First drive in 30 years: owner reunited with '69 Ford Mustang Mach 1

This week Davin makes a 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 roadworthy again. With a quick brake job, some new belts and hoses, and a fluid top-off she's ready to hit the road again. After a quick drive around the block, we surprise Grandma Sue with her baby back on the road after 30 years in storage. It's moments like this that make wrenching on old cars worth it.
Part 1: • Will it run? "Ran when...
Part 2: • Will it run? Starting ...
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[@laurormrz]

Man, this whole series was great, even teared up a bit at her shocked reaction seeing the car. Love how she just jumped in no questions asked. I’m pretty sure she was transported back in time during that neighborhood ride, soaking in the memories of her husband and her cruising around. That was beautiful!

[@rsprockets7846]

she huffing ha ha ya ya was priceless

[@liamgross7217]

Big bloke tearing up here in Australia to. I wonder will modern cars still have the same emotional ties? I guess some will.

[@laurormrz]

@@liamgross7217 Greetings from the US! I’ve wondered that too, but with so many vehicles today relying on digital instrumentation panels and consoles, I just don’t think those will age as well. Very different from good old analog controls in the classics-no worrying about firmware updates.

[@TheMarcball]

That was great, grandma jumped right in and hahaha...

[@liamgross7217]

@@laurormrz 100% right. My old 67 Ford just starts and runs. My Y2K plus cars are littered with little gadget breakdowns and electronic gremlins. I’m Lucky if I can move the seat or wind down the window. As for software upgrades….🤣😂☹️ Meanwhile old Henry and his mates will still be chugging along. 🍻

[@saltycracker2344]

I just like how natural Davin is in all of his videos on Hagerty. He's not trying to be a showman or an entertainer like so many people on KZbin. His videos are educational and relaxing to watch without any drama and he even managed to get me, a person who was a strict JDM/Euro fan, interested in American cars.

[@jimr4791]

You got that right. He's pure work ethic and a very positive role model.

[@officerockstar]

I can’t believe this video made me tear up for that woman. She loved her husband and that car. Great story.

[@ZesPak]

Shut up, I have ninjas in the house cutting onions.

[@DynamicRockers]

I can't believe she didn't say thank you to neither Cam nor Davin.

[@arkhsm]

@@DynamicRockers Her reaction was thanks enough for the two lads; plus she would have shoved them out the way to get to that drivers seat if needed !!

[@DynamicRockers]

@@arkhsm she was obsessed by the Mach1 😜

[@michaelmaas5544]

@@DynamicRockers I’m pretty sure her reaction was enough thanks 😊

[@guyforlogos]

Love how Grandma takes off on the street! 🤣😂😅 Cam did say she might have had a lead foot, he wasn’t wrong!

[@sadlerbw9]

She wasn't messin' around once she got it out of the driveway!

[@rsprockets7846]

@@sadlerbw9 and her cackle ha ha ha was pure joy

[@craigm.9070]

She has a strong emotional attachment to that car. No matter the workload, her reaction made it all worthwhile. Did you see her gas it after she backed out of the driveway? You go Grandma! Great job on this one Hagerty!

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Right, she hammered it!

[@lonniewinbolt1818]

You had to have made her day guys, what a wonderful gift, blessings

[@Guardducks]

I love how the mustang caught her off guard while talking. She didn't realize it was her car at first and then it hit her. Davin thanks a heap buddy. You🤘🏽

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Cool guitar! Yeah, she's talking and see's it right away and you just notice that moment and she says "You guys knew about this!!" Then bring on the water works, us guitarist gearheads start bawling!

[@arkhsm]

I wonder if was that old school V8 rumble that first snapped her head around !!

[@robertlambert5299]

This has got to be one of the best vids you guys have done! The reaction and gratitude of grandma Sue is worth all the effort to get it going again. Great job Davin and crew. Hopefully there won’t be more comments again on how there isn’t a vacuum hose on the distributor. Lol.

[@Hagerty]

Armchair mechanics were out in full on that last episode! 😂

[@robertlambert5299]

@@Hagerty hahahahaha for sure

[@thomasryan8218]

This 70 year old man got a tear in his eye.

[@justaguy8347]

That was so great to see her, I cried along with her!

[@PRRGG1]

Gotta LOVE Davin, he made this ladies life a little better with good memories.

[@lewisworkshop]

What a gift for this family. Thanks Davin and Hagerty!

[@FrisellFan01]

I have to say... all the years I have been on you tube.....no other car has gotten my attention as this one has. The color....the condition......the family story behind it......one of a kind and its.... beautiful...,..

[@fjmorrison]

It's like having your loved one again with you. You guys rock

[@TinHatRanch]

This just goes to show you; whatever it is you want to do in life…do it today. I️ can’t tell you how many times I️ hear this story, “guy wanted to do x and died before he got to do it”. My aunt works in a nursing home and she always tells me NOBODY wishes they’d worked more on their deathbed.

[@PenkillerDIY]

It shows an even cruder story, Davin gets the ones just needing tune up and some pleasant straight forward wrenching examples and we get the rusty falling apart ones 🤣

[@Peter_2jz]

i aint gonna lie i did drop a tear at the end , you can see it in her eyes she misses her husband so much Amazing work as always from the crew. best of wishes.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Yo bro... me too, and I'm METAL, it's all good /w\/w\

[@elliottbutts153]

Still one of the best looking muscle cars ever. It’s high up there on a long list.

[@ZesPak]

It just works, doesn't it? The shape of the mirrors, the position of the headlights. Ford just hit every nail on the head with this. I love the look of the Charger, but it's hard to deny the beauty in this Mach 1. Nothing feels overdone, proportions are great and details are spot on.

[@elliottbutts153]

@@ZesPak Yep. Charger is on the list too. 67-68 Mustang fastback also. 63-67 Corvette too

[@matiasdamian8106]

Dude, I just can't stop smiling every time i see her reaction when she saw the mustang running to the house, this kind of videos are so human so pure about good people just loving cars together, Davin's face when she said "So u're the guy that got this started?", amazing people. I got my car on the garage on restoration process, and after watching how she just got inside de car no questions just wanted to drive and enjoy it and the Davin saying as always get out in the shop, get your project's done, Right after writing this, im going straight to do that, it just motivate me so hard. For more pleased and happy people like this lady, i wish all the best to you and the team Davin!

[@gac914]

Ah, the squish and fade of full drum brakes!! I remember those days well -- my brand-new 75 Bronco (oh, how I wish I still had that thing today,) had drums on all fours. . .!! 😲 Nice that "grandma Sue" immediately put her foot to the metal -- way to go, Sue!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@asarand]

What surprises me is the minimal investment that it took. A set of brakes new hoses and new engine wiring is not that big of a deal. The engine didn't need to be rebuilt, the transmission didn't need to be rebuilt, the rear differential didn't need to be rebuilt. Replacing those seals on the rear axle was probably the most intense thing you had to do. And I would think that for you that was a minor effort as well. Congratulations. But even more kudos to Cam for taking such good care of that car over the years keeping it on a trailer and keeping it covered.

[@arkhsm]

Yeah, really it was just standard maintenance, just done all at once !!

[@Mister006]

12:19 "I can go, can I go f...(for a drive)? " That was the plucked heart string moment for me! 😭🤗

[@PenkillerDIY]

Cheers Davin!!! That's the best Ford commercial I've ever seen, unless it's driven into the ground, it just needs a tuneup after 30 years. Love it!

[@williampetsch1244]

Man, Davin, this was remarkable. 69 Mustang was/is my dream as well. I'm 70 years old and the look on her face and her comments says it all. I really enjoyed this series, you knocked it out of the park. What you said at the end speaks volumes as well. Bill from MN

[@twistingterrain7748]

I love that she just jumped in. No camera time, just jumped in and you can tell she wanted to let it rip. Thats amazing. I hope my family has a moment like that some day. BTW the Cadillac is running great!!! Thanks for the encouragement

[@MrSloika]

The rear suspensions on these old cars always give me a chuckle. Solid axle, leaf springs, pair of shocks. That's it.

[@Damien.D]

A seriously touching and heartwarming reunion. Thank you for her, it's a perfect example of how cars and passion can link people through times, generations, memories. Big up to grandma mach1, passing in minutes from tears to... instinctively starting up the roaring V8 to go for a joy ride. Now that's the spirit.

[@johngoins840]

She was soo happy. Thanks you made her day.

[@logancarter2134]

Heart touching! She is one happy Grandma! Good job! Fantastic car!

[@brucenewman6577]

In our family we have a story about my dad's "65 coupe that we reclaimed 25 years ago and was modified by my younger son over that time. He surprised me much like your story. talk about lumps in the throat and tears in the eyes!!

[@jeffdiehl8394]

I cannot like this video enough! agreed, the look on her face/reaction was pure and awesome. as a lifelong mustang guy certainly helps!

[@steves9905]

special cars, like this one, owned over a long time, are part of the family's life story and seeing them again brings back memories of the experiences of years ago, and gives the owner a chance to relive them again. so nice that she could re-experience her husband's excitement to get the car going back in the day, and here it is today. it's more than a car, its part of a life. but its a pretty cool car too.

[@MichaelJohnson-vs3tt]

Wow Davin! Thanks for bringing that car to life and being blessing to Sue.

[@johnds6621]

Grandma was so surprised and it was nice to watch her reaction. And she has a hot foot. thanks

[@billfioretti3013]

Enjoy your Mach 1 and all the memories it brings!

[@omgbbqcia911]

this is what cars are about. its not how fast they are, or how rare. its the stories they can tell and the memories they evoke.

[@doster59]

I'm not ashamed to say I had to choke back some tears on that one. Great video, thank you.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Ok... ur not ashamed, then admit ur bawling like the rest of us! haha...

[@doster59]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS Well said!

[@waynemuehlenbein2281]

Davin is a gem. That car don’t need a bigger engine.

[@Hanzyscure]

Grandma had a smile on her face and a little bounce in her step upon seeing her car in her driveway.

[@05gtdriver]

Nice to see this old gal brought back to life, I really like it's originality. '69 Mach 1s didn't come with front or rear spoilers(those were Boss 302 items) or 15" Magnums(just simple 14" styled steel wheels with center caps with optional trim rings). Very well done Davin, the look on Sue's face and her reaction is priceless :-)

[@stephandiehl3893]

NICE!! what a great way to start my monday morning. I went from a little choked up to laughing when she hopped in and just took off!!

[@reallyrandomrides1296]

Yeah, I like how she was casually talking about the car and then happened to notice it driving around the corner up to her house and the shock that it was not only running, but that she could drive it! She looked so happy driving that car! To think that at one time, maybe in the late 70s to early 80s, that would have just been a cheap old used car, fully depreciated, that could have been picked up for a fraction of what it sold for when new. Today, you'd be lucky to buy a used taillight for that same price!

[@geoffcline9593]

How could you not LOVE this. "Grandma Sue" is stoked. Great job.

[@grizzlyjoe5203]

I guess this is what live is all about. Careing for you family and friends and sharing those precious moment makes live so much more livable. If we all learned to give a bit more than we take our whole society would make a huge improvement for generations to come. A small step for Devin but a huge step for grandma Sue.

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

That is one special garage Mach 1, the paint is just glistening and the interior. Happy to see that on the road again. Sue didn't even hesitate for a second, she just hopped right in it and off she went.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

I'll give you a thumbs for the nice accurate comment and the totally bitchin' profile name! */w\TMFR/w\*

[@moparedtn]

You get to be a certain age and if you're into this hobby anywhere nears seriously.... you've got stories - and your friends have stories - and you've heard and seen still *more* stories on top of those. I've said it a thousand times - this hobby is more about the *people* and *stories* than anything else - and our intrepid hero *Davin* just proved that point in this series, yet again. Wonderful job, all associated with it at Hagerty! - Ed on the Ridge

[@tcwascawy1]

A puddle-up moment for a great car and a great lady. Kudos to D and the crew. All my best!

[@jamesowen2231]

Of all the videos I've watched in the last 18 months, this is by far the best one. Her reaction to seeing that car moving again was priceless. Awesome. You guys are the best,

[@duke2304]

What a great story. When you are young and playing around with these cars you think it is really just about the cars. As you grow older and wiser you realize that yes it is about the cars but really more importantly its about the people, their stories and how these cars have touched their lives in certain ways. The fact that you couldn't wait to reunite this car with an original owner says a lot about your character. Great job and thanks for sharing this project from its start to actually getting this Mach 1 back on the road. Well done!

[@MrSloika]

"There are no rattles or squeaks...". The Mustang was constructed on the Falcon/Fairlane chassis. Unibody construction went a long way in keeping the cars from rattling. These were simple solid cars that were cheap, looked nice were reliable (for their day) and were easy/cheap to repair when they did break. It's why they were so popular and why they remain popular.

[@Nifilheimur]

Keep that beuty original. Awesome car and awesome to see Sue get to see her old Stang on the streets again

[@jamesclemons4912]

Absolutely love what you have done for this dear lady.

[@MrTexasDan]

Grandma went from realization through shock and to tears in about a second. This car means a LOT to her. Well done, guys!

[@paultucker1272]

I seem to have dust in my eyes! Well done guys :)

[@ahmedag2531]

You all are wonderful people. What a show, thank you so very much 🙏🏼

[@wernerdanler2742]

It's been almost 50 years since I had my 69 Mach1 so I actually couldn't remember if it had drum brakes all around. I guess it did. I passed up one with an automatic and found one with a 4 speed stick and the 428cj. Loved it!

[@cdstoc]

Love it! The reaction of grandma at the end is priceless, more than worth the price of admission. What a sweet sounding car, too.

[@timursulaimanov2550]

Very emotional reaction, totally unexpected from the car restoration video. Something truly special. It wasn‘t just a car, it was part of someone‘s life

[@Kcsailing]

Not staged and just awesome! Love this series

[@ericv1775]

Hats off to the mechanic for making memories come alive!

[@kmrumedy]

Probably one of the best short series you've done. Beautiful work! Thank you.

[@uio890138]

Great looking Mach!!! Really like seeing these originals have some wrenches turned on them and put back on the road!

[@GreggeSB]

That's awesome. It's great to see that old beauty running, and bringing smiles back to the family.

[@pauldulworth2768]

Loved how she just jumped in the car and was gone. No talking, just action. My kind of human being.

[@thesquirrelchroniclesakare7808]

Bless her heart. This was awesome Davin !

[@korn111685]

Loved her reaction

[@brianmaynard7320]

I was damn near crying! You this did Ann AMAZING job!! Awesome work and kudos to you for bringing her 'THE dream'!!

[@barryclark4884]

This was an awesome story on a true survivor muscle car. My first car in high school was a 67 mustang with a 289 V8. I loved that car.

[@ChessIsJustAGame]

My parents had a 1969 Mercury station wagon and a gravel driveway. I was about 10 and learning car maintenance and changing my first oil change and my dad said, let's do the radiator coolant too. The oil we collected, but the antifreeze we just drained onto the driveway. He said it wouldn't hurt. We've come a long way since then. Your opening the radiator drain just reminded me of that moment. 50 years ago. Nice car. I always wanted a 68 or 69 Mustang, especially after I saw my first Mach-I.

[@Hotwire454]

Thank you Davin, Hagerty, RockAuto, and the crew behind the cameras. I'd love to do things like this full time, seeing the reactions and lifting hearts is where it's at.

[@robertgreer5938]

I'm a mustang man myself. I have a 65 coupe and a 70 convertible, when she started crying so did I. Great job guys!!

[@markk3652]

what a great posting of the story of this car! start to finish, it had me hooked, and the reaction of this nice woman was even better than I thought it would be. thanks for taking all of us on this experience, I really enjoyed being included.

[@yardsausage]

this was caring about another persons dreams and wishes at its best..bravo !!

[@daveditcher4059]

Great series, Davin. Kudos to you guys at Hagerty. I had a model of a ‘69 Mach 1 that I painted in exactly that color. I kept that thing on my dresser for years, dreaming that I would eventually have a real one. Life got in the way, of course and I never did get that Mach 1. BUT, I do have a very real 2013 GT500. A very suitable substitution. Lol. Lucky for all of us that a local Traverse City guy had a perfect car for you to video. Thanks again.

[@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS]

Hella bro! That's a nice car, super streetable, better gas mileage, air, cruise, ABS, etc, etc... ur doing great!

[@daveditcher4059]

@@THRASHMETALFUNRIFFS exactly my thoughts. I got a good deal on the Shelby 6 years ago, about the same $$ as a driver quality Mach 1 without all the benefits of 21st century engineering. Better yet would be the Mach 1’s classic sheet metal on the Shelby’s chassis and drive train.

[@MaShcode]

Pure emotion. Unscripted. 👍🏻 The unmistakable sound of 50 year old Ford door. Some things never change.

[@wolfiewoolliscoft7518]

Gretings From The UK - excellent David what a beauty - and a wonderful surprise

[@68mustangmustang77]

This was awesome 👌. Not only the car but what a beautiful part of the world. From Australia 🇦🇺

[@paulscott6605]

Very gratifying for you Davin. Kinda emotional for some of us to watch.

[@leepaulison4928]

This one video just won the Internets today!

[@laidback93]

Count me as another softy who teared up when she saw the car running. Amazing story!

[@adrianfletcher2829]

Dave that was definitely a great thing you did for Grandma Sue. This old muscle car nut says a job well done and thank you for bringing back to life a classic part of America. As the Fonz says I got a little Misty eyed. And David if you are ever here in the Tampa FL area please try to get in touch with me as I want to let you drive my 70 455 Stage 1 GS Convertible. God Bless you Sir.

[@fred993a]

Davin - You are such a great human being!

[@eovdubsvw8743]

I’m amazed someone who knows how to use brake pliers.

[@seangray933]

Love the redline rebuilds, but this is probably the best video you guys have made.

[@markhellerjr5910]

Anyone who gave this video a “thumbs down” has zero heart! This was amazing to watch come together. Awesome job to everyone involved!!!

[@carado1984]

Just inaccurate thumbs

[@paulmartin7737]

Loved Sues reaction to the car!! Priceless gift for her. As an aside, looks a nice part of the world as well.

[@Mattisgarage]

Loved when she just got in car and went for drive. Excellent!

[@paulcochran1721]

1969 was the best year for Mustangs. That's a beautiful example. Great reveal... I got some dust in my eye, gotta go..

[@Clayton117]

Well crap... now I'm crying in the middle of the afternoon.. Thanks Hagerty thanks :)

[@Deetroiter]

Nice to see an OG mechanic doing it bare handed and not afraid to get their hands dirty

[@dickdaley9059]

Congratulations, gentlemen! This is the way to make a person’s heart happy over a beloved and cherished dream returning back to their life. You are all to be commended! ❤️

[@geoffreydemaesschalck6065]

Listen how silent these cars were originally ! And the look on her face, and the speed she got into the car. Fantastic !

[@rustynail2205]

What a great video. Love the reaction when it pulled in the laneway.

[@abuzed6533]

That was perfect, great series on the car. I had tears i my eyes over her reaction! Great show!

[@gdfthr19281928]

Stories like this is why i took out my own engine, repaired it, put it back together in a few weekends. I missed driving my car and i didn’t want it to turn into one of those stories of how i never got to it. 30k miles later, it’s still driving great for being my first engine teardown. Lets get those projects done guys and gals.

[@grantottaviano7445]

Gorgeous vehicle, great work Davin.

[@musleman8]

I can't believe how quite that motor is, amazing.

[@christicorteggiano8092]

ohhhhh this is absolutely AMAZING!!! I am over here losing it! Seeing that car running again & the look on my momma's face!!! The emotions are unspeakable, really. Just like Cam, my dad & I also always talked about fixing that car up. I used to say to him way back when he got it... 'sooooo... '69 huh?!? so that's like my car, right?' (born in 69) He would laugh & say 'sure kid... it's your car.' ;) We'd talk about if we should paint it or leave it original. OH the memories! THANK YOU, Hagerty of behalf of my entire family! Watching this beauty go down the road again is beyond momentous to all of us. As I said, words can't adequately describe the joy this brings. Cam, Popa is watching in awe at you. (sorry... proud mom moment)

[@Kickinpony66]

Awesome, just awesome! The look of disbelief on her face, when she first saw the car, brought tears to my eyes!

[@JaredR1996]

Awesome to this car back on the road once again 👍

[@bigredbeertrain3522]

Damn good looking Mach 1. Glad it’s not a rust bucket. Someone in my area was selling a body that was completely gutted and rusted for $7k