I am a staunch advocate for preserving classic cars, but I believe that most don’t deserve to live their lives as museum pieces. That was the fate this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 endured for over twenty-five years, but the seller liberated it from captivity two years ago. They returned this spotless beauty to a roadworthy state, ready to find a home with a new owner who will appreciate all it offers. They have listed it here on eBay in Demotte, Indiana. The bidding has raced to $58,100 off the back of intense action, but that figure falls short of the reserve.
The Boss 302 only appeared on Ford showroom floors for two years, with the company producing 7,014 cars in 1970. That was also the final production year, and our feature car is 1-of-861 ordered in stunning Grabber Blue. That wasn’t the most popular shade, with that honor falling to Competition Yellow at 1,454. It spent around twenty-five years in a museum, and that climate-controlled environment has done a sterling job of preserving this classic. Its paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of significant flaws or defects. The seller doesn’t mention any prior restoration work, but the overall condition of the panels, paint, decals, and chrome make that idea seem possible. Rust is the Achilles Heel for First Generation Mustangs, but it isn’t with the Boss. The exterior shows no signs of problems, while the underside shots confirm this Mustang is as solid as the day the original owner took delivery. This classic rolls on a shiny set of new Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in BF Goodrich tires. The seller includes photos of the original Window Sticker and Marti Report, but the images are too blurred to read.
You must lift the hood to expose what separates a Boss 302 from mere mortals. Buyers could order any Mustang with a 302ci V8 under the hood, but the one Ford selected for the Boss took performance to a higher level. The unique V8 featured a different engine block with higher nickel content and four-bolt mains, topped by cylinder heads with canted valves. Its natural environment was the race circuit, with Ford developing the motor for competition purposes in the Trans Am series. The official output figure of 290hp has long been considered conservative, with some wiser heads placing the actual number beyond 350hp. Buyers couldn’t order a Boss 302 with an automatic transmission, with this car featuring a four-speed manual. A ¼-mile ET of 15 seconds might not sound startling, but it is worth remembering that the high-revving nature of the Boss engine meant the drag strip didn’t show these cars at their best. Ford developed them as a package with excellent power, handling, and braking. That is why the Boss 302 achieved considerable global competition success. The seller liberated this Mustang from its twenty-five-year stint as a museum display piece around two years ago. They admit the engine isn’t numbers-matching but worked through returning it to a roadworthy state. They spent a considerable sum on the wheels, tires, suspension, bushings, fuel tank, and cylinder heads to ensure the Mustang runs and drives perfectly. Potential buyers should consider this a turnkey proposition where they could fly in and drive it home.
Ford created the Boss 302 emphasizing competition success, realizing that weight can be the enemy of performance. That is why these classics didn’t come loaded with creature comforts from the factory. Buyers could add items like a console, radio, and power windows, and some trod that path. This car’s original owner only opted for a factory radio, which has made way for a Bluetooth unit. Reversing that change is possible, with genuine secondhand radios frequently appearing on the usual online auction sites. Otherwise, the theme of spotless presentation continues inside this classic. The Black vinyl upholstered surfaces present as impeccably as you would expect from a former museum piece, with the same true of the carpet, dash, and pad. A console/cupholder and column-mounted tachometer join the stereo as aftermarket additions, but there are no other changes.
This 1970 Mustang Boss 302 is a stunning vehicle that appears to need nothing. Its overall condition is almost impossible to fault, helping explain why it has attracted twenty-seven bids. However, recent sales results suggest there could be a long way to go before the price threatens the reserve. I think a figure of $70,000 would be at the low end of estimates, although I wouldn’t rule out one significantly higher. Do you agree or feel I could be off in my estimation? It will be fascinating to see if our readers can accurately guess the sale price of this classic.
A gorgeous car with a perfect drivetrain. Another classy article, Adam.
Thank you so much for the feedback, Nevadahalfrack. I appreciate it. I always consider it a privilege to write for Barn Finds, and classics like this accentuate that feeling.
Love the car, love the color. The ’59 Grabber Blue color on our race car draws attention all the time as it should do on this beauty. I’d guess the buy price is going to double from it’s present level. Agree with Nevadahalfrack Adam. Looks like you are pretty excited over this car. Don’t blame you. The ’59 and ’60s cars were pure art and power.
Mid ’70’s a “cool” coworker of mine had one of these identical to this one. He drove it like a madman and one day screeched to a stop and invited me for a drive.
The Boss 302 did not disappoint and the burned rubber and exhaust music has been etched into my brain ever since.
This is probably my favorite ’70’s muscle car, the blue is best when draped on this Mustang (much like a Challenger is Purple is amazing). I would love to own what appears to be a turn key classic.
They have actually become more affordable of late, perhaps because $70K would buy the modern version, but unfortunately for me this is a car that is an itch that will never be scratched.
That’s a nice car. I have a yellow basket case one in my back yard (rusted, true Boss enthusiasts will be familiar with it). But since any and all parts of these cars are reproduced (including the Boss-specific parts), it won’t be too hard to put back together.
How much longer is it going to be sitting in the backyard?
Well it’s on the “list” to eventually get restored.
You know how car “collectors” are: too many cars to restore and too little money to do it..
I know all too well that issue, unfortunately.
Sorry, but I disagree with the bidding figures and your estimate of 70’k. Not #’s matching, and I’m sure most will agree the car will need work after the purchase. Who knows what if anything about the engine build, who knows if the trans. & rear are original…..no way with my money, and I really like these cars having owned 2…..pricing is bid way too high…..
Good writeup and a great car! I’ve always liked the rear window shades and given the slope of the fastback, they probably helped keep the interior cooler. All the early “Trans Am” cars were factory rated at 290 hp, with the actual numbers being north of 350. However this is too rich for my pocket.
Had battery acid spilled on our boring green golf cart and my brother suggested the Ford body shop at his dealership go with metallic green. I said “too boring”, suggested grabber blue. Big hit around the lake.
I’d be fine with a blue grabber. 1384 produced in 1970. Non-boss 302/220 hp,296 torque. Enuff credentials for me to play with & appearance is the same. For a whole lot less.
Yes what a beauty!! It does have 93,000 miles.
The fact is let’s see the paperwork showing it’s a verified Boss 302. The real deal 302 trans and rear end make the difference.
Just the short block is worth the look see.
A real Boss 302, or a 70.5 Z / 28 LT-1 or a real 340 6 barrel. That’s why they are worth the coin without that motor no big $
My wife’s uncle in Ky bought this identical car new in 1970 and still owns it. It has low miles, original paint, interior and drivetrain. He is asking $96K for it and a couple years ago I thought that was steep. After watching overall recent prices soar, I’m beginning to reconsider. A bit sentimental also as my father inlaw, who passed last year, test drove it with him and told him it was a good car. Thinking of selling a couple of vehicles and getting it before it’s gone.
The “museum” in this case, and in the case of my automotive museums, looks to be a collector’s tax dodge not a true museum so it may not have been sitting static for the whole time.
In 1970, I was stationed at Ft. Rucker, and one of my sergeants re-enlisted for 6 years to buy an exact copy of this. We went to Dismukes Ford in Dothan and picked it up. It was fast. He blew the engine up (no warranty) and still had 6 years to go. Last I saw of it, it was on the back of a wrecker going somewhere. Sad story, but back in the day, they were sort of common.