There is an adage that says that racing improves the breed. It is probably less relevant in this modern era of “cookie cutter” motorsport categories, but it perfectly reflects the approach of some manufacturers during the 1960s and 1970s. It brought us cars like this 1969 Mustang Boss 302, a classic born from a desire for competition success. It is an original classic, fresh from a recent refurbishment. It has struck a chord with potential buyers since the seller listed it here on eBay in Scottsdale, Arizona. Bidding has soared beyond the reserve, sitting at $38,199.
The seller is short on details about this Mustang’s history and the extent of its refurbishment. The photos suggest it may have been more mechanical than cosmetic because its Acapulco Blue paint carries a significant collection of flaws and defects. It is presentable if the new owner prefers the survivor look, but it would undoubtedly turn heads with a fresh coat of paint. The panels are straight, and the gaps are tight. The seller doesn’t mention a history of rust issues, and it looks clean and structurally sound. If it has resided in Arizona, that is a recipe for steel preservation that the new owner would welcome. The trim and glass are appropriate for a survivor or driver-grade classic of this vintage, and the Magnum 500 wheels perfectly suit its character.
There is little beyond a few decals to tell the world that this Mustang is anything special. Lifting the hood reveals a 302ci V8, but it is not your average V8. Ford designed the Boss 302 as a homologation special for the highly competitive Trans Am series. Its engine produces 290hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. The sticking point is that it delivers both reasonably high in the rev range, meaning the ¼-mile ET of 15 seconds doesn’t look that impressive compared to other offerings within the Mustang range. However, placed on a racetrack or pointed at a twisting ribbon of tarmac, the Boss 302 springs into life. Its cause is aided by such mechanical features as a four-speed close-ratio manual transmission, a Traction-Lok rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. The seller claims this classic has a genuine 43,000 miles on the clock but doesn’t mention verifying evidence. There is no information on how it runs or drives or what mechanical components might have been refreshed during the 2017 refurbishment.
The seller’s interior shots are almost as sparse as their provided information, but we can piece together some useful facts. It is basically unmolested, with only a pair of column-mounted Sun gauges for amps and oil pressure disturbing the originality. The Black vinyl trim looks good for its age, as do the dash and carpet. The pad hasn’t deteriorated significantly due to UV exposure, but there are signs that the speaker grill has begun crumbling. Spending $450 on a replacement pad would be justified. Still, the winning bidder might elect to throw a cover over the existing item to prevent further deterioration and protect the car’s originality. It isn’t loaded with luxury equipment, with the factory AM radio the only apparent creature comfort.
The lack of information supplied by the seller hasn’t unduly hampered their sales prospects. The inherent desirability of this classic has seen nine people submit twenty-eight bids in three days. They like what they see with this gem, and with the reserve met, it is only a few days away from finding a new home.
“Refurbished”? That must mean it was “furbished” when new. My 1970 Boss was “Defurbished” when I got done with it. Or more like just plain “Bushed”
Yes very nice, sellers feedback number (2)
Good looking Mustang and it would be blast to drive on the weekends. I don’t like those oil lines hanging low pass the oil pan . I can see something on the road and grabbing it and oil all over the place. Or this can be hydraulic fluid still the lines needed to be up move. With that BOSS 302 4 speed it would never get old by me driving it. Good luck to the next owner. 🐻🇺🇸
I noticed those oil hoses too, didn’t look stock, but you’re right it looks dangerous. What’s up with that oil pan, was it home made or is that stock too?Very nice car despite those questionable pieces.
The aftermarket oil pan likely required remounting of the power steering hoses.
The 302 Boss has a different firing order and a performance camshaft versus the regular 289/302 motor.
Yeah but give the Boss a little bit molre gear and a set of headers and it was a Z28 killer!
:-) Uh, unless maybe the Z had headers, gears, and stuff too. Equally equipped, it would probably be a good match.
I had a couple of Zs (and an AAR) and never ran into a Boss 302 on the street or at the track. and maybe was a later car than the many Zs… thus I think the Boss 302 was much rarer. Nevertheless, this is a very nice-looking car…and no doubt could be fun with some cleanup and the right stuff.
The Boss 302 has the same firing order as the regular 302s! the 351s were the ones that had a different firing order:13726548 the later model 5.0 HOs shared the 351 firing order.
Yeah Ford was never the torque monster that gm was. Especially Buick and Pontiac.
Ever hear of Cobra Jets ….
Door to fender gaps do not look right. hood does not line up correctly on fenders.
Not seeing the shock tower support reinforcements exclusive to Boss’es
Need the VIN to see if its even real.
Something doesn’t add up here if the reserve was met below $38K. Based on the condition of the car, it should go for $75k or more in great condition. And is there a Marti report? Absolutely necessary.
Plus this is the only item he’s ever listed on E-Bay. Can’t make out the VIN and it’s not posted on E-Bay either to see if it started out as a Boss 302
A VIN is key… but if this was not a Boss to start with, someone either replaced the quarters or patched up the upper scoops to give it the Boss 302 look.
steve, I was thinking the same exact thing – no way has this met reserve already, if it were real.
Thanks again, tineye.com, for easily finding the hijacked pictures this scammer is using.
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-ford-mustang-boss-302-6/
This seems to be happening at an alarming rate lately, that sucks.
If you approached the early S2000s and drove them the same way you would drive a crotch rocket, you could effectively harness that power band.
Or a Lotus Elise.
Had a CBR600 and an S2000 and you’re spot on. It was a 4 wheel version of a sport bike. Fun as hell, but not really much more practical. Loved every minute of it.
Listing is gone?
ChasMan, I reported it to EBay as a scam.
Please see my previous comment – the EBay auction content was lifted from a previous Bring A Trailer auction.
Really odd, but I don’t see your previous comment. Maybe timing. Or maybe I really am getting old. I only see your comment about the Lotus.
ChasMan, that is weird. It is right above your comment about the listing being gone.
I see your comment about the Lotus but then nothing until this post.
I still don’t see it. If you do, maybe the Barn Find techies can explain it. Anyway, good catch regarding the scam…..
I just copied and pasted the content from my original post to a new post just above this one,
Please let me know if you can see it. I’m wondering if BF blocks any post with links to Bring A Trailer in it.
No, not posted.
No. I do not see it. Perhaps they do block those type of posts. It would be good to know for sure. Adam?
Okay, now I am posting it without the link:
steve, I was thinking the same exact thing – no way has this met reserve already, if it were real.
Thanks again, tineye.com, for easily finding the hijacked pictures this scammer is using.
This seems to be happening at an alarming rate lately, that sucks.
Were you able to see it this time?
I removed the BAT link.
pra4snw, I think you got it. I can see your post now.
Are there no more generic grabbers out there anymore with 302’s & 290hp?. I know. I know. They’re a step below the Boss. But Ford sold a well…..boatload of them to “wannabes”. Just sayin’ bc I’ve yet to see a write up on one that’s been saved. Adam? Lord knows you’ve written enuff bout ponys.
I think all the Grabbers got the 302 2v windsors. I saw one internet source that said you could get a 351, but nothing to collaborate it.