It is common for manufacturers to produce homologation specials of specific models to qualify for various motorsport categories. Ford was no stranger to this process, rolling out its Mustang Boss 302 for the highly-competitive Trans Am Series. The 1969 Mustang Boss 429 also had racing links, but they were more indirect. The company never planned to race the Mustang Boss 429 but was homologating its barnstorming engine for NASCAR competition under the hood of the Torino Talladega and Mercury Cyclone Spoiler II. Like many such vehicles, the production process was convoluted, and a lack of buyer interest coupled with a high sticker price led Ford to cancel the Mustang Boss 429 program after two years. This 1969 Boss 429 underwent a thorough restoration in 1995, but its engine has clocked a mere 752 miles following a rebuild. It presents superbly but needs a new home. It is listed here on Autotrader in Lakewood, Washington. The price of admission is not cheap, with the seller setting their price at $265,000. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Larry D, who continues to demonstrate the ability to spot rare and exciting classics.
When Ford created the Mustang Boss 429, it did so with styling subtlety. Buyers could select from only five paint shades, including the Wimbledon White gracing the panels of our feature car. There were no outrageous stripes, with visual hints limited to a few “Boss 429” decals. However, the more observant would have noticed the enormous hood scoop, which was for more than mere looks. It shoveled copious quantities of fresh air into the motor to maximize engine performance. This car presents superbly, from the panels and paint to the trim and chrome Magnum 500 wheels. The seller indicates it received a meticulous restoration in 1995 and has survived exceptionally well. The paint shines impressively, there are no significant defects, and the panels remain as straight as an arrow. There are no signs of exterior corrosion, and the underside shots confirm this classic is rust-free.
To understand what helped the Boss 429 stand out from mere mortals, we need to lift its hood. The engine bay houses a V8 the company offered in the Mustang for a mere two years. Although the Mustang was not Ford’s weapon of choice for NASCAR competition, it needed to produce at least 500 of these V8s in road cars to qualify for racing. Therefore, they shoehorned 859 of them into Mustangs in 1969. Or, more accurately, they contracted Kar Kraft to do so at a dedicated facility in a former motor home factory located in Brighton, Michigan. The 429 is a big brute of a powerplant, with Ford forced to make many changes to the front of the car on the production line to slot the engine between the shock towers. Placed side-by-side with the Boss 302, the Boss 429 was a not inconsiderable 330lbs heavier, with most of the additional pounds hanging over the front wheels. The company tried to offset this by moving the battery into the trunk and adding an enormous rear sway bar, but motoring journalists in 1969 agreed the Boss 302 was a more complete “driver’s” car. However, when the question turned to straight-line performance, the 429 came into its own. With 375hp available under the driver’s right foot, it could storm the ¼ mile in 13.7 seconds. The owner indicates this Boss features its original 429, backed by a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.91 Traction-Lok rear end. Power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes helps take some of the effort out of the driving experience. The motor has covered 752 miles since a rebuild, with the car’s odometer showing 33,543 genuine miles. It is in good health and is a turnkey classic ready for a new owner.
Apart from paint shades, the other visual defining feature of the 1969 Boss 429 was the company’s decision to offer a single interior trim combination of Black Clarion vinyl. Buyers received a rim-blow wheel, a center console, and a factory tachometer reading to 8,000rpm. This interior presents well, with few flaws or defects. The console lid has warped, but high-quality reproductions aren’t expensive for those wishing to improve the overall presentation. The upholstery, dash, pad, and carpet look excellent, and there are no visible aftermarket additions.
There was no single reason why the 1969 Mustang Boss 429 failed to sell in the numbers Ford expected, but its sticker price was a contributing factor. At $4,798, it was more than 30% dearer than a Boss 302. Although it offered greater straight-line performance, many potential buyers found the extra weight of that monster motor hanging over the front wheels made it less user-friendly when the going got twisting. Only 859 Boss 429s rolled out of the Kar-Kraft production facility in 1969. While more buyers favored the Boss 302, times have changed. It is unclear how many of these classics remain, but they now command a value nearly three times that of a Boss 302 in the current market. Prices beyond $300,000 are typical, making this one look pretty competitive. I know it isn’t a cheap investment, but if you had the ready cash, would you be tempted to park it in your garage?
Historical car and they did get the engine into NASCAR, problem was second year the racing got too crazy and the sanctioning body said enough. The 426 hemi and the 429 boss were too powerful, cars were too fast. The engine did have success in drag racing and ran in pro stock to funny cars with success. Beautiful engine that could make close to 1000 HP naturally aspirated. In the Mustang yes it didn’t do anything particularly well as the engine was detuned for street usage, was nose heavy and fairly expensive. But it’s part of Ford racing history and that’s what make these so amazing. Yeah low numbers, 1,359 units. Value of these just keeps rising, from an era where wining on Sunday and selling on Monday was a thing. They look great too!
Friend of my dads had one of these (a 1970) up until about 5 years ago. Bought it in late 1970 from a police impound after it was stolen from a dealership lot and taken on a joyride. Dealership didn’t want it back. Drag raced it for a few years, took out the BOSS 429 and put the engine in his basement. Added a 428 that was built specifically for racing and did so for a number of years. Put the car back to stock in the late 80’s and drove sparingly, all the while he built a another 70 mustang that was a drag car only. Sold the BOSS to an individual in Brazil who had a 70 BOSS 302, 70 BOSS 351, and wanted the 79 BOSS 429 to complete his trifecta. Went for $235k US. Was an unreal original paint, original drivetrain, and original interior car
Nice rig.
Ironic that you can buy the whole town of Lakewood for what this dude is asking for this car.
It’s a same that this combination of motor and pony car never got to show what it was capable of. People thought that out of the gate this should run 12s and it would have had the bean counters had not had their way, too small of a carb and too mild of a cam. Like sending a heavy weight boxer in to the ring with one hand tide behind his back and expecting him to deliver a knock out. Tuned right this car would have talked out just about any street muscle car out there .
The massive functional hood scoop, BOSS 429 decals, straight up paint no stripes, and sort of a hunkered down stance,,, a serious looking speedy Mustang. That engine is a double taker, a bit shocking when I first saw one years ago….and again when I saw a Boss 429 shoehorned into a Ranchero. Like artwork or something. But yeah, from what little I know and learned,
many felt the 428 Cobra Jet was a better performing street engine, so why pay the extra money for an exotic car like this? Back then, of course.
Indeed. Much like a 440.6 at less then half the price of a 426 Hemi was a far better deal. Better street engine with less tuning and more reliable. For strictly highly tuned only racing, these engines were the best, but most people couldn’t justify the cost.
Yes great car!! But for me i would need another color.
Close friend of mine my engine builder is lucky enough to have one in Wimbledon white and also lucky enough to own 2 hemi cars and like he said since Ford de tuned them for the street and Mopar did do a better version for the street then Ford. But his is a early version and with properly tuning and cam it is a faster car. But later version are not since is a hydraulic cam what I understood. I been in another one for a ride not impressed. It’s was a dog off the line. So probably one of the reasons Boss 302 did better in sales. Still great cars and investments.
Didn’t ford under rate the HP on these things? I’ve heard they were closer to 500 HP. But by then, Detroit was trying to dance to the govt. and insurance companies tunes.
A 15 year old BMW 135 would outrun it on the strip and the circuit. For 1/20th the cost.
Obviously this is overpriced and overrated.
Why are you even here? That’s not what this site is about.
If you can believe what you see with the auctions these have been (supposedly) bringing around half a mill. Excess at its finest. Know one friend who had a boss 429 mustang, original, one on an engine stand, and one in his hot rod. Amazing collection. Good luck and happy motoring!
Cheers
GPC
They will continue to rise in price, because they are special made cars. The performance with a stock B.429 not impressive at all. We ran at the strip with these Mustangs in the 70’s and try as they might could not put away a Chevelle 396, Nova SS 350, or tuned 383 Road Runner. Some had the worst wheel hop I have ever seen. That said…..they are special, maybe not 500K.
https://nihilistnotes.blogspot.com/search?q=Demi%2C+Hemi+%26+Semi
An interesting relic from NASCAR’s golden era and the reason why the displacement limit was lifted from 427 to 430 cubic inches, an indication of the symbiosis with industry which sustained the competition in those years. The exotic 429 makes these the ultimate Mustang and the factory even built a mid-engined prototype.
Had the opportunity to buy a blue one when I got back from Nam for $3800. Couldn’t find insurance for out of state assignment. What do they say about hindsight being 20-20?
I like the fact Ford did not dress it up with the Boss 302 back awning. I owned a 1970 Boss.It was just plain cheap and dumb looking. Of course, it is also worth $80,000 today.
Now to be fair, the Boss 302 was or could be a track car. Granted that wing would only come into effect at high speeds. The deal today is you want all that on these cars as the “options” including the rear window louvers…etc. I believe both (302/429) front spoilers, trunk wings, and window louvers were options in the 69-70 years.
Mine had the window louvers only.Cheap a$$ plastic awning .
That 69 Boss 9 with my 71 Boss 351, my good friend Roy’s 70 428CJ and my friend Chris’s Boss 302.
15 year old bmw….!? Will it even run?🤣
Not without $50k in maintenance & repairs, lol!