Ford only produced the Boss 302 for two years (1969-1970). This example is claimed to be a Marti Report certified example located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It is listed here on eBay and has been bid to $40,600 with 8 days remaining in the auction. The car looks to be mostly Grabber Orange but has a lot of primer on it. The car is said to be in drivable condition and has new tires and rebuilt brakes.This car appears to be listed by a dealer. The engine rebuild and body work were done 25 years ago.
The black interior looks to be in better condition than the exterior. Factory exterior colors for the Boss 302 were more limited than those offered on the broader Mustang range, but included Grabber Blue, Grabber Orange, Grabber Green, Pastel Blue, and Calypso Coral. The “Grabber” colors were bright, high-impact paints intended to attract attention and compete with the wild colors used by Dodge and Plymouth. The Boss 302 also wore unique “hockey stick” side stripes and a matte or low-gloss black hood treatment. Additionally, variants in Red, Medium Blue Metallic, or Medium Lime Metallic are documented as special-order or less common factory colors.
Ford built 7,013 units for the 1970 model year, making it one of the rarer Mustangs in the first-generation lineup. The Boss 302 was powered by a special 302 cubic inch V8 (5.0L) engine rated at 290 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque from the factory. This high-output small block features forged internal components and was designed to rev higher than the standard 302 cubic inch engines of the era. The seller states that the VIN on the block matches the title. A close-ratio four-speed manual transmission was standard, and no automatic option was offered. The performance package also included a competition suspension, staggered shock absorbers, and a dual exhaust system. Front disc brakes, a Traction-Lok limited-slip differential, and optional power steering were available to improve everyday drivability.
Like this example, the 1970 Boss 302 typically featured a black vinyl interior with high-back bucket seats. The dash and gauges were straightforward and driver-focused, consistent with the car’s performance purpose. Factory options often included a full-length center console, tachometer, Hurst T-handle 4-speed shifter, tinted glass, and an AM or AM/8-track radio. The seller purchased this car from the second owner. This could be a great start to own a Boss 302.
40 photos and none of the engine. But there is one video of the engine.
Nice write up Bruce, Could really be a decent car. Wonder what the reserve is. I would definitely look closely at all body work.
I find it hard to believe that a car with Boss credentials would wear primer for 25 years. Even harder to believe that a dealer would buy and pass it on without finishing the body/ paint work.
Must be a flipper in lieu of a dealer.
It’s not uncommon for people to have really desirable cars like this one that have been sitting in the corner of a garage for decades, when they were inexpensive. Nobody hears about them because the owner learned the hard way not to talk about them to anyone but close, trusted friends. If random people hear about these cars it won’t be long before someone starts telling them how to run their life and likely start dropping by to see the car and try to buy it, often for penny’s on the dollar.
From the people I know that have desirable cars sitting, most fall into one of two categories. The first bought the car, got married, dedicated their time and money to them, often working overtime and volunteering or coaching, sometimes building a business, the car isn’t a priority, there is no reason to sell because it doesn’t cost them any money or time. The second liked the chase, but not working on them, these are often cars they’ve always wanted and don’t see a reason to let them go, these also don’t cost them money to keep. The first guy is likely to restore or have one restored, if they have to cut it loose it will likely be to someone they know, via word of mouth. The second guy will likely never get them on the road and eventually sells or his kids do, usually on the open market.
Many of these guys worked in automotive were swapmeet buyers, or racers, there used to be a lot of networking going on at these events. Now it might be through bulletin boards or other social media. Finding good cars is a skill, developed over time, that is becoming uncommon today.
Steve R
Well, I’m one of those “hard to believe guys”. I have a 70 Boss 302 that I bought for $4600 in 1981. I drove it for awhile and then it got parked along with my other cars in my small collection. I did not have enough garage space for it so I rented a friend’s garage for it for a few years. When he needed his garage back I brought it back home and it sat covered in my driveway for about 35 years while I was dealing with life. As time went on and its value kept increasing, I literally had it chained down in the driveway. It was covered for so long along with all of my other cars that no one except close friends and family knew what I had.
I finally was able to move a few years ago to a much larger place and it is finally garaged, and is number one on the list to finally get back on the road. Ironically the garage that its now in was built in the shape of a barn, so someday it will be a real barn find. Ha!
So yes, believe it or not, those kind of guys are out there. Shockingly, I have nine other cars with similar stories and I’ll bet I’m not the only one.
Steve and Phil, I get your points. The main point I was trying to make is why would a dealer buy this car just to flip and not do what little work they claim it needs to make more profit. Over 40 big’uns for a project…I would look closely at the body work.
I think we all have projects sitting around for years. Heck I’ve got 3 sitting, one is a diesel Excursion 4×4 that needs interior trim work that’s been sitting for almost 8 years untouched.
Goes to show that even for models which have been highly desirable and collectible for many years (in this case, Boss Mustangs), there are still some out there waiting for restoration.
Carlisle PA, a logical place to operate a classic car shop? The seller has some other interesting cars, mostly Ford muscle. And his shop is near a small Ford dealer. I suspect there is or was a connection, perhaps a Barn Finds reader would know local details.
Thanks Bruce, good job.
The Boss 302 was a heck of a drivers pkg offering from the Ford factory.👍🏁
This is the kind of car that makes my imagination go crazy. Nice driver, no need to worry about a scratch or two. A price less than half of most with lots of upside potential.
Throw a bid or two at it, knowing full well it wont meet reserve, (it didn’t) but at least ebay knows what I like and I get updates as the price rises. I imagine it will end somewhere in the 50’s but doubt it will beat reserve.
50K to scratch a serious high school+ urge. Burnout, full throttle through the gears, slide and squeal around some esses. Hear the scream of the engine, the noise of the wind. The shimmy as you stand on the brakes, the heat coming off the engine with the hood up after you stop.
yeah, I would love to own and thrash this car. it isn’t a museum piece. If it were closer I’d pay for a drive in it… Hmmm, I have some reward miles, and Carlisle isn’t that far. I wonder if that could be arranged. Be a lot cheaper than buying it!
This cars color is more likely to be Calypso Coral than Grabber Orange. Grabber Orange is more yellowish.
If you look closely you can see some grabber orange on the left fender along the stripe and on the front of the right rear quarter at the stripe on a lift photo. At least I think that’s what I’m seeing.
this boss being listed by a dealer. you know they most likely stole it from the seller. put fresh meats on it and now they are swinging for a home run. by the time the hammer price is paid the do a resto you have a boat load of cash in it. this seller doesn’t provide a Marti report
This is a cool car. Paint it and drive it. Why do a full restore so it looks like all of the other perfect B302’s out there that never get driven except to a show.
I used to want perfect but now I just want to drive ’em and you ain’t really driving no perfect car ( bad English aside).