Ford designers talk 2021 Mustang Mach 1 logo
Ford designers involved in some of the brand’s most notable models have to walk a fine line between clinging to nostalgia and tossing away their history in an attempt to reinvent the wheel.
When it came time to design graphics for the upcoming 2021 Mustang Mach 1, Ford decided to keep some of the key elements while bringing the typeface up to date.
Here’s what Ford design manager Dave Mahoney had to say about the task of reimagining the iconic logo: “From a brand standpoint, that vintage Mach 1 logo has such a classic look, there was a lot that we didn’t want to lose. The unique letters, the outline—it was important to keep those features. What we did do is make it more modern, which really suits the new car.”
What that means is that the lowercase “h” remains, and the structure is instantly recognizable. The logo, which will be found on the hood, fenders, dash, door sills, and the tail panel of the upcoming 5.0-liter-powered ‘Stang uses a new typeface that’s now sans-serif. “When a nameplate like a Mach 1 comes back, you need to play up the heritage, but we didn’t want this to be a retro badge. We wanted it to be modern, while still calling back to the original. I think the team nailed it,” said Dean Carbis, Ford chief designer.
Compare the new logo on the left to the retro version seen on the 2003 Mach 1 on the right and the difference is subtle but noticeable. We’re sure Mustang collectors will appreciate the attention to detail as much as driving enthusiasts will enjoy all of the work put in to make the 2021 Mach 1 the best-performing 5.0-liter pony yet.
