This is 1 of 96 rare Twister Specials produced, it’s 1 of only 48 equipped with the 351 Cleveland V8, and it was formerly owned by Terry Fritz – the creator of the Twister Special registry. The Twister Specials are among the most desirable “special” Mustangs from the period. Relatively few were made, and all for a relatively small geographical region. Their distinctive looks, rarity, and their unusual history has seen their values continue to skyrocket. Fast Facts: The Ford Mustang Mach 1 Twister Special The Twister Special was a limited edition 1970 Mustang Mach 1 built for Ford’s Kansas City dealers, with just 96 examples made. Originally intended for American Raceways International, the cars were repurposed after ARI’s bankruptcy. All units received Grabber Orange paint, Shaker hoods, and unique tornado graphics. This particular car is 1 of only 48 Twister Specials equipped with the 351 Cleveland V8 and a Select-Shift automatic transmission. It retains its matching-numbers drivetrain, factory-installed shaker hood, power front disc brakes, rear drums, and a 3.50 Traction-Lok differential. Interiors featured Mach 1 deluxe trim with molded panels, woodgrain accents, a center console, and a Rim Blow steering wheel. Exteriors had black side stripes, grille-mounted fog lights, aluminum rocker panels, and a honeycomb rear panel. All Twister Specials used the SportsRoof fastback body style. This example was originally delivered to Noller Motors in Topeka, Kansas, and later featured in Mustang Monthly in July 1989. Once owned by Terry Fritz, founder of the Twister Special registry, it is now headed to Mecum’s July auction with no reserve and verified authenticity. What Were The Twister Specials? The Twister Specials were a series of Mach 1 Mustangs (and Torino Cobras) built exclusively for Ford’s Kansas City sales district dealers. Just 96 were made in total, but the project had actually started out with very different intentions.
