Random Car Wednesday: 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Welcome to this week's RCW. For today, the featured car is the 2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1. A retro tribute to the Mach 1 models of the 1960's and 70's, the 2004 model offered a visual and technical advantage over the base and GT models. For looks, the Mach 1 was unique. Decals graced the hood and sides, and Mach 1 badges and labels were added. Ford also gave the car some classic touches. The legendary "Shaker" hood was equipped, as well as a chin spoiler, rear spoiler, and rear window louvers to mimic the design of the first generation Mach 1. Performance modifications were also made, as the Mach 1 was offered with the 4.6 liter R-code V8, which pumped out a very capable 305 horsepower, as well as 320 pound-feet of torque. This meant that the new Mach 1 was show AND go. The Mach 1 was offered for 2003 and 2004 only, and was discontinued in 2005 after the redesigned Mustang took over. This particular Mach 1 is very attractive. It has the full treatment of decals and spoilers, and is painted Azure Blue, one of several bright colors offered for the Mach 1 in 2004. This is a terrific car in that instead of a special-edition sticker job, the Mach 1 option was a real performance upgrade for the Mustang, and the vintage theme and limited production makes it a Mustang worth having.

2004 Ford Mustang Mach 1

Car Show Roundup

There's been a mess of car shows lately, with some extremely interesting automobiles on display. For the sake of time, I've condensed the highlights of each into this post. The shows include this month's Cars and Coffee, The Burke Rally in Driftwood, Texas, and a local cruise-in night. Without further ado, here are some of the greatest hits, arranged by approximate year model. Enjoy!

1915 Model T, with a handbuilt wooden body.

Gotta love those big old American cars, like this 1929 Buick.

Very sporty 1930 Ford with 1932 front grille.

One of the best surf wagons I've seen so far. I love that radiator cap.

Very simplistic Ford Roadster, looking sharp in the shade.

Terrific two-tone on this 1937 Ford.

Rat rods aren't terribly uncommon around here, but this one is particularly nice.

One of the most eye-catching colors ever applied to a motor vehicle, in this case a 1940 Chevrolet.

This is 1940's luxury at its best: The Packard 120.

Black with flames will never get old.

I'm loving the moonshine runner look on this 1941 Dodge.

This '49 Plymouth is an embodiment of elegance.

Sweet paint work on this classic Chevy Fleetline.

Advance Design Chevy pickup on top of a modern Chevy frame.

I never expected this truck to look so good as a convertible, but it works.

1953 Oldsmobile, for cruising low and slow.

The pinstriping on this 1954 Chevy was worthy of an award.

Super clean '55 Bel Air, my favorite tri-five Chevy.

Side pipes and Cragars make for a mean '56 Chevy.

This might just be the prettiest station wagon I've ever seen.

This is a case of a good car wearing a great paint job.

This blue Apache is pickup perfection.

Chevy-powered 1959 Studebaker racer. I love me those slot mags. 

Shaved door handles make this car seem bigger, which is saying something.

Modified 1960 Thunderbird makes a great street machine.

One of GM's best designs ever, the first generation Buick Riviera.

Extremely well-preserved Corvette convertible.

Not too often you see an unmodified Karmann Ghia these days.

Series I Jaguar E-Type, possibly the most beautiful vehicle ever produced.

Mismatched wheels indicate this Mustang is meant for function over form.

Nicely understated '66 Malibu.

Very drivable 1966 El Camino riding on Torq-Thrust rims.

Words simply don't do this car justice. It's unlike anything else, before or since.

Well-modified Chevy stepside is sinister but cool.

This 1967 Plymouth Barracuda is all kinds of pretty.

It may be missing a few pieces, but this '68 Chevy means business.

Yet another 1969 Camaro RS SS in white with red stripes. Not exactly original, but still cool.

Mercury's greatest success: The Cougar Eliminator.

One-year-only 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351.

Very desirable 1972 El Camino in blue.

A daily-driver spec Oldsmobile 442.

Further proof that the Gulf livery looks good on pretty much anything.

Weighs about as much as your house, and is probably just as comfortable.

Factory graphics and orange paint make this Yamaha a winner.

I suspect you never forget where you parked when you drive something like this.

Toyota Supra with tasteful modifications.

The obscure and desirable BMW M Coupe.

Ferrari 360 Spider in a color that's not red, for once.

Gallardo Superleggera with twin turbos, because sometimes more is more.

Track-ready Corvette Grand Sport.

Well-optioned Challenger R/T, my pick of the modern muscle cars.

This is pretty much as close as you can get to owning a Batmobile.