FORD MUSTANG BOSS 302
ONE OF THE MUSTANG'S MOST POPULAR RACER FOR THE ROAD MODELS. RARE TO FIND, AND CAN BE COSTLY TO OWN; BUT ARE HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER.
For most car-makers, the only reason to spend money racing your cars is to make money selling them.
‘Win On Sunday, Sell On Monday’ was an adage coined by Detroit and motivation enough for Ford to heavily back its Mustang to win the Trans-American Sedan Championship. From 1966-67 it took the Over Two Litre title then for 1969 produced a model specifically designed to dominate TransAm events.
With the capacity limited to 5.0 litres, Ford’s 302 cubic inch V8 was a perfect choice for the provocatively-named Boss 302. Tweaks for reliable racing included a crankshaft with four-bolt main bearings, cylinder heads came from the bigger Cleveland 351, improved manifolding and a choice of carburettors. Road cars used a 780cfm Holley four-barrel but race versions were permitted dual Holley Dominators. Officially the engine produced 290bhp (215kW ) but in race trim, 280kW was more realistic.
Visually the Boss sat lower and wider than other 1969s in Mach 1 guise. Shorter, stiffer springs and extreme front camber dropped the nose for improved grip and already exaggerated wheel-arches were flared to accommodate race rubber.
Suspension design was typical Mustang but with heavier springs and the rear shock absorbers ‘staggered’ to minimise body movement. A hefty rear roll-bar from the 7.0-litre Boss 429 was optional.
During 1969, Boss 302 production totalled just 1628 cars. 1970 was a better year for the 302-engined cars, with more than 7000 sold. However it was overshadowed by a decline in overall Mustang sales.
1969 cars are distinguished by ‘C-Stripe’ decals down both flanks, headlamps in the mudguards, auxiliary lights in the grille and no scoop. Without options the 1969 Boss 302 cost $3655 which was around $700 less than a 351-engined Shelby GT350.
Inside, comfort was kept to a minimum. The seats were skimpy and vinyl covered, the dash basic with an array of dials including a huge tachometer in front of the driver. Boss 429s in common with the Mach 1 came with a centre console but 302 customers just got a lumpy tunnel covered in cheap carpet.
Styling changes for 1970 included replacing the outboard lights with clusters incorporating indicators and running lights. The main headlights were shifted to the grille and a ‘shaker’ style air-intake added. New ‘hockey stick’ stripes ran down both sides and joined in the centre of the bonnet.
With the exception of Allan Moffat’s famous Boss 302 racer, Australia didn’t see many of these Mustangs as new cars. This meant that cars arriving here since the 1990s might not have needed their authenticity compromised by conversion to right-hand drive.
When buying a car that is to be regularly driven, the side on which the steering wheel sits will be more of an issue than when buying for club-day use or investment.
More significant, is quality and deficiencies like an incorrect engine or poor-quality repaint which will drag values down.
Given scarcity and demand for Boss 302s, these cars are certain to appreciate more strongly than most other Mustangs, so the best car you can afford is the one you should buy.