The 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 “Twister Special” story has survived due to the late Terry Fritts, who spent many years delving into these limited production Mustangs. His work resulted in the Twister Special Registry. From his efforts it is known that Ford produced only 96 Twister Special Mach 1s, along with 90 Torino Cobras and four Rancheros, as special editions for the Kansas City sales district.

In the attempt to increase Mustang sales in the late 1960s and early 1970s, Ford offered its very popular Mustang in several regional “special editions”. California had the GT/California Special, while those in Colorado received the High Country Special. In 1970, Ford dealers in Kansas City received the Mach 1-based Twister Special.

Available with either Cobra Jet 428 power or the 351 Cleveland, each of the 96 models built (48 with the 428-cid engine and 48 with the 351-cid unit) were presented in Grabber Orange with exclusive “Twister Special” graphics. Each featured a blueprinted engine and came equipped with performance options instead of the typical luxury items. Interested buyers had the choice to select either manual or an automatic transmission. On November 7, 1969, Kansas City district Ford dealers assembled for a “Total Performance Day” at the Kansas City International Raceway, which was a great opportunity to roll out the Twister Special Mustangs, Torinos and Rancheros.

This example is one of the 351-cid with automatic transmission versions that is reported to have one older repaint, and besides this is stated as original. The current owner has owned the car for over 20 years and shares that it was purchased as an “unrestored survivor car with the exception of one repaint.” Among the features on this stand-apart car are spoilers at front and rear, Twister graphics, air conditioning, power steering, power brakes, rear window Sport Slats, dual racing-style mirrors, shaker-type hood, hood tie-downs and Magnum 500-styled wheels.

Also included is a large binder with full documentation that has photos of the car when new in Kansas City, plus Ford documentation stating which of the dealers first offered the Mustang. The Twister Mach 1 is further reported to have its original sheetmetal, drivetrain and interior. The owner further conveys that this is the “perfect Twister in regards to its correctness and originality.”