Recently I was contacted by Tim Wise who told me about a car that he has – a 1969 Mustang E. This is a car that I have never heard of. Apparently it was built by Ford specifically to compete in the Mobilgas Economy Run. In the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s the Mobilgas Economy Run was a popular and widely publicized motoring event. Also in the late 1960s there was the beginning of concern over fuel consumption by automobiles.
Tim Wise’s 1969 Mustang E
From a styling point of view, the Mustang E looks like the standard 1969 Mustang except for the “Mustang E” decal on the rear quarter panels. Tim’s car was very well restored by him and his wife over a four year period. The Mustang E was a basic Mustang as demonstrated that air conditioning was not an option with the Mustang E because air conditioning decreases gas mileage.
Note The Distinguishing “Mustang E” Decal
The 250 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine was new for 1969. The Mustang E cars came with a three-speed automatic transmission equipped with a one inch larger diameter than standard high stall torque converter and a very high 2.33:1 rear axle ratio. The engine was rated at 155 horsepower and with a torque of 240 pound-feet, identical to the standard six-cylinder Mustang. However with the special torque converter and higher rear axle ratio made the Mustang E significantly slower, but more fuel efficient, than the standard Mustang six-cylinder car.
The 1969 Mustang E 250 Cubic Inch Six Cylinder Engine
The Mustang E needed 13.3 seconds to reach 60 mph from a standing start and 19.4 seconds to travel a quarter mile. The standard six cylinder Mustang had a 0 to 60 mph time of about 10.6 seconds and would cover the quarter mile in 18.1 seconds. The top speed was 104 miles per hour.
The Mustang E was rated at 19 mpg highway, 13.7 mpg city, and 16.3 mpg combined. For reference, the standard Mustang six-cylinder model was good for 16.2 mpg highway, 12.9 mpg city, and 15.1 mpg combined.
1969 Ford Mustang E Promotional Photo
Ford only made 50 1969 Mustang E cars. For the Mobilgas Economy Run, the rules said “that cars competing in the Mobil Economy Run represent models being purchased and used by the public in substantial quantities”. A production run of 50 cars would satisfy that requirement. With such a small run, it is understandable that this model was not highly promoted by Ford. And unfortunately for Ford on December 20, 1968 the Mobilgas Economy Run, for which this car was built, was cancelled forever and Ford did not get a chance to fully showcase and promote this car.
As only 5o 1969 Mustang E cars were built and as perhaps most buyers were not aware of the significance of these cars, it is suspected that only a very few still remain.
If you have any comments or questions about this post or any further information on the Mustang E, then leave a comment below, or you can send me a private email message at the following address: shanna12 at comcast dot net
stevemckelvie.wordpress.com 
The mileage figures published by Ford seem a bit off. In 1971 we bought a 66 Mustang fastback. This was a non gt model purchased used from a Pennsylvania State Trooper. It was a 2bbl 289 V8 car. He had modified it to include the high performance heads from the GT and added dual exhaust. I bought it because I was entering basic training and my wife coudnt drive a standard shift car. The Mustang replaced a 63 Faiirlane 500 6 cylinder car that we had owned for two years. The Faiirlane gave us at least 20 mpg on the highway and 17 in local use. The v8 Mustang surprised me because it actually got better mileage 21 on trips and 18 around town. Those two vehicles are on the list of best of the group of all the vehicles owned over the years. I think that number stands at 51 as of last month when my wife got a new Accord.
Hi Greg,
As I was exchanging messages with Tim Wise about the Mobilgas Economy Run I looked up the recorded gas mileage for a 6-cylinder Mustang during the 1968 Mobilgas Economy Run. That year the Mustang finished 5th in class with a gas mileage of 22.6487 miles per gallon. In 1968 Ford Mustangs had a 200 cubic inch 6-cylinder engine. Therefore given that the Mobilgas Economy Run Mustang got 22.7487 mpg with its light foot driving, other event preparation tricks, and a smaller 200 cubic inch engine (compared to 250 cubic inch) I think that slightly over 19 mpg on the highway for the Mustang E seems about right.
Steve McKelvie
Reblogged this on Automotive American.
Thank you for the nice words Steve. Barb and I spent the entire four years on this car. Weekends, nights after work, holidays off and really any spare time. We thank you for the kind words.
It was a concours build with thanks to Concoursmustang.com and Vintage-Mustang.com.
We learned a lot building a car just like it left the factory. Every nut and bolt came out for restore or repair whichever was needed and also the Goodyear bias ply whitewall tires. I just wanted to give you a little of the building history. If anyone would have any questions please email me at tbkwise3@msn.com Tim and Barb Wise
Fantastic article.. Great long time friends.