Ford was a willing participant in the homologation game at the end of the 1960s as it eagerly embraced the “win on Sunday, sell on Monday” marketing ethos. The Mustang was its weapon of choice, with the company producing two versions for two very different racing competitions. The Boss 302 was designed to sweep all before it in the Trans Am Series, while the Boss 429 was aimed squarely at taming the opposition in NASCAR. This 1969 Boss 429 is a remarkable vehicle, having been a one-owner classic until only a few weeks ago. It is an unmolested survivor that would take pride of place in any enthusiast’s garage. I want to extend a big thank you to Barn Finder Tony P for spotting the Mustang listed here at Stephen Becker Automotive Group in Buford, Georgia. Of course, cars of this caliber are rarely cheap, and someone must be prepared to part with $595,000 to take this Boss 429 home.
Ford followed a relatively conservative approach with the Mustang Boss 429’s appearance. It featured a slightly smaller front spoiler than the Boss 302, and an enormous hood scoop to feed plenty of cold air into the brute occupying the engine bay. There were no bold stripes, just a couple of decals on the front fenders for identification. This car’s first owner ordered it in Royal Maroon, with the seller claiming that it is a rare shade choice. They state that only 122 buyers chose that color in 1969, and that this one is listed on the Boss 429 Registry. The paint shines impressively for its age, the panels are laser-straight, and the lack of rust is unsurprising considering the Mustang has spent its entire life in California. The trim and glass look exceptional, and this survivor rolls on a set of Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in period-correct Goodyear Polyglas tires.
Lifting the hood reveals what makes this Boss so special. Ford had produced numerous Mustangs with large-capacity engines, but the one in this car was specifically designed to bring success in NASCAR competition. Based on the latest “Ford 385” V8 range, it featured what is often termed “semi-hemi” aluminum cylinder heads for improved breathing, four-bolt mains, and a forged steel crank and connecting rods. Ford quoted power and torque figures of 375hp and 490 ft/lbs, although it is believed that it had followed a common trend of understating the output for insurance purposes. Squeezing the 429 into the engine bay was challenging, with Kar Kraft providing a modified front apron for greater clearance that was fitted on the production line, before Ford shipped cars to Kar Kraft’s facility for engine installation. This Boss is a numbers-matching survivor, featuring its original engine, four-speed close-ratio transmission, 3.91 Traction-Lok rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The Boss 429 package also brought suspension upgrades to cope with the extra weight over the front axle, along with a ¾” rear sway bar. The seller confirms that the Mustang has only been out of the care of its original owner for the past couple of months and that it currently shows 52,994 miles on its odometer. They don’t mention verifying evidence, but with documentation that includes the original Build Sheet, Purchase and Shipping Invoices, registration history, and maintenance records, I suspect that the claim is valid. The Mustang has recently undergone a comprehensive service and is now ready to hit the road with a new owner behind the wheel.
The first owner didn’t focus solely on performance when ordering this Boss, equipping the interior with an AM radio, the Deluxe Interior Decor Group, and Deluxe seatbelts with a warning light. The Black Clarion Knit vinyl trim looks virtually perfect, with no signs of deterioration. There is no carpet wear, the faux woodgrain is in good order, and nothing has succumbed to the Californian sun. With no aftermarket additions, this interior remains as it was when it left the factory.
We have seen plenty of examples of the 1969 Mustang Boss 302 crossing our desks over the years at Barn Finds, but a Boss 429 is a rare treat. This one is simply stunning and would be a wonderful classic to park in any garage. The seller’s price is far from cheap, but market trends suggest that it is probably realistic when you consider its originality and history. The figure means that the seller will be targeting a relatively small pool of potential buyers, but I believe that it will eventually find a new home. Do you agree?
Wow. 👍🏁
2 Wows!
The epitome, zenith, if you will, of the musclecar era. Nothing was held back, like right here. This, and the 428 CJ were probably the cars that kicked GM into bringing out the 454 Chevelle in 1970. A monster , but, you may be surprised, the 428 CJ was actually a tick faster. I was. This car did, and again, your search results may differ, 0-60 in 5.5 sec. and the 1/4 mile in 13.7 @101. The 428 CJ did 0-60 in 5.3 and the 1/4 mile in 13.3 @103. Times were all over the place, as again, traction dictated. In true form, however, the Boss commanded a Boss like price. I read, this car cost almost $4800. The 429 added almost $1500 bucks over a 428 CJ alone. I suppose it must have been worth it upon lifting the hood. It is an impressive sight. I read, only 857 Boss 429s were sold and even less for 1970, some say less than 500, and the 429 was shelved. This car, and the others, only proves how amazing 1969-1970 was, and I was there.
Years ago I read that the Boss 429 was supposed to be a one year only deal but all the 69’s did not get sold so Ford converted the leftovers to 70 models
Those were not Boss 429 Mustangs that were changed. Ford retitled leftover 69 Shelby Mustangs to 1970 model Shelby Mustangs under FBI supervision.
I thought the ’71 only Boss 351 stang was the fastest up to that point in time.
Boss 429 was heavily detuned for the street. Yes the 428cj was faster. The Boss 302 came with a bigger carburetor than a Boss 429. Think about that.
Peak Mustang for sure, and as Howard notes, arguably peak Muscle Car era. An outstanding example.
I recently attended a Mustang Club of America event where there were a half-dozen or so Boss 9’s, all in top condition. What a sight, and one could walk right up to them and take a look.
Outstanding ad from a high-end dealer (an appropriate market for a car like this).
Eye-watering price. Without getting into a discussion of its reasonable-ness, what would you rather have: a nice suburban home, or a Boss 9?
Absolutely stunning!!! Love the burgundy too, very classy and highlights the beautiful lines. These were truly something else. You’d have to be pretty confident to have pulled up next to a Boss 429 Mustang in 1969 and challenge them to a drag race.
I wouldn’t mind that sitting in my driveway.
There’s a unicorn car if I ever saw one.
Not as rare as one would believe. I am personally aware of and personally seen other one owner Boss 429 cars in the Southeast with less mileage than this one. Price ask is likely well over $100K to high, as the value of these has seemed to peak in the last year. Asking such a high price one would expect the dealer to have obtained independent verification of their claims of originality, regardless that they are a modern Shelby service facility. I’m not disparaging a very nice car. But this needs better verification and IMO a more realistic $ ask.
It is more than good enough for me. It IS as rare as they insinuate. How many have you seen for sale in the last week? The only verification this car needs is right there in front of you. Someone who is serious about this car would probably have an expert with him when he goes to look at it. I don’t know if you do not know cars very well or if you just can’t afford this type of car. Asking price is too high? Says who? 5, 6, or 7 hundred thousand is not too high for a rich person to give for a car this rare and this nice. Money is no object for some people if they see something they want bad enough. There are some for sale ranging in price for 300 to 400 thousand. One was also sold 4 months ago for 627 thousand. How do you explain that? I do not know if you are disparaging a very nice car that you have not seen in person, or if you just want everyone to see how smart you are. If I had the money, I would knock this person down to buy this car. Lighten up friend.
Go look at Hagerty, BaT and major auction prices. The only one of one on this car is the originating dealer. And yes, those who know me on this site know the caliber of my collection.
I think I’ve told the story of stepping out my front door one Sunday morning to find the original Tasca Ford boss 429 Mustang parked in my driveway…but I’ll mention it again just in case…and to be a bit braggadocious, I suppose. lol
The only other one I’ve ever seen was sitting in a field along a fenceline with several other mustangs and other old cars. I was looking at a derelict Mopar drag car sitting next to the boss when I glanced over and noticed the holes and fade outline of a missing 429 hood scoop. I checked the door jamb and sure enough, it had the nascar label on the door. I walked back up to the owner’s house and said “hey did you know you’ve got a boss 429 mustang sitting down there?” He said “really…which one?” True story.
Whooo ! That is really a “ Mirage”
Just beautiful piece of that legend car ! Price wise ! The sky is the limits! The rest is the dream culmination of somebody with lots of money to spend and taken for a very small spin in the weekend ! Maybe not!! Who knows! Great car!
GREAT car! But almost $600k? No effing way. I waste a lot of time watching Mecum and Barrett Jackson and I’ve never seen one of these sell that high.
Bill Ford jr.’s car went for almost $1m.
Considering its Bills car , he could ask and get $100,000 for a Pinto .
A fool and his money will go separate ways
In 1971 I spotted a 69′ for sale in Atlantic City for 10 k,but I was 18 and making $3.00 a hour.
I’d still rather have a ‘69 L-88 Corvette…
I’m happy with my 1986 white Ford Escort 4 speed hatchback, no radio and manual window cranks!
So, I suppose that means you have no interest in participating in the homologation game?
WOW 3!!!!
Wow!! Nice and pricey.
good luck trying to find a buyer on this in a turn down market
Very special cars for sure. Shipped to Kar Craft to finish the build, mainly fitting the 429 in the Mustang engine compartment. I remember my drag strip days and seeing pure stock Boss 429’s being beat by stock SS 396’s. With street tires they were running mid to low 14’s. Still would love to have this one…..
I’ve never seen a Boss 429 with the fold down rear seat. Was this not an option due to the battery in the back?
I had kk 1634 had a fold down rear seat. However it was not on the Marti report. I tracked down the second owner and he indicated it had a fold down rear seat when he purchased it. But no way to confirm when it was installed as the original owner never made it back from Vietnam. I first owned that car in ‘83.
Mmm what a car! Years ago I was service manager at a ford dealer the owner bought a black jade boss 9 to have restored, after researching they found that car was ordered by our general manager when he was 18 as his demo , his dad owned the dealership at that time. Imagine having a boss 9 as your demo at 18! The restoration was completed a few years later, it was invited to a invitation only show at Limerock park, I was lucky enough to go with the car and shop foreman and rode a couple laps on the track. A day I will never forget. And yes if I had the kind of disposable cash these require I would buy it, actually try to buy the one from the dealer I rode in first, love Black Jade !
Hard to believe Kinsey Millhone owned and drove one of these in the 80’s after her VW Beetle was wrecked. She later sold it for $5000.00 as the grabber blue paint wasn’t appropriate for her job as a private investigator.
As a Chevy person I have to ask. If the ask for this 69 429 Boss is just short of 600k what should the ask for 67 Corvette L71 of the same caliber be. Just asking out of curiosity.
Your comparison is not in alignment with the type of vehicle under review. The L71 Vette was a regular production car. There were thousands sold in ’67 with the solid lifter Tri Carb 427. Granted the ’67’s are considered the high-water mark for the C2, but the only model that might offer a similar comparison would be a special COPO model possibly a L-88, but with 20 built the value of those far exceeds the typical B429. A more relevant comparison would be a ’69 COPO Camaro i.e., an L72 or a ZL1 equipped model. Both models being homologation specials similar to the B429. Where the power plant was a key factor in Ford being able to run the semi-hemi in NASCAR. Although, the NASCAR motors had full hemi combustion chambers. Bottom line collector grade COPO Camaros have hit $500K plus at auction so it would make sense that a collector grade B429 would be in a comparable price range at auction. Add the unique features and the fact that they were semi hand built a niche production line at Kar Kraft makes this a unique opportunity to own a significant piece of muscle car history.
This car is a museum piece. Can’t drive it much or your 595k investment will tumble from dust, stone chips,and wear and tear. Just something to look at and brag about to your friends when you have too much money and you want to spend it. Must be nice, huh?
For that price, i expected to see an Autolite battery in the trunk.
Why ? . . .