Posted By Nicole Wakelin
The 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a Mustang with a mission. When the car was introduced in 1969, designers were tasked with making a Mustang that would be unbeatable racing on SCCA courses across the country, and on local drag strips. The Boss fit the bill perfectly.
Although the Ford Mustang was already a hot property as a sexy, sporty ride, it didn’t quite have the reputation it has today as a true performance car.
The Boss was specifically created to change that perception forever. It all started when Ford tasked engineers with making the Mustang Boss a leader in the SCCA Trans-Am road racing series.
They chose to use their NASCAR 429 engine as a starting point and engineers set about making a true performance Mustang a reality.
The end result was three different engine configurations and two body variants with styling by new Ford designer Larry Shinoda. The blacked-out hood, racing stripes, and front and rear spoilers made sure that its looks matched what was under the hood.
The engine combined a four-bolt main Windsor small-block with reworked heads from a 351 Cleveland engine with a forged steel crankshaft, connecting rods, and pistons. Ford claimed the Boss would make 290 gross horsepower, but its actual output was likely a bit higher.
But don’t think it was just about straight-line speed for the Boss. With the suspension system getting plenty of attention including stiffer springs and shocks, special sway-bar tuning, a stiffened chassis and wider tires.
The end result was a Mustang that posted the fasted lap time on the Ford track to that date, and a car collectors are clamoring to get into their garages.
Photo Credit: RM Auctions
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