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The Boss Is Back: 1969 Mustang Boss 302

Boss 302’s were developed specifically for the SCCA Trans-Am Road Racing Series. They were all built with special high-performance engines that featured 4-bolt mains, screw-in freeze plugs, and special heads using a canted valve design among other performance-enhancing features. Only 1,628 examples were produced for the 1969 model year. Along with the Shelby’s and Boss 429’s, they are among the most desirable Mustangs in existence today. This particular example has never been restored. Located near Houston, Texas, it is listed here on Craigslist for $37,000.

The seller claims, “all original sheet metal front to back”. It appears to be really straight sheet metal, too. Primer spots indicate that someone has attempted to suppress some surface rust at some point. The front and rear spoilers are there. The seller has the rear window slats too. They will be included in the sale. The wheels are reported to be the original Magnum 500’s.

Yes, there is some rust, but if you have looked at many unrestored Mustangs of this era, you know the overall the condition of this car is well above average. The good news is that the floor pans are solid, and the shock towers, frame rails, and torque boxes are all excellent.

No surprises on the inside. Except for the seats, the interior looks like it could be fluffed up and used as is unless one was going for an all-out show car. The odometer reads 95,138 for all that’s worth.

This engine is a replacement. The seller has the heads and intake manifold from the original engine but alas, the original block has been lost to the ages. I did a quick search on the internet to find that complete Boss 302 engines occasionally change hands for around the $10,000 range. But then there’s the issue of finding one that has a compatible date code. A daunting task no doubt, but it could happen. Considering the desirability of Boss 302 Mustang’s, there’s no question someone will step up and make a show stopper out of this one. Will that someone be you?

Comments

  1. Avatar Tom

    “This engine is a replacement.”

    waaamp waaamp waaaaaaaaaaaaaaa…..

    Like 20
  2. Avatar Mike

    With the original engine this is just another mustang. Sorry but it’d be a buyer @20k.

    Like 3
  3. Avatar Troy s

    Replaced with what? Curious, just curious. Without the original block how much value is lost? Completely understand the missing engine as these required some serious revs to really get moving, maybe more so than the Z-28.
    Still would make a fun street car being what it is, if you’re made of money.🐎

    Like 1
  4. Avatar Curt k.

    The motors the money….and it gone..

    Like 18
  5. Avatar CATHOUSE

    Boss 302s were known for cracked piston skirts, which lead to other problems. It was very common for these cars to suffer an engine loss early in their life. You didn’t just go the local salvage yard to pick up another Boss 302, however it was easy to find a good running 289, 302, or 351, any one of which would bolt right in. So that is often what happened. That being said though with the missing original engine I do agree that this car is over priced. I think more in the area of 25K would be reasonable.

    Like 8
  6. Avatar Mprfn

    Not a big Ford fan,but I thought 69 mustangs had a vent on the quarter panel where it meets the door at the handle, anyway this would still be a good one to restore.

    Like 0
    • Avatar Brian R

      Not on the Boss 302.

      Like 6
  7. Avatar Iain

    It’s a 69 with 70 stripes, a 70 hood and missing block, carb, rev limiter and lots of other costly parts. It’s been repainted, you can see the pinch weld at the rockers is body colored. From the line they were brush painted Black… this one will cost a lot to restore….

    Like 10
  8. Avatar Retired Stig

    Hmmm. Being a kill joy is sort of a hobby on this site, but I have to pile on. The traction bars mean this poor thing was beat to death on the strip, not road raced as designed. With engine and most, if not all of its unique parts gone, there’s almost nothing left but a rotting body and a vin. Anyone can replicate the suspension on a throw away ’69 sport roof, apply paint and stripes, and voila: another fake Boss. For at lot less money I might add.

    Like 7
  9. Avatar ken TILLY Member

    If you mentioned that it didn’t have the original engine at the beginning of your report then I wouldn’t have wasted my time reading it as it becomes just another Mustang.

    Like 5
  10. Avatar Levi Andrus

    I don’t ever remember seeing the rear wing mounted that high up on the deck lid

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Scott Tait

    Was this ever a real Boss 302 because looking at it it may be a case of a VIN plate on another rustang?

    Like 0
  12. Avatar Thomas Diliberto

    Most of you commenting, don’t know anything about Boss 302’s.

    Like 9
  13. Avatar Harry Hodson

    This example and the Boss 439 are the ONLY true number matching vehicles Ford produced. Even a ‘date correct’ block casting will not bring this back to the price range of a complete car. ( And finding a Boss block just lying around is a True Barn Find.)

    Like 0
    • Avatar CATHOUSE

      Sorry Harry but you are wrong. Starting with the 1968 model year Ford VIN stamped the engines and transmissions across all production lines. My current project is a 1968 Cougar XR-7 with an F code 302 2V. The VIN is clearly stamped on the flat boss at the top back of the block.

      Not having the original VIN stamped block will bring the value down however if the restorer can find all the correct date and part number parts that will help keep it from falling too far. It is not unusual for a Boss 302 to have lost its original block and buyers know that. And many are willing to overlook the missing block.

      Like 0
    • Avatar PAW

      Well, I have a Boss block with which I am kicking around in my garage. Not necessary a what I would call a “real barn find” as there is a G-code body to go with it

      Slowly but surely – one day – becoming alive again

      Like 0
  14. Avatar gto4ever

    Stick it back in the barn for another 50 years OR about the time we start running hovercrafts and maybe it will be worth asking price.

    Like 0
  15. Avatar PLMBRDON

    Without the motor or correct factory documented replacement (warranty) this is just another rusted mustang. Would be nice to have and fix up but it’s not worth anywhere near the money they are asking. I’m a ford guy and I wouldn’t pay more than 7 g’s for this car. Beat hard and put away broken. Good luck!!

    Like 0
  16. Avatar newfieldscarnut

    The ad is flagged .

    Like 1
  17. Avatar stillrunners

    What does Keith think ?

    Like 0
  18. Avatar walt

    I’ll just keep my junk, 2nd owner got off old folks in No.Cal, straight body, no rust, #’s match. I’ll b thinking of u fools wrenching when I’ driving every day. lol

    Like 0

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