As we write this, the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is in transit to dealerships nationwide. The new performance variant got a few minor changes before shipping to dealers. But there’s another change in store for the new Mach 1, as Ford Authority has learned that The Blue Oval will soon allow buyers to delete the rear seat.
To unlock the rear seat delete option in the Mustang Mach 1, shoppers will first need to opt for the Mach 1 Handling Package, which is a $3,500 option that includes some very enticing track-oriented features, including:
- Unique Tarnished Dark-painted wheels (19×10.5 inches front and 19×11 inches rear)
- Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires (305/30 front – 315/30 rear)
- Factory-installed adjustable top strut mounts
- Performance rear spoiler with Gurney flap
- Performance front aero splitter
- Revised chassis tuning
- Split-bench folding rear seat
- Rear-wheel lip molding
Opting for Handling Package enables customers to opt for the rear seat delete option, which is intended to shave some weight off the pony for those who are serious about tracking the vehicle.
2021 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 with rear seat delete option
In Mustang Mach 1 models that excise the rear seats, a shaped carpeted area will take their place, as seen in the above image. At the moment, it isn’t clear if Ford will offer a credit for customers who opt to remove the seats.
The ability to delete the rear seats in the Mustang Mach 1 is a nod towards the discontinued Mustang Shelby GT350R, which the Mach 1 with the Handling Package is indirectly replacing. Ford still offers a rear-seat delete option on the S550 Mustang Shelby GT500.
But while the Mustang Mach 1 offers the ability to keep or delete the rear seats in conjunction with the track-focused Handling Package, the same flexibility is not present on the Mustang Shelby GT500, where opting for the optional Carbon Fiber Track Package automatically removes the rear seats.
After a 17-year hiatus, the all-new Mustang Mach 1 fastback coupe makes its world premiere – becoming the modern pinnacle of style, handling and 5.0-liter V-8 pony car performance.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 examples equipped with the Mach 1 Handling Package are set to begin production at the Ford Flat Rock Assembly plant in the coming weeks. The Blue Oval most likely held back on producing them because the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires are made from a very soft compound that is not suitable for winter weather, as Ford Authority exclusively explained. Every previous Mustang equipped with that rubber has followed a similar production schedule, only being produced (roughly) from March to October, weather permitting. That’s essentially why we haven’t seen models with the deleted rear seats just yet.
Interested in all things Mustang? The subscribe to Ford Authority for the latest Ford Mustang news and continuous Ford news coverage.
Comments
1993 SVT COBRA R, 2000 COBRA R rear seat delete, 2012-13 Laguna Saga rear seat delete this Mustang has BOSS 302 written all over it with that grill and no Shaker or Ram Air hood. Delete the stripes and what do you have ? A BOSS BULLITT crossover -in multiple colors
THE 1970 BOSS 302 had a Shaker Hood Scoop option, as did the 351, 390 and 428 Mustang and Mach 1.
Ah, the usual “Parts Bin/Name Tag switcheroo.
The US auto industry has played this “repackage and sell it like something brand new” for a century now.
The problem is the handling package is not available yet on the Ford configurator right now
Seems like Ford would just offer a delete option that has more cargo space, but looks nice. I never really understood the delete seat option that just removes the functionality of the seat but somehow further limits cargo capacity.
FORD delete rear seat option is for alittle weight saving more racer look inside