*429ci, 375hp V8
*C6 automatic transmission

*Top of the line, 'Drag Pack' specification - 1 of 53
*24,400 miles from new
*Sold new to Arizona
*Marti Report confirmed matching numbers

Having stolen a march on the competition with the original Mustang in 1964-5, by the late 1960s Ford found itself with plenty of competition: Chevrolet's Camaro, Pontiac's Firebird and Plymouth's Barracuda. All three could claim the sobriquet of "pony car," as the Mustang had been dubbed, because they offered sportiness in many stages of tune.

For 1969, Ford pulled out the stops. The Mustang got a new, larger body, and a new personality. Big block engines had become available in 1967, up to 428 cubic inches by the following year. However, 1969 put the engines into new packages, the king of production street machines being the Mach 1 fastback coupe. Available only with the V8 engine, the original Mach 1 could be had with the 351 cubic inch engine, a 390, or with the 428 Cobra Jet, the latter in two stages of tune: 335 or 360hp. Other Mach 1 tweaks included an upgraded suspension and a distinctive interior. By 1971, when this car was built, Ford had pushed the envelope further, the Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet were now very big block 429ci units, the latter matched with a Holley four barrel carburetor. Within a year these peak derivatives were dropped from the line-up, making these definitive cars a snapshot of their era.

This is a very rare Ford Domestic Special Order car, which is listed in the 1971 429 Registry and is one of only 53 Mustangs to have been built that year with the "Drag Pack", making it to Super Cobra Jet specifications. Better still, if you take color and options into consideration, this was the sole example built to this exact specification, a fact documented by a Kevin Marti report which also confirms its matched numbers status. As new the car was ordered with the 375hp big block motor, C6 automatic transmission, and SportsRoof and in the Dark Green Metallic with Black Clarion Knit vinyl interior with Corinthian Bucket seats, a scheme it still wears. It carried the rarely fitted option of power side windows among other features, and was equipped with dealer installed air-conditioning.

Originally the Mustang was sold new here in Arizona, through Don Sanderson Ford Inc. of Glendale. Tt returns here today, having covered only 24,400 miles in the interim. The car was reportedly part of a large private collection until 2006 and in recent years has resided in the Midwest. It could be described as a timewarp or preserved survivor car, as it appears to have simply been well maintained and looked after over the last 40 years, its interior remaining original and having only received one repaint in its original color.