Decades of involvement in the classic scene have often left me pondering whether any car reaches a point of no return. When does an owner look at a project and decide that returning it to its former glory is no longer financially viable? That is the vexing question raised by this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. The original owner loaded it with optional extras, but time has treated it harshly. It needs a new home, with the seller listing it here on eBay in Velva, North Dakota. They set a BIN figure of $12,500, although they leave the option to make an offer.
So, where do we start with this Mustang? Reading the supplied Marti Report reveals the original owner wasn’t afraid to open their wallet with this classic. It wore Medium Lime Metallic paint and included a shaker hood, tinted glass, sport slats, Magnum 500 wheels, and a rear spoiler. Those features are a distant memory, as are all the hanging panels and trim. The car has had at least two significant hits, with the driver’s side frame rail and inner fender badly bent and the passenger side rear quarter panel in a similar state. The A-Pillar is gone on one side, and there is evidence of developing rust in the floors and trunk pan. That doesn’t leave much beyond the tags for the buyer to salvage. Companies like Dynacorn offer replacement bodyshells with the doors and decklid, representing an investment of $17,500. Add fenders and a hood, and the total climbs to $19,300. The buyer must source a complete set of exterior trim, glass, and new wheels. Suddenly, this is an expensive restoration before considering the interior or mechanical components.
Since this Mustang started life as a Boss 302, it is no surprise that its engine bay housed the G-Code 302ci V8 producing 290hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque. The original owner added a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission, a 3.50 Traction-Lok rear end, and power assistance for the steering and front disc brakes. Ford didn’t develop the Boss 302 for scorching down the ¼ mile, but this car should still complete that journey in 15 seconds. They had their sights set on beating the opposition in the highly-competitive Trans Am series, and the top speed of 133mph demonstrates that this classic’s natural home was on the racing circuit. The company’s Boss 429 was the obvious choice for those wishing to tear up the local drag strip and was capable of covering the ¼-mile in 13.7 seconds. I may be the odd man out, but if I had to choose between the two, I’d take the 302 every time. My reasoning comes down to the subject of weight. The 429 tips the scales around 330lbs heavier than the 302, and with most of that weight hanging over the front wheels, it isn’t as nicely balanced or agile on twisting roads. The entire drivetrain for this Boss is gone, and replacing it would not be cheap. It also raises the specter that this classic can never be numbers-matching regardless of how meticulous the builder is. The shopping list extends to a complete interior. Like Old Mother Hubbard, looking inside this Mustang reveals the cupboard is bare. The issue extends beyond trim and upholstery because the seats and dash are long gone. A complete trim kit costs $2,500, but the remaining hardware lifts the tally significantly. That’s a shame because the original owner ordered this Boss with a rim blow wheel, a sport deck rear seat, a clock, a console, a tachometer, and a trip odometer.
While regular readers probably realize I am an optimist by nature, I also admit I am a realist. Returning this 1970 Boss 302 to its former glory will require a massive injection of cash and a grimly determined new owner. The popularity of First Generation Mustangs as project build means that almost every required part is available as high-quality reproductions. That means returning it to showroom condition is possible. Such a strategy would see it command a six-figure value…if it were numbers-matching. Unfortunately, that can never happen, and it will negatively impact its potential value. My instincts tell me the best days are behind this classic but do you agree?
With all the sharp angles on this beauty, it should hold the bottom really well, serving as a boat anchor…what a stupid BIN number.
I think the boy was in the car at the time of impact and no helmet
Kid on a tricycle with a sprained ankle could leave this in the dust.
Whoa there! Sprained my ankle weeks ago and Doc said stay away from the trike for several more weeks!
Number 4 on the September “you’ve got to be kidding” award.
Too far gone? Not if it has a tag and title someone will attach than to their old base model and push it onto a buyer that doesn’t know any better. And does a complete new body engine interior etc. constitute a restoration?
It can be seen as a piece of scrap metal art…. maybe 🤔
Trying to get something out of nothing never works. $12,500.?!
Nice dream, but that’s about it.
The reproduction parts are anything but high quality, and any chance of pulling a fast one would be zero…
$12.50 buy-it-now makes a bit more sense
A textbook example of “Clickbait” and I bought right in. You’re welcome guys.
Coming soon to a Scottsdale Auction.
Owner…you are kidding right??
Can’t make a real comment with out profanity, I’ll stop here.
This may end up like Washington’s Axe (handle and blade replaced several times after his death).
While there is a lot of “nudge/wink” going with regard to attaching VINs from wrecks to other cars to recreate more valuable cars , it is actually unlawful.
Removing a VIN from one car, and reattaching it to another is a federal offence. Period
While the police won’t always get involved (unless there is evidence of theft, or strong evidence of fraud), there are many civil cases where new owners successfully sued previous owner(s).
Lawsuits are probably more common than you think, and there are a number of attorneys, and experts that specialize in this field.
If the VIN had been switched several owners ago, everyone in the chain will all probably be named in a legal action.
It is now more important than ever to thoroughly check (document and verify) the history on any car you buy. This protects you from getting stuck with a bad car, or being sued (maybe years after) you sell it.
Never, ever screw around with vin tags. I know two guys that had their vehicles confiscated and spent the weekend in jail over that very thing. They knew no better (bought the one car and the other guy put a rust free door on his F150, it has the vin tag on it) and their lawyers were able to get them off. They were looking at a minimum five years in prison. Just don’t do it
Obviously another VIN tag sale. I wish BF would not help promote these.
Maybe the comma in the BIN was supposed to be a decimal point.
BF should start a sister website called Utterly Hopeless Finds, and make this the first listing.
UHF!
I like it…
“…sometimes dead is better.”
-Jud Crandall
Pet Cemetery
Let me answer the question with a question..is a pigs butt made of pork??
Does the Pope work Sundays?
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
no!!
Taking drugs distorts one’s view of reality .
See – it’s not just us MoPar guys!!!
Is this a question? too far gone?
Maybe whatever lines of drugs he’s on caused this wreck! Junk!
That thing is so far gone they wouldn’t even ask for title to scrap it
Bartender. I’ll have what he’s drinking.
He will pay me how much to haul away?
Too Far Gone? Not even a scrap dealer would want it.
I’ll give the seller $12,500 for it. If it includes the trailer it’s sitting on and that white late model F150 in the background in one of the pictures.
I guess the owner could have bragging rights . Hey I own a 302 Boss Mustang !!!! Never show anyone let them think how cool you are !!!!
Marti’s Report forgot to mention that this car was involved in a Demolition Derby and has an award.
Maybe $12.50
That’s a Bold Strategy, Cotton (Let’s See If It Pays off for Him).
This “Boss” needs to be give its walking papers.
I will admit I am one of those optimistic people that believe most of the old cars could and should be restored. Especially a Boss Mustang 302 with all those options! Was a great car in it’s day no doubt. However in this case, there is nothing to work with. If it had the original drivetrain in this condition maybe. However, this car has nothing going for it except what it was. You would be underwater quick in money with this wreck. I tried but there really is nothing to work with on this wreck. Sad but true. $12,500 is a compete joke. This car deserves the crusher to put it out of its misery. With the accidents and lack of an Interior and drivetrain make it impossible. I can’t imagine someone taking this on. So many more that have some type of potential. None here unfortunately!! Very sad!!!
eBay listing says, “Saved from the crusher”. Really? That is comedy; it was already halfway there.
No bids, 144 watchers, to see if someone is dumb enough to bid on a rusted, dented shell.
The VIN sticker pictured on eBay is not original, but a reproduction that can be had for about 50 dollars. The original would have been stamped metal.
This “car” is nothing more than silly.
True it is probably a reproduction but they were stickers by 1970 and not metal. I had one made up through Marti for a Mach 1 I had painted.
Too far gone? Yes. And as someone commented above, the only thing for sale here is a VIN, and the only possible use for that VIN is fraudulent. As much as we all like discussing these heaps, rewarding bad behavior only encourages it.
I would want to test drive first.
simply unbelievable! I blame this stupidity on all the fake restoration shows. Everyone think their scrap metal is priceless. Those shows get all their parts for free from manufacturers in return for advertising, the actual cost in parts, labor and time to restore junk like this is staggering. Cheaper to buy one thats already driving. Glad to see no one is so stupid as to bid on this.
I could immediately recognize it as a Mustang form the first image. So that’s something.
Only came here for the comments. Not disappointed! Thanks boys.
Actually, if you swap the VIN plate to something like a Dynacorn reproduction shell and destroy the original carcass, its not illegal. If you swap the VIN to another car in which you have to remove a VIN plate or its VIN plate was already removed, THATS illegal.
Being ethical would be to disclose the restoration was on a Dynacorn body, but we know that doesn’t happen very often. With excellent condition values per Hagerty at over $100k right now, by the time you get the body and parts you still have a good chance of at a minimum breaking even or better
JagManBill,
Thanks for the comment. As a court recognized ‘expert’ in transportation matters, I can clearly agree that provided all the rules you mention are followed, and the work is disclosed to the next owner, using a new body with the addition of the correct set of VIN stamps/tags/stickers is permitted under federal DOT regulations.
Technically, based on the definition of restoration and the fact that a Dynacorn body is legally defined as a part [in 1970 it was technically possible to order a complete body shell without VIN, for a car that was wrecked]. It helps that Dynacorn is approved by Ford to sell replacement body shells.
There is precedent:
I was involved in a case where a 1950s Imperial convertible had been driven off the front of a new car carrier semi truck, and after the front of the car struck the ground, the car flipped onto it’s top. It had 3.2 miles on the odometer. The Chrysler dealer ordered a brand new body shell along with the various damaged parts, but never finished the work. It was later purchased by a man who finished the car, transferring the VIN info before destroying the original body. Wisely he had the state police witness the work and the destruction of the original body. The state refused to issue a title [it was still on the certificate of origin paperwork], and he sued the state. He won, along with the appeal. The state did finally issue a title, and ended up paying all his legal fees including my court appearance costs. [His legal and court costs were close to $30k.] As far as I know his family still has the car.
Now as it’s been established thru the courts, in replacing PART of a body it’s possible to allow the replacement of the correct VIN on that part of the body.
If 2 other body sections [from different cars with different VIN] were purchased as separate ‘parts of a body shell’ and correctly welded together, it should be possible [with state or federal DOT examination] to replace the old VIN info with the new VIN, provided legal documentation is maintained, so it MIGHT be possible to create this car again, but this does not have any legal precedent as far as I know.
Some states may consider the car as ‘reconstructed’ or a similar classification. The important thing to remember is the need to disclose all of this work to subsequent owners, and to keep a copy of the paperwork where the new buyer understands what work was done.
I am not an attorney, and before attempting to go forward with similar plans, one should consult an attorney specializing in transportation law.
Need to see a cold start video.
I dont think this was even in a wreck; I think it was just a junked car that was completely parted out and the damage was caused by a loader moving this heap around long after the good parts were removed- I mean why take off a trashed fender or smashed windshield if you didnt have to ? Same with the left front suspension. If it was crashed, they would be junk, but they have all been removed
Agreed. And wouldn’t it be a real hoot if there is another car out there already wearing that VIN and with the original engine from this car? It’s happened before with rebodied cars, including a 69 Trans Am that the original body surfaced on eBay shortly after the rebodied “car” had sold at a high profile auction for a very high price. I ran the VIN on NMVITIS and it shows a hit, but could be this seller’s title since he says in the ad that he has one.
That’s my thought, too. Just too many “investors” in this old car business that won’t leave a dead car lie. Probably had to dig pretty deep in the junk pile to pull this one out of its permanent resting place.
Seller, has a lively sense of humor! Go along with the joke, please!
The seller is either a prankster or very, very stupid… I’m hoping for him he’s the former…
Still R12 or has it been converted to R134?
Scrap it !!
sad :-(
If it was a 356 Porsche speedster it would fetch that money. But it ain’t!
Sigh……..
Well, if it is a VIN tag sale, the seller shot themselves in the foot by posting the VIN number in public. It will now be in the Boss Registry as a destroyed vehicle and if it ever shows up driving under its own power, as a rebody. Thus killing whatever profit motive anyone that typically does a VIN swap is looking for.
It is my 100.00 dollar bet he paid 20.00 for it or it was given to him by someone who was going to get a fine for littering. Are there stupid people who would even make an offer?
Too far gone!! Crush it into a manageable form and make a coffee table or wall art.
$12,500 – it’s okay to dream, just don’t drool on your pillow!
reminds me of the one that sat on K hiway south of amazonia, but that one was in a little better shape in that it still had the front fenders on it, but it was still an over priced shell. Gone now tho, maybe someone bought it
Parked when ran over
Let’s see, this or what might be the best Nissan Stanza 4wd Wagon left on the planet, for about the same money…
lol,lol>>>>>>>>
😅😅😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣😭😭😭😭🤣🤣🤣
$100, 😂😂😂😂😂 that’s about what you’ll get from the local scrap yard. Take it, that’s a bargain
😅😅😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣
The question mark after “gone too far” absolutely not necessary, especially to our experienced BF audience. Even an 11 yo boy would need jyst a cursory glance at the poor remnant Mustang on the trailer to know the sad answer.
Crazy to think that may be restored. Peterson Restorations that’s on YouTube does this in his sleep. All mustangs and he starts with even less than this on some cars. Maybe it’ll get restored, more likely a VIN swap. I have now given up on voicing how wrong the VIN swap is. It’s rampant and won’t stop. Ugh.
Jamie, don’t give up. But there are times and places that it IS legal. Just most of the time its for illegal purposes. The Dayncorn swap is one legal way, and there are several builders in England that are doing similar for Jaguar and MG. But on a uni-body car its pretty much the only way. Other ways its legal is body swaps.
I have a 73 Triumph Spitfire that was hit hard on the right side. Not practical for repair. So, I went to a local wrecking yard that had recently set a 75 Spit and bought the body off it. The wrecking yard removed the build plate to retain with the chassis and I took the body home and put it on my chassis and attached my original data plate. There is nothing illegal about that.
Key is there is no intent to defraud. Even if I sell the car at some point, its still a 73 Spitfire per the data plate. The stamped number on the chassis matches the data plate matches the title.
Is it in the registry? Someone is gonna get scammed out of this.
This (M) individual has high hopes. Personally I would not touch it even if he paid me. There is nothing left of any value on this one, sell it for scrap. Guys like this who try to sell scrap metal cars at such a ridiculous price should be arrested for fraud.
It reminds me of what Dr. McCoy used to say on ‘Star Trek’, “It’s Dead, Jim.”
Nice sunroof.
Being myself from North Dakota this is embarrassing, I thought we were people of more common sense !
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, leave this sad pile to rust.
This would make a great first candidate for an “Unthinkable Restoration” series. Obviously, it’s a ridiculous proposition but there is nothing I’d rather watch than a couple of Brits (who btw, can build cars out of a handful of iron oxide) put this Boss 302 back on track. I would call that amazing entertainment.
have to agree…..while way way beyond mere mortals bank funds, if funded by deep deep deep pockets it would be nice to see a Boss 302 saved
If wishes and buts were candy and nuts;
Every day would be Christmas!!