For 2021 the Mach 1 returns to Mustang’s lineup of special edition offerings, bringing more aggressive styling, track capability and more horsepower to live up to the lineage of its name.

Originally a version of Mustang starting in 1969 and into the early seventies, then again in 2003-2004, the Mach 1 Mustang returns for 2021 offering up a number of features and styling cues retro indeed but also offering a new spin on performance, handling as well as its style.

Pulling a variety of pieces and parts from the Shelby GT350 and GT500 programs, some Ford Performance go-fast goods and a healthy dose of unique trims and styling elements, the Mach 1 fits between the GT and GT350 in terms of price and performance.

Under the hood is a slightly bumped version of the 5.0-liter V8 offering up 480 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 420 pound-feet of torque at 4,600 rpm a calibration similar to t hat of the Bullitt Mustang’s engine.

It’s available with both a Tremec 3160 6-speed manual with rev-matching and extra cooling components from the GT350. You can also options the 10-speed automatic which has been beefed up for some additional track punishment.

Styling tweaks start with a unique mesh grille and lower fascia treatments. The hood gets a retro graphic as to the side rockers. Low gloss “magnetic” paint accents are sprinkled throughout including emblems, mirror caps and rear spoiler.

Standard wheels are 19-inch x 9.5 and 10-inch staggered five-spoke modern takes on the Magnum 500 style wheel of the sixties. Upgrading to the Handling Package gets you a decidedly modern 19-inch x 10.5 and 11-inch cast aluminum wheel.

The Handling Package also gets you a more aggressive front splitter, wheel lip moldings, and prominently larger rear spoiler. In all Mach 1 has 22 percent more aerodynamic downforce than a Mustang GT and 150 percent more downforce when you get it with the Handling Package.

Handling is backed up with a more aggressive MagneRide suspension calibration, stiffer sway bars and front springs, and a number of beefier chassis and suspension components from the GT Track Package and Shelby GT500.

As you would expect, the Mach 1 cabin gets some special swag including unique dash trims and accents. Black leather seating trims get retro accent stripes interior. Best in my opinion is the white cue ball shift knob. You also get unique door sills and the all- important badge displaying your Mach 1 chassis number.

Mach 1 exterior color options include an exclusive Fighter Jet Gray shown here, Iconic Silver, Shadow Black, Oxford White, Velocity Blue, Twister Orange, Race Red and Grabber Yellow. The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 will arrive in dealerships this spring.