Ford put a lot of effort into the 1969 Mustang. The Mustang was significantly restyled, but it was still pure Mustang. It was longer, lower, meaner and sleeker. Every dimension increased with the exception of wheel base, which remained at 108 inches. All Mustangs were lowered 0.5 inch on the suspension and the windshield rake was increased by 2.2 degrees. This translated to about a 150-175 pound weight increase, depending on the model. The biggest visual changes was the front grille opening. Larger and decidedly more aggressive, it was the only year in Mustang's history that four headlights were used.

Introduced in 1969 , the Grande took advantage of the Ford Mustang's popularity and new look by adding upscale luxury, not performance improvements. Available as a two door hardtop the 1969 the Grande model (Body code 04) offered a vinyl covered roof with 'Grande' C pillar emblems, two-tone beltline pinstripes, body colored dual racing mirrors, 48 spoke wire wheel covers, wheel lip, rocker and deck lid bright moldings. An upgraded Deluxe Interior Decor Group with Hopsack cloth seating surfaces, wood-toned appliqués on door panel and the dash board, three spoke 'Rim Blow' steering wheel and additional 55 pounds of soundproofing/insulation and improved rear suspension bushings for a softer quieter ride.

For 1970 Ford again offered a Grande, reduced its content by deleting the 48 spoke Red center wire wheel covers, the three spoke 'Rim Blow' steering wheel, and deleted the wheel lip and rear deck moldings. Added a vinyl insert on the rocker panel moldings and a textured tail light center panel with upper and lower bright trim. The interior except for a Deluxe two-spoke steering wheel and high-backed shell bucket seats remained the same as 1969. The standard vinyl roof was now a shortened Landau roof, full vinyl roof was optional at additional cost.

When the Mustang's styling and body changed in 1971 the Grande continued as as the luxury edition with minor changes in content. The full vinyl roof was standard, dual accent paint stripe, tail light panel appliqués, and the wheel lip and rocker panel molding. The longer wheelbase and overall larger size provided an improved ride for a more luxurious driving experience.

Grande Production

1969 22,186 (14.7% of hardtops)
1970 12,583 (14.1% of hardtops)
1971 17,406 (20.9% of hardtops)
1972 18,045 (23.9% of hardtops)
1972 25,274 (32.9% of hardtops)

For additional information on the 1969 and 1970 mustang, click here.

For additional information on the 1971 through 1973 mustang, click here.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW A FORD TV COMMERCIAL OF THE THEN NEW 1969 MUSTANG GRANDE

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