1969 Ford Mustang Overview
1969 brought another major restyling to the Mustang. The Fastback 2+2 was gone – replaced by the new SportsRoof model. The new Mustangs were almost 4 inches longer than their 67/68 predecessors. The base engine continued to be the 200 cubic inch six cylinder. New for the economy minded Mustang owner was an optional 250 cubic inch six. The base V-8 continued to be the 302-2V. The 351-2V and 4V entered the lineup for 1969. The 302-4V and the 390-2V were dropped, but the 390-4V remained.
| Model: | 1969 Ford Mustang |
| Generation: | 1st Generation Mustang |
| Type: | 2 Door |
| Body Styles: | Coupe, Convertible, Fastback/Sportsroof |
| Engines: | 200ci six, 250ci six, 302ci 2bbl V8, 302ci 4bbl V8, 351ci 2bbl V8, 351ci 4bbl V8, 390ci 4bbl V8, 390ci 4bbl V8, 428ci 4bbl V8, 429ci 4bbl V8 |
| Original Price: | $2,740 (Basic Coupe), $2,954 (Convertible), $2,848 (Fastback/Sportsroof) |
| Units Produced: | 299,824 |
Additional 1969 Mustang Research: 1969 Research Center / Colors Details / Production Numbers / / Sales Brochures / Owner Manuals / Maintenance/ Pictures / Videos / VIN Decoder / Special Editions
Background & Details
The 1969 Mustang body was completely redesigned and different from the previous years. The 1969 major restyling of the Mustang made it about 4 inches longer and shorter by 1.5 inches than the 1967/68 models. It was also heavier. The 1969 Mustang retained the 108″ wheelbase of the original ’64½’s
The 2+2 Fastback moniker was replaced with the new SportsRoof brand/model. To this day however, many of us “old- timers” still call all sloped back Mustangs Fastback (as do we throughout the site). A version of the SportsRoof Mustang was the MACH1. Because of the significant differences, it was considered a different body style and given its own code number.
New features for 1969 Mustang model year included quad headlights, front parking lights were now located behind the front valance panel, new quarter panel ornaments, side scoops and integral rear spoiler on the SportsRoof models, front seat back locks, and for the first time, the VIN number, in addition to being located on the driver’s door, was also attached to the instrument panel, and visible through the windshield.
Engines, Engines & More Engines
1969 was the benchmark year for Ford Mustang in its proliferation of performance names and engines. No fewer than six factory performance Mustang models were available (GT, Boss 302, Boss 429, Shelby GT350, Shelby GT500 and the Mach 1).
The base engine continued to be the 200 cubic inch six cylinder. New for the economy minded Mustang owner was an optional 250 cubic inch six cylinder. The base V8 continued to be the 302-2V V8. The 351-2V and 4V V8 engine entered the lineup for 1969. The 302-4V V8 engine and the 390-2V V8 were dropped, but the 390-4V V8 remained.
There were two special engines offered for 69, the Boss 302 and the Boss 429. Both engines were only available in two limited production units, so called, the Boss 302 and the Boss 429.
Special Edition Models & Variants
There were several new models offered during 1969.The GT option was last offered in 1969 and was largely unchanged from the previous year. A new variant was the Grande, which included the Interior Decor Group and was a more luxurious and smooth-riding Mustang designed for a more upmarket client. Also new for 1969 was the Mach 1. It was only available with one of the five larger V-8 engines. On the other end of the spectrum was thequietly announced Mustang Model E, a fuel economy-focused Mustang that had the 250 cubic inch inline six-cylinder with a special automatic transmission designed for maximum fuel efficiency. Another new model for ’69 was the Boss 302. Built mainly to qualify the Mustang for the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) Trans-Am series. The Boss 302 included a special 290 horsepower, 302 cubic inch V8 engine. The biggest and baddest of the Boss’s, the Boss 429, was also introduced in 1969.
The Shelbys
The last year for the Shelby Mustang was 1969. Now based on the new SportsRoof and convertible Mustang body styles, Shelby’s newly designed Mustang shared very little resemblance to the production Mustang. The GT350 and GT500 were still available in both fastback or convertible.
Learn more about the 1969 Shelby Mustangs
Mustang Grande
Consider the Mustang Grande the “fancy hardtop” Mustang. The Grande, was a hardtop with special trim and a deluxe interior similar to the Mach 1’s interior. It also got a vinyl roof and a more luxurious interior, upgraded two-spoke steering wheel, new wheel covers, color keyed racing mirrors, an electric clock, bright exterior moldings, dual outside paint stripes and luxury foam bucket seats. All for an additional $231.
Learn more about the 1969 Ford Mustang Grande
Mustang GT Package
The GT option was last offered in 1969. It consisted of and engine choice from the 351 2 bbl engine to the awesome 428 Cobra Jet. On the 351 4 bbl engine and up, they were equipped with dual quad exiting exhaust systems, styled steel wheels with wide oval tires, a GT gas cap, a special stripe kit, a quicker steering ratio and a stiffer suspension. To top off the entire package, they were equipped with a simulated hood scoop except for the 428 Cobra Jet which got a functional ram air shaker hood scoop. The GT option was available as a convertible, hardtop or SportsRoof model.
Learn more about the Mustang GT
Mustang Boss 302 & Boss 429
Beginning in 1969, Ford introduced both the Boss 302 and Boss 429. Styling for the Boss 302 was done by Larry Shinoda, the suspension by Kar Kraft, and the engine was done by Ford who used the 5.0L block with the new 351 Cleveland heads. Originally, the Boss was to be named the “Trans Am” until Ford discovered that GM had already licensed the name. The Boss 302 was rated at 290 horsepower, but actual horsepower was more like 350. In response to Chrysler’s major success with the 426 Hemi in Nascar, Ford produced the Boss 429. Primarily built to satisfy NASCAR requirements, the Boss 429 Mustang featured a Semi-Hemi 429 powerplant.
Learn more about the
Mustang Mach 1
The original MACH1 was built in 1967 and in 1968 an experimental model was built for racing and resembled the FORD GT. Many of the features in this experimental car were incorporated into the production MACH1’s that followed. The 1969 Mustang Mach 1 (starting at $733 over the base V8 fastback or “SportsRoof” body) came standard with a matte black hood, hood scoop (only functional with the SCJ Ram Air Drag Pack engine), exposed NASCAR-style hood lock pins. All first generation Mach 1’s are distinguished by the body style code 63C on the door data plate. It featured special interior trim, special carpet, and high back bucket seats. The Mach 1 also included the “Handling Suspension” and an additional 55 pounds of sound deadener and insulation materials.
Learn more about the 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1
Limited Edition 600
In May of 1969, the Philadelphia sales district developed the Limited Edition 600 for promotional reasons. These custom colored Mustangs were available in either “Flower Power Red” or “Groovy Green”. The 600 was only available as a hardtop or sportsroof, and also consisted of a hood scoop, remote, chrome mirror, AM radio, full wheel covers, whitewalls, tape stripes and unique fender emblems.
Learn more about the 1969 Mustang Limited Edition 600
Mustang E
The fuel efficient Mustang. The Mustang E was produced in 1969 for those looking for more of an economic friendly Mustang. With it’s 250 cubic inch six-cylinder engine, the Mustang E fit those who desired high mpg. Fast it was not. Signifying “economy,” the Mustang E was meant as a high MPG alternative to its gas-guzzling brethren. This was a SportsRoof Mustang with a 250 cubic inch six cylinder, a 2.33/1 rear gear ratio, a high stall torque converter and a C-4 Select Shift automatic transmission. The only outward difference was the insignia on the rear quarter panel said ” Mustang E” rather than showing the running horse insignia.
Learn more about the 1969 Mustang E
Ford T-5
The T-5 was the least interesting from a customization perspective but the coolest story for sure. As we mentioned in the 1966 T-5 post, the German truck manufacturer, Krupp owned the German copyrights to the name Mustang so Ford had to rename the Mustang to the Ford T-5. T-5s were sold in Germany from 1964 through the 1979 model year.
Learn more about the 1969 Ford T-5
4.1 Liter Special
Very little is known about the 4.1 Litre Special promotion. We do know that it was an Indianapolis area promotion during 1969 model year. The cars came with the automatic L-code 4.1 liter (250ci) 6-cylinder engine; special order exterior colors (Green, Orange or Yellow) as well as a white and gold pinstripe and a 4.1 Litre Special checkered flag fender badge. There were coupes and fastbacks.
Learn more about the 1969 Ford Mustang 4.1 Liter Special
The Going Thing
Ford was heavy into racing in the late 60s. There were the NASCAR Talladega and Spoiler II cars as well as the GT40 Legends and of course the Shelby Cobras and Shelby Mustangs. One of the Ford advertising themes was “The Going Thing”. The Cleveland sales district created a regional special promotion edition 1969 Mustang (and Torinos) called The Going Thing. 109 Mustangs had special stripes installed with “The Going Thing” written on the rocker. They were installed on stock Mustangs with all sorts of engine sizes.
Learn more about the 1969 Mustang “The Going Thing”
“Rainbow of Colors” Specials
There were several color specials that ran in 1968. One was theRainbow of Colors initiative.The Rainbow of colors was a West Coast focused promotion that allowed new Mustang owners to order a car in one of 13 special factory of colors which represented the colors in the rainbow. Some of these colors were Madagascar Orange, Whipped Cream, Spanish Gold, Dandelion Yellow, Hot Pink, Forest Green, Sierra Blue, and Moss Green.
Specifications, Options & Detailed Stats
Production Numbers
A total of 299,824 Mustangs were sold in 1969. Once again, the Hardtop coupe was the biggest seller, making up almost 43% of the cars sold in its basic form. Add the “Grande” model with 22,182 units and the coupe makes 50% of all units made for 1969. The Boss 302 saw 1,628 units made while the Boss 429 was rarer with only 859 units sold. To dive into the model and body splits as well as see charts and percentages, check out our
Options and Pricing
The 1969 Mustang body was completely redesigned and different from the previous years. There was a fancy hardtop as well. The Grande, was a hardtop with special trim and a deluxe interior similar to the Mach 1’s interior. The Grande included the Interior Decor Group, an electric clock, special houndstooth check upholstery, and extra sound deadener. 1969 was also the last year bench seats were offered in Mustangs. It was also the last year for the GT option. For more detailed options and pricing, please check out our 1969 pricing and options research.
Exterior & Interior Colors
A total of 17 exterior colors were offered for the 1969 Mustang model year. Adding in Shelby colors and any special model colors and total comes to 38 options. As you may or may not know, several colors could be special ordered on any 1969 Mustang hardtop, fastback, or convertible. For detailed colors, color palettes, codes and interior colors please check out our in depth 1969 colors information post.
Dimensions & Weight
1969 brought another major restyling to the Mustang. The Fastback 2+2 was gone instead replaced by the new SportsRoof model. The new Mustangs were almost 4 inches longer than their 67/68 predecessors, yet they retained the 108″ wheelbase of the original 64½’s.
Capacities
Engine Specs
The base engine continued to be the 200 cubic inch six cylinder. New for the economy minded Mustang owner was an optional 250 cubic inch six. The base V-8 continued to be the 302-2V. The 351-2V and 4V entered the lineup for 1969. The 302-4V and the 390-2V were dropped, but the 390-4V remained. For more information on engines for 1969, you can find the information here.
Performance
We have mentioned before that getting accurate performance data on the early Mustangs is nearly impossible. In most cases only specific variant or engine combinations were ever tested.
VIN Information
This link will take you to a page which contains theVIN tag information for all years of Mustangs. Previously this information appeared on each Mustang’s year page, but consolidating it has significantly reduced page loading times. To decode the build sheet, check out our .
Videos & Picture Galleries
We managed to find some great video reviews of the 1969 Mustang so definitely check those out. We also have a picture 1969 Ford Mustang Picture Gallery and photos of real Mustangs in each color that was available.
