Like the original Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, the Ford Mustang Boss 302 was conceived as an entry for the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans Am racing circuit. As such, “X” number of them had to be built for public consumption (it was only offered in 1969 and 1970). This example from ‘70 is one of 7,013 produced, just over three percent of total Mustang assemblies that year. It lost its original 302 long ago and now sports a rebuilt Cleveland 351 cubic inch V8 and a 4-speed manual. After sitting for several years, it will need a lot of cosmetic attention. Located in Jacksonville, Florida, this Mustang is offered by a dealer here on eBay for $29,500 OBO.
As the story goes, this Boss 302 was waylaid in 1978 when its original engine came apart. After that, it sat for many years until the seller (a professed Mustang authority) decided to right the ship. Since another period correct 302 wasn’t likely available, a rebuilt (and slightly modified) 351 engine went in under the hood along with a close-ratio Toploader (also reconditioned. From there, it returned to moving around status. The rear end is still a 9-incher, but not all the pieces are correct.
Due to the cowl rusting out, the floorboards in the front of this Mustang were also negatively affected. Some patchwork was attempted earlier, but now new panels are suggested. The hood may need replacing and the trunk lid is from a ’69 Mustang. The front of the car is heavily coated in red primer (and grey everywhere else), perhaps in preparation for more work. The original interior is said to be complete and ready for some magic to be performed.
Low production numbers and a fresh drivetrain work in this car’s favor (unless the engine is an issue for you). How many of these Boss 302s could still be around since the initial population was small in relation to the total? But some will say this really isn’t a Boss 302 anymore. The only thing that might be cooler to find is a 1970 Boss 429 as fewer than 500 of those were built before Ford decided the Mach 1 was the way to go.
I’ve been following this seller on eBay for years, they have always had rare and interesting Ford parts for sale. They are expensive, but sometimes you’ve got to pay up unless you are patient and persistent enough to search out a good deal yourself.
Steve R
I can’t say I’ve followed them for years, but I have seen them turn up here and elsewhere with cars and parts for sale. Like Steve R says, usually they are offering interesting Fords which they may have squirreled away years (or decades) ago which need significant restoration.
When is a Boss 302 not a Boss 302? When it has a 351 in it.
While not having that 302 in it will definitely affect the value, there’s quite a bit more to these than just the engine (rolled front fenders, shock tower reinforcements, staggered rear shocks, emissions equipment, and rev limiter to name a few) that can be just as difficult to replace. Hopefully most of that other stuff is there since a lot of that B2-specific stuff gets pricey, if you can even find it.
If you google –>
1969 mustang fastback with factory vinyl roof
& click images, you will see a blue 1 with a claimed factory installed vinyl roof!, but most say that was not possible.
As for ’70s, the ones out there seem 2b all dealer or aftmkt installed.
The heart of a Boss 302 is the engine. Without the 302, it’s not a Boss, just a Mustang Sportsroof. Also, the Boss 302 could be ordered with a shaker hood, but it didn’t have a scoop like the one pictured here.