Good to know I'm not the only one out there!
The following figures are general production statistics that I came across and is what I have so far surmised regarding 390ci-4V in 1969.
1969 Total Mustang Production: 299,824
Of those, 134,438 were SportsRoofs
Of those SportsRoofs, 72,458 were Mach 1’s
1969 Mustangs outfitted w/ the 390ci-4V: 10,494 (Making it rarer than the 428ci “Cobra Jet”)
To top it all off, the 390ci-4V was primarily a GT option, letting us only imagine how many Mach 1’s left the factory with the engine many called “The Boat Anchor.” Even further, that statistic again leaves out so many variable factory options that could make each one of our Mach’s a true one-of-a-kind. This makes me really want to contact Marti Auto Works, but their only service that would be useful for our purposes is the $200 Elite Package.
Vehicle Specs
Original Mileage: 96,260
Engine’s Mileage: 14,000
63C C5 3A 11L 16 6 5
Body Style: 63C = SportsRoof - Mach 1 Trim (Hi-Back Buckets)
Color: C5 = Black Jade (Flat Black Hood Paint)
Trim: 3A = Charcoal Black Vinyl w/ "Clarion" Knit Vinyl Inserts
Scheduled Assembly: 11L = November 11th, 1968
Sales Office (DSO): 16 = Philadelphia, PA ("DI")
Axle: 6 = 3.00:1 "Conventional"
Trans: 5 = 4 Speed Manual (2.78 1st Gear)
9T02S 132893
Last Digit of Model Year: 9 = 1969
Assembly Plant: T = Metuchen (Edison, New Jersey)
Body Serial Number: 02 = SportsRoof
Engine Code: S = 390ci-4V (320hp @ 4800rpm / 427lbs torque @ 3200rpm)
Consecutive Unit Number: 132893 = 132,893rd Production-Scheduled Vehicle
The first owner changed the color to Candy Apple Red, and the second (owner for the previous 20 years) changed it Acapulco Blue, another 1969 Mustang color. The paint job is 15 years old and is in pristine condition. We have only owned this car since November and don’t have any plans on changing the paint anytime soon… or ever. We also know the gears in the differential were changed to “posi” (since ordering a 390ci-4V did NOT automatically get you this option, as opposed to 428ci CJ’s).
When the previous owner had the engine rebuilt, he had it rebuilt it to 1969 specifications, minus the camshaft, which was replaced with a more aggressive one. Long-tube Hooker SuperCompetition headers were also bolted up to the engine as well, for they were the only headers that bolt up to the 390’s heads, which were the same used on 428’s.
Air Conditioner, Power Front Disc Brakes, Power Steering, Hood Pins and Shaker Hood were also options I know that came with the car. Besides that, I’m not sure if the Front and Rear Deck Spoilers or the Rear Window Louvers are original or not. The inner fender VIN plate seems to be stamped with abbreviations as to what options came with the car. Forgive me if this is common knowledge but I thought the build sheet was the only way to find out the options that came with the car. Some of the abbreviations on the little plate are as follows. AC (Air Conditioner), PB (Power Brakes), GT (GT?), PS (Power Steering), DE, TT, CL, RM, MO, MC. What do they all mean?
There are also some other codes on the plate that seem foreign to me, aside from the VIN and bits and pieces of the Serial Number.
I will also quick check under the carpets to see if there is in fact the treasure hiding under there. I know the seats were re-upholstered but the carpet is definitely original, and so are the floors… so… possibly.
Feel free to share background info on your 390 Mach’s as well!
Talk to you guys soon, and thanks for the input!
