The Camaro/Mustang rivalry had begun in 1967 with the introduction
of the Chevrolet Camaro by General Motors. The Camaro was the
largest threat to the lead Ford had in the "pony car" field, a
market segment largely created by Ford with the introduction of the
Mustang in mid-year 1964. The performance of the Mustang with 289
and 390 engines was not up to the Camaro, with its small block and
big block V8. In an effort to improve the Mustang's image Ford made
a 428 Cobra Jet V8 and a Ford Boss 302 engine optional for the 1968
mid-year and 1969 models, respectively.
The 1969-70 Boss 302 (Hi-Po) engine was created in 1968 for the
SCCA's 1969 Trans-Am road racing series. Available in the Boss 302
Mustangs of 1969-70, it's a unique Ford small-block engine
featuring a thin-wall, high nickel content block casting. It
differed substantially from regular 302s, with 4-bolt mains, screw
in freeze plugs, and heads using a canted valve design being
developed for the planned 351 Cleveland (which debuted the
following year). The construction was aided by the two engines
sharing a cylinder head bolt pattern, though the Boss 302 heads had
to have their coolant passages slightly modified.
This optional engine, and indeed the entire vehicle package,
including handling and aerodynamic aids, was made available for the
express purpose of meeting the homologation guidelines to compete
in the SCCA Trans-Am series, which limited engine displacement to
305 C.I.D. (5.0L) in order to compete.
The Boss 302 Mustang was designed by Larry Shinoda, a former GM
employee. The car featured a reflective "c-stripe". The fake air
scoops in the rear quarter panel fenders of the regular production
1969 Mustangs were eliminated on the Boss 302 models. A black
horizontal rear window shade and a blackout hood were both options.
It was one of the first production models with a front spoiler and
rear deck wing. The name "Boss" came about when Shinoda was asked
what project he was working on, he answered "the boss's car"
because the project was a secret. Also Shinoda had called it the
"Boss" as an homage to the new President of Ford Semon "Bunkie"
Knudson who had brought Shinoda over from GM's Chevrolet Division
after Knudson had left.
Changes for the 1970 model year included side "hockey stick"
stripes which started along the top of the hood, along with the
1970 grille which replaced the four headlights with two vents in
the outside position while retaining dual headlights within the
grille opening. The dual exhaust system was redesigned, along with
the competition suspension and a standard Hurst shifter. The intake
valves were slightly smaller, and cast aluminum valve covers
replaced the chrome.4 #fn4 With a suggested price of $3,720, a
total of 7,013 were sold.
In addition to a lower ride height, standard equipment included
front disc brakes, larger sway bars, heavier duty spindles,
reinforced shock towers, a four speed manual transmission, and the
solid-lifter Boss 302 V8 engine, with its free-breathing Cleveland
style heads, which had valves larger than most engines more than a
third larger in displacement. This "G Code" engine was rated at 290
HP.
The 1970 model could accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in 6.9 seconds,
and the quarter mile took 14.6 seconds, reaching a speed of 98
MPH.
This amazing example is ALL NUMBERS MATCHING and finished in
Correct and Rare Medium Blue Metallic with Black Vinyl Bucket
Seats. As per the included Marti Report, only 478 out of the 7,013
produced had this Interior and Exterior combination. Even rarer, is
the nearly complete and very legible original build sheet that is
included with this BOSS 302. This Mustang has 57,453 original
miles, runs incredibly strong and is ready to show the streets
who's BOSS.
Great lease rates and Financing also available on any of our
inventory!
Buy Sell Trade Consignments Welcome!
Please email
[email protected] or call
1-818-773-8181