1969 Mustang Mach I, 428 Super Cobra Jet

9T02R118458

MCA “Concourse Driven” Class

Restoration History

This 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 428 SCJ is one of the finest examples in the country. Its restoration began in June 2004, and was completed in June 2009. The car was completely dismantled and rotisserie mounted. Body was media blasted and metal neutralized. It has new floor pans, trunk drops, lower quarter panels were welded in (butt welds, not lapped) and sprayed with epoxy primer. The driver’s side rocker panel was replaced by Orlando American Collision with OEM panel to improve a past repair. Underbody color matched to original slop red oxide (drips included!). The engine bay, inner fenders, etc. were all repainted correct semi-flat black. Also the proper undercarriage overspray detail was performed. The final body preparation and paint was performed at Orlando American Collision in Winter Park, FL. Original Gulf Stream Aqua color in basecoat clearcoat with original formula black out hood paint. The pictures do not do it justice.

It has original, date code correct glass, OEM bumpers, door handles, and misc. interior and exterior chrome was all beautifully re-chromed by Space Coast Plating. The engine is a 428 Super Cobra Jet with date code correct block (8K16) and correct date coded external components; heads, water pump, etc. Engine is .060 bore with balanced SCJ (1UA) crankshaft, LeMans rods, hatchet balancer, SCJ flywheel and SCJ harmonic balancer. Non-functioning smog system installed for concourse detail - injectors into exhaust port are plugged, belt installed for static display only. Correct OEM distributor. Correct OEM oil cooler and plumbing. OEM intake and exhaust manifolds. Correct carburetor beautifully restored by the late Mike Ulrey of Clearwater, FL. All ignition components, wiring, tags, hoses, etc. are original OEM or correct reproduction. It has a reproduction Autolite “Red Cap” battery. Functional and correct “shaker” hood scoop assembly. The entire engine compartment is fully and correctly detailed. It has a Centerforce 11 ½” clutch. A close ratio “Top Loader” transmission dated 9E (May 69), correctly detailed.  Correct OEM shifter and boot. Correct clutch boot. Correct OEM speedometer cable and gearbox for 4.30 rear end. Rear end is original (early non-N casting) W-code (4.30 gears) with 9” Nodular pumpkin and 31 spline axles. New Traction-Loc unit installed. It is fully detailed with original reproduced markings. Front disk and rear drum brakes and bearings are all new with OEM or correct reproduction components.

Front Suspension: Rebuilt upper and lower control arms with proper ball joint rivets and boots. Bare metal areas have been painted to minimize rust. Difficult to keep rust free in Florida! Tie rods are zerk fitting style, not original non-zerks but can be changed easily.

• Rear suspension: Staggered shock set-up with original springs. Again, springs painted to avoid rust issue.
• Wheels are reproduction Magnum 500 with BF Goodrich radial tires.
• Interior: Original carpet and rear upholstery, and deluxe door panels. Front seats may or may not have been recovered at one time. Original Ford tooling dash pad. Re-chromed dash panels. Original Rimblow steering wheel, beautifully restored.  OEM console. OEM tach. OEM 8-track radio. OEM clock. Restored seat belts and shoulder belts. Fold-down rear seat with fully rechromed trim.

This car is a rare and special piece of Ford muscle car history. The sleek and muscular 1969 Mustang is without question a high point in Ford automotive design. The color of this example is rare, stunning and never fails to attract attention. Words and even photos do not quite do it justice.  The 428 Cobra Jet engine is widely regarded as Fords most potent street motor and it outperformed even the mighty BOSS 429 at the drag strip. The 428 Super Cobra Jet in this car makes it particularly rare and desirable. It is both beauty and beast!

The restoration of this vehicle to its original condition as specified by its Marti Report (included) was performed by two engineers (one practical, one very anal!!) with a combined 55-60 years of automotive experience. Particular attention was paid to restoring it in a way that could be appreciated by an owner who plans to show as well as drive the car. This car is a concourse restoration but it is not a trailer queen. It is just TOO MUCH FUN to drive this car!

With very few exceptions, only original, restored OEM, NOS or MCA approved reproduction components were used in this restoration. Some components may show some patina or age, but were original, so it was decided to use them as is. Many hours of research was involved in understanding the original build process, component finishes, marking details, etc. This car is not “over-restored”. If a marking could not be documented from the original parts or photos, it was not put on the car. Hundreds of hours of consultation with other 428 Cobra Jet owners www.428cobrajet.org and MCA judges www.vintage-mustang.com were invested to insure accuracy. While it has not yet been entered in any MCA judged shows, we are confident it will be a Gold winner.

Please call Dream Cars of Florida with any questions at 321-733-7326 or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Check us out online at dreamcarsofflorida.net. Thanks for looking.