adaptor along coupled to a 6 speed manual gearbox allows the Mustang to cover the quarter mile in 12.2 seconds.

Related: Classy Coyote V8-Powered Mercury Cougar By Ringbrothers Debuts

3 Interior

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Leather clad Recaro racing seats shout about the car's performance credentials as soon as the door swings open. A fully digital binnacle display allows the driver to switch between Normal, Sport and Track modes whilst the standard fit B&O Premium Sound system supplies the necessary tunes.

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In addition, the fully customizable display allows the selection of both the launch control system and line lock features, reinforcing the car's performance origins.

2 Styling

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Via: Ford

Harking back to Mustangs of old, the new Mach 1 now boasts bonnet air vents, front ducts and a splitter, 19” alloy wheels, unique fender and badges, bonnet stripe and accents, LED headlights and tail lights.

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The car can be personalized further via a selection of 10 exterior colors, 4 wheel options, and 6 interior seating choices, allowing for owners to stand out from the herd.

1 The 'Other' Pony

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If the Mach 1 is still a little bit tame, then those seeking higher powered thrills can turn the dial up to eleven with the 2021 Mustang Shelby GT500. With a monster 5.2-liter supercharged V8 beneath the sculpted bonnet producing a jaw dropping 760 hp and 625 lb-ft of torque, it's no surprise that this pony will stampede its way to 60mph in a measly 3.3 seconds before the speedometer taps out at 186mph.

Related: Here's Why The Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 Is The Best Muscle Car Of 2021

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Still not wild enough? Then maybe a GT500 Signature Edition by Shelby American with in excess of 800bhp might suffice instead. With numbers limited to 100 cars per model year, cars will be highly sought after.