Shaken not Stirred - James Bond's Mustang Mach 1 ready for its MCACN reveal!
1971 Mustang Mach 1 from the
James Bond Movie ‘Diamonds Are Forever’
to be revealed at Muscle Car and
Corvette Nationals (MCACN)
November 9, 2026 – Iconic cars have been on the big screen for decades, especially in the ever-popular James Bond movies. This long-running film franchise has spanned over six decades, producing action-packed films that pit its hero against villains on a quest for world domination, with the hero driving cool machines. During this year’s Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals (MCACN), cinema history will take center stage with the unveiling of a famous 1971 Mustang Mach 1 from James Bond classic ‘Diamonds Are Forever.’
Bond…James Bond
While Sean Connery was the quintessential 007 secret agent, the producers had to coax him back to make 1971’s ‘Diamonds Are Forever’ after his departure following 1967’s ‘You Only Live Twice.’ Bond’s trademark Aston Martin had been retired after 1969’s ‘Her Majesties Secret Service,’ and that left the door open for the production company to find a new ‘hero car’ for Jame Bond. Since Ford had a relationship with EON Productions, the company that produced the James Bond films, vehicles such as a first-generation Mustang, Country Squire station wagons, Lincoln Continentals, and even a 428 Cougar were featured in many Bond films during the 1960s.
Ford’s Better Idea
By 1971, Ford introduced its all-new Mustang, and their marketing team approached EON Productions to have it featured in their upcoming Bond movie ‘Diamonds are Forever.’ Sean Connery revived the role that made him famous after a 16-month hiatus. To connect even more to American audiences, much of the filming took place in Las Vegas and the surrounding desert. The car for Bond was a Bright Red 1971 Mustang Mach 1 powered by a 429 Cobra Jet and in a way, it the star of movie for gearheads. With its many stunts, the Mach 1 evaded Rental Cops in their Ford Galaxie sedans and Honda US90 ATV three-wheeled cycles through the Nevada dunes. Then there’s the infamous car chase filmed at night in downtown Las Vegas, showing the Mustang squealing its Polyglas tires and drifting down Fremont Street while evading the local sheriffs. With Sean Connery at the wheel and Jill St. John riding shotgun, the highlight of the chase is the Mach 1 going up on two wheels through a dimly lit and narrow alleyway.
Survivor of the Big Screen
While most movie cars get destroyed, trashed, and carted off for scrap at the conclusion of filming, this Mach 1 survived; it’s one of a handful of cars used in the actual production of ‘Diamonds are Forever.’ It’s one of three 429 CJ Mach 1 Mustangs used in the movie, and this particular example was utilized in the Las Vegas downtown and desert shots. There were an additional four to five 1971 Mach 1 Mustangs powered by 351 Cleveland engines for the hardcore stunts, including the infamous parking lot jump shots and alley segment.
Lost and Found
After filming wrapped up, this Mustang was sold to an enthusiast and sat in a storage lot, withering away to the ravages of the weather. The Mach 1 was eventually located by the Ian Fleming Foundation and after confirming the paperwork, concluded it was one of the Mustangs used in the movie. The car was shown at various functions in its dilapidated state until it was decided it needed to be properly preserved. The foundation commissioned Finley Ledbetter and Blue Oval Car Barn to do a complete restoration. The Blue Oval Car Barn specializes in restoring 1971-1972 Mustangs, and their expert craftsmen have made this Mach 1 a shining star as it was in 1971. With it recently being completed, the Mach 1 will be revealed at the MCACN show on Saturday, November 21, 2026, and then from there it’ll go to the Gilmore Museum to be on display for a year.
About the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals
The Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals is the premier indoor car show that celebrates a wide variety of manufacturers, brands, and nameplates of American performance vehicles that have shaped the car culture for over 60 years. Founded in 2009 by a group of muscle car enthusiasts, MCACN, LLC was created. Each member brings their passion for the car hobby along with a variety of ideas and perspectives that allow them to produce an event unlike any other. The annual MCACN show, held at the massive Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, is scheduled for November 21 and 22, 2026.
Website: www.mcacn.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MCACN
Instagram: @mcacn_show
Media Contact: David Hakim
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MCACN
Instagram: @mcacn_show
Media Contact:
David Hakim