Some classics blend into the background, while others can’t help but command attention and respect. This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 would have fallen into the second category in its prime. From its desirable paint shade to its powerful V8, its cause is further aided by the first owner’s decision to order this Boss with the optional Drag Pack. That made it one of the most potent Mustangs to emerge during that model year. It requires a total restoration, but with the car retaining its numbers-matching drivetrain, all of the crucial pieces required to return it to its former glory are present. The seller has listed the Boss here on eBay in Allen, Texas. They set their BIN at $168,000 with the option to make an offer.
Ford performed three significant upgrades to its First Generation Mustang range, with this Boss emerging from the factory in the year before the final refresh in 1971. The first owner ordered it in Grabber Blue, one of the most desirable shades offered by Ford. Time has taken its toll on this classic, although it is far from the worst we have seen at Barn Finds. The faded paint is the least of its problems because there are rust repairs confronting the new owner. However, these don’t appear to be extensive, and the vehicle seems to be structurally sound. The roof probably requires a new skin due to the presence of steel penetration. The interior shots reveal holes in the front floor, but the trunk pan may only sport surface corrosion. That factor and the lack of visible significant issues in the exterior lower extremities bode well for anyone contemplating this project build. The car is missing its front spoiler, but I can’t spot any other components that are AWOL.
This Mustang derives its model designation from the motor that Ford shoehorned into the engine bay. The 429ci V8 delivered 375hp and 490 ft/lbs of torque in its prime, making these genuinely fast cars. The first owner ordered this one with the optional Drag Pack that added an engine oil cooler and the 3.91 Traction-Lok rear end to accept those stampeding ponies from the four-speed close-ratio transmission. Performance was legendary, with the ¼-mile journey taking 13.7 seconds. That figure remains impressive today, but it meant that this car didn’t deserve respect in 1970…it demanded it! Adding to this car’s desirability are its original Door Sticker, Inner Fender Stamp, and the Kar Kraft # Sticker. The seller also includes a Marti Report confirming that this Boss is all that they claim. The only non-original component identified is the carburetor, with this classic remaining numbers-matching. However, I will sound a note of caution, because something about the cylinder heads doesn’t look quite right. Of course, I could be wrong, and it will be fascinating to gauge your feedback on the subject. Its mechanical health is unclear, but factoring a mechanical refresh into the restoration budget would be wise.
It appears that this Mustang’s interior is missing many items, including its seats, dashpad, and console. As with the exterior, the interior would have been spectacular trimmed in its original White vinyl. Locating the seat frames and other missing components shouldn’t be difficult, and with complete trim kits in the correct material colors and patterns readily available, returning this aspect of the Boss to its former glory could be the least expensive part of the build.
Any classic with a six-figure asking price can never be classified as affordable, and that is undoubtedly the case with this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429. However, its paint shade and the original owner’s decision to tick the box beside the Drag Pack option make it extremely desirable. A potential value beyond $250,000 awaits the new owner if they perform a high-end restoration, while perfection could see that figure top $300,000. That leaves plenty of room to move on this build, even at the BIN price. I hope someone grabs it and returns it to its former glory because cars of this caliber deserve nothing less.
There’s a garage full of treasures.
One of my favorite Mustangs but with an unfavorite asking price. Is it really worth the over 300K total investment to buy and restore it?
Bobhess I think the writer meant it would be worth 300k once restored. At the BIN price that leaves quite a bit of wriggle room. Someone who could do all the cutting, welding, and painting could realize a hefty profit.
But how much is the required restoration going to cost? You could easily put the same amount of money you paid for it in restoring it couldn’t you?
Back in October Mike Stephens reviewed this same Boss. On eBay it brought 84 bids up to $130K, obviously that amount didn’t cut it. One would think negotiations could have been done to make a sale, but who knows…
Not sure how relisting it at the holidays would bring more, but perhaps afterwards when the big auctions start it could bring more, just not sure how much more.
Boss 429’s came standard with 3.91 gears.
Steve R
oyu ear unts!
I just spent the last two years chasing parts for a customer who was restoring a 69 Boss 429 that was a former drag car. The heads look correct to me, other than the aluminum heads and intake manifold were usually painted Ford engine blue, not left bare aluminum. Even the original engine lift hook is still in place on the right hand head.
While the Drag Pack was listed as an option on the Marti report, I believe it was standard, or a required option with the Boss 429. To get a 3.91 or 4.30 rear axle ration on a Ford product you had to order the “Drag Pack”, which included a remote oil cooler. Ford required a remote oil cooler with taller rear axle ratios, so the Drag Pack was created which was made up of the oil cooler, Traction-Lok 3.91 (or Detroit Locker 4.30), the oil cooler and relocated horns to provide space for the oil cooler. Since the “Traction-Lok” 3.91 rear axle was standard on the Boss 429 all Boss 9’s came with the oil cooler and relocated horns. They were all basically “Drag Pack” cars.
This car does seem to be missing some hard to find parts, such as the air cleaner, A.I.R, pollution control system, fan guard, radiator, etc. While these parts can be found, they can get expensive.
Asking way too much!! Seller has 28 other hot cars listed. Sellers feedback number (5).
What a car in the best Mustang Boss color. But the asking price is just the entry point to a 6 figure restoration. I think the owner figured this out as they have enough other beautiful cars to understand value.
These cars were never cheap and never will be
That looks like another Boss 429 in the background. Is it possible this was a donor car?
Not this one again… guess there’s few buyers out there willing to spend that much.
I wonder how many parts were removed to restore the bubble car.
I would buy it just the way it is and leave it in my garage so I could look at the engine and to say I have one . Fords finest.
While I am not a “Ford guy” I do know that these things are worth a lot of change and probably rightfully so. Problem is that even though I am not a Ford guy, I AM a car guy, and I can tell you right now that this car in this condition is a fair amount overpriced. Given the work that would be required to restore it, you are looking at 6 figures easily. I don’t believe that $300,000 is a reasonable assumption, $250,000 is probably the ceiling. If a person felt like they just had to have one no matter what the cost, then this one makes sense, in any other scenario iti does not.