Street Dreams

Sidchrome and team 18 have produced a spectacular  pro touring pony.

- Simon Telford

A FEW months ago, a tilt-tray dropped off a heavily weathered 1969 Mach 1 Mustang at the Street Machine studios. We were told that the car barely ran and that we might have to push it. However, 1969 Mustangs are heavy, so to save us some sweat Scotty jumped in and got the car fired up with some judicious application of choke and throttle – sealing the deal with the obligatory car-park burnout.

This was Sidchrome’s latest project, and, while we knew we wouldn’t be able to keep it, Scotty and I had that same sense of wonder we always get when we buy a car and start the getting-to-know-you phase.

With the car inside and the roller door down, we gave it a good look-over under the studio lights. It was evident straight away that the Mach 1 was quite complete, with only the front air dam, rear wing, a couple of badges and the aerial missing. Just about everything else that makes these old bangers characterful was there – the 12-slotter rims, the bonnet scoop and locks, chunky fuel filler, flip-up rear sun visor and the stripes.

Condition-wise it was a patina-lover’s dream, with a few dings on the body and bumpers, some patches of primer, chalky paint and a few tell-tale rust spots. Delightful!

Likewise, the interior was in pretty good nick for its age – everything was there and functional. Apart from some splits in the dash and the steering wheel, all it really needed was a good clean and maybe some new windlacing.