An exceptionally rare piece of American automotive history recently reemerged after sitting untouched in an Arkansas garage for four decades. The vehicle is an authentic 1970 Ford Mustang Twister Special, representing one of only 96 units ever produced by Ford Motor Company. This specific discovery highlights a fascinating chapter of muscle car heritage that nearly vanished into obscurity.
The classic muscle car is powered by a massive 428 Super Cobra Jet engine paired with an automatic transmission. This precise powertrain combination was extremely limited, restricted to just 24 units out of the entire 96-car production run. Finding such an original, well-preserved survivor after 40 years in a quiet garage has generated significant excitement among classic car collectors and Mustang historians alike.
The Origins of the Twister Special
The story of the Twister Special began in the fall of 1969. Ford initially manufactured the limited-run Mach 1 package to serve as track pace vehicles for American Raceways, Inc. (ARI). However, following the sudden financial insolvency of the racing organization, Ford was left with a completed batch of 96 cars that required a new home.
To clear the inventory, Ford repurposed the vehicles for regional sales across specific Midwestern dealerships in Kansas, Northwest Arkansas, and Missouri. Because the sales district sat right in the heart of “Tornado Alley,” marketing managers dubbed the limited edition the “Twister Special.” Every single unit rolled off the line finished in striking Grabber Orange paint, complemented by bold black side stripes and distinct tornado decals on the rear quarter panels.
Engine Shortages and Rare Powertrain Combinations
The original plan called for all 100 designated Mach 1s (96 of which became Twisters) to feature heavy-duty performance hardware, including the 428 cubic-inch Super Cobra Jet V8, a Drag Pack, competition suspension, power front disc brakes, and a functional Shaker hood scoop.
Dearborn suffered an engine shortage at the time, having only 48 of the big-block 428 V8s on hand. Consequently, the remaining 48 cars received Ford’s newly released 351 Cleveland four-barrel V8 instead. This split created four distinct sub-variations within the 96-car run:
- 428 SCJ with Automatic Transmission: Exactly 24 units built.
- 428 SCJ with Four-Speed Manual: Exactly 24 units built.
- 351 Cleveland with Automatic Transmission: 39 units built.
- 351 Cleveland with Four-Speed Manual: 9 units built.
The 428 cars also featured the crucial Drag Pack, which added cap-screw connecting rods, revised engine balancing, and an external engine oil cooler designed to handle sustained high-speed driving.
Market Value and Legacy of the Surviving Cars
Out of the original 96 examples built during the first half of October 1969, official registry tracking indicates that only around 52 authentic Twister Specials are known to survive today. Due to their extreme rarity and unique regional history, verified original examples command massive attention when they cross the auction block. Well-documented 428 SCJ models have previously hammered past the $200,000 mark at major collector car auctions.
The resurfacing of this 40-year garage find in Arkansas serves as a vital reminder of the golden era of American muscle. As original survivors continue to command reverence, this particular Twister Special stands as a pristine time capsule from 1970.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many 1970 Ford Mustang Twister Specials were built?
Ford produced exactly 96 Twister Special Mustangs in October 1969, all distributed through the Kansas City sales district.
What colors and exterior features defined the Twister Special?
Every original Twister Special was painted Grabber Orange with a black interior. They featured black mid-level side stripes, tornado decals on the rear quarter panels, a functional Shaker hood scoop, and aluminum lower rocker panels.
What engine options were available in the Twister Special?
Due to a parts shortage during production, half of the cars (48 units) received the 428 Super Cobra Jet V8, while the other 48 units were equipped with the 351 Cleveland four-barrel V8.
How many original Twister Specials are left today?
According to official enthusiast registries, approximately 52 authentic 1970 Twister Specials are accounted for today, with a few having been written off or lost over the decades.
Were there any later revivals of the Twister Special name?
Yes. Ford revived the concept in November 1984 with the Mustang GT Twister II in Kansas City, followed by a limited run of modern custom conversions built by R&A Motorsports in 2008 and 2009.
