If you're searching for one of the fastest Ford Mustangs out there, the 1969 Mustang Boss 302 might fit the bill. The 1969 Mustang Boss 302 was a direct result of what Chevrolet was doing with their new Camaro on the race track.
The late 1960's was a time when horsepower was at center stage. The 'Pony Car" era was alive and well. Long hoods and short decks were in style. These were the years just prior to new federal emission and safety standards that would do a lot to rein in horsepower beginning in the early 1970's.
Mustang vs. Camaro
The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced in 1967 as a direct result of the success of the Ford Mustang which came out in mid 1964. In fact, when the first Chevy Camaro rolled off the assembly line, the specs of the car were almost identical to the Mustang.
Interestingly enough, the 69 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was designed by ex-GM employee Larry Shinoda. This was at the time that Ford Motor Company had a new CEO in Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, former GM CEO and replacement for the departed Lee Iacocca. Knudsen no doubt had designer Shinoda follow him to Ford.
An interesting side note is that the muscle car designed by Larry Shinoda was originally going to be named the Trans Am, however that name was already taken by GM. The "Boss" name, reported by some, was a reference to the new Ford CEO Bunkie Knudsen. Shinoda it was said always referred to Knudsen as the 'boss". Of course, another story contends that during the 1960's the term boss referred to something superior, number one, the best, bad (as in powerful, dominating, outstanding), etc.
The 1968 Chevy Camaro Z/28 was selling fast. In fact, research showed that the likely Camaro volume for the 1969 model year would probably triple the 68 numbers and come in at about 20,000 units. The Chevy Camaro Z/28 was outperforming just about everything on the road including the Ford Mustang. The Camaro was threatening to dethrone the Mustang as the top "pony car" so something had to change with the Mustang. Ford Motor Company decided that it was due time to react and the result was the 1969 Boss 302. The Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a street legal Trans AM racer that was ready to take on all competition.
The Boss 302 and 429
The 1969 model year saw the Boss 302 and Boss 429. The Boss 302 was similar in concept to the Camaro Z/28 package. Both of these models were built for the 1969 and 1970 model years. The Boss 302 produced 290 horsepower, and its 429 cube big brother made 375 horses. The Boss 302, which was created to race Chevrolet's Z/28 Camaro on SCCA Trans-Am road courses. The Trans Am series were becoming increasingly popular. The 429 V-8 was built for NASCAR tracks.
The 69 Boss 302 had a trunk top spoiler, front under bumper lip spoiler and distinctive body side striping. Also side scoops and new panel ornaments.
Total production over the two model years was about 8,500 units for the Boss 302 and about 1,360 for the 429.
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Specifications
The 69 Boss 302 engine was a Ford 302 cubic inch small block V-8 with a thin wall high nickel casting and with specially designed Cleveland style heads. The engine was developed for the Trans AM racing series but was put into the production Boss 302's for the 60 and 70 model years. This engine put out a rated 290 HP.
Some have stated that the real horsepower with this 302 engine was more like 350. The maximum rated speed for this car was 121 MPH.
The 0-60 was rated at 6.7 seconds and the quarter mile at 15.2 seconds.
Fuel made it's way to the engine with a Holly 4-barrel carburetor.
Standard gearbox was a 4 speed manual.
Front brakes were power disc with rear being hydraulic drum.
Stiff competition suspension was used. Quad headlamps were used for the first time in 1969.
The 1969 Ford Mustang was restyled and was larger. For example, the overall length was 4 inches longer than the 68 model. Dimensions for the 1969 Boss 302 included a 108.0 inch wheelbase..an overall length of 183.6 inches..width of 71.3 inches ..height of 49.2 inches and a curb weight of 3,417 lbs.
See additional Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below...
The 1969 Ford Torino GT
Modified 1961 Chevy Impala SS 409
1996 Chevy Camaro SS Z/28
Reference materials for this article and excellent books include...Mustang Boss 302: From Racing Legend to Modern Muscle Car by author Donald Farr...Ford Mustang, America's Pony Car by the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive...The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 by author David Newhardt.
Ford Mustang Boss 302 Valuations
The late 1960's was a time when horsepower was at center stage. The 'Pony Car" era was alive and well. Long hoods and short decks were in style. These were the years just prior to new federal emission and safety standards that would do a lot to rein in horsepower beginning in the early 1970's.
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| 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 |
The Chevrolet Camaro was introduced in 1967 as a direct result of the success of the Ford Mustang which came out in mid 1964. In fact, when the first Chevy Camaro rolled off the assembly line, the specs of the car were almost identical to the Mustang.
Interestingly enough, the 69 Ford Mustang Boss 302 was designed by ex-GM employee Larry Shinoda. This was at the time that Ford Motor Company had a new CEO in Semon "Bunkie" Knudsen, former GM CEO and replacement for the departed Lee Iacocca. Knudsen no doubt had designer Shinoda follow him to Ford.
An interesting side note is that the muscle car designed by Larry Shinoda was originally going to be named the Trans Am, however that name was already taken by GM. The "Boss" name, reported by some, was a reference to the new Ford CEO Bunkie Knudsen. Shinoda it was said always referred to Knudsen as the 'boss". Of course, another story contends that during the 1960's the term boss referred to something superior, number one, the best, bad (as in powerful, dominating, outstanding), etc.
The 1968 Chevy Camaro Z/28 was selling fast. In fact, research showed that the likely Camaro volume for the 1969 model year would probably triple the 68 numbers and come in at about 20,000 units. The Chevy Camaro Z/28 was outperforming just about everything on the road including the Ford Mustang. The Camaro was threatening to dethrone the Mustang as the top "pony car" so something had to change with the Mustang. Ford Motor Company decided that it was due time to react and the result was the 1969 Boss 302. The Ford Mustang Boss 302 was a street legal Trans AM racer that was ready to take on all competition.
The 1969 model year saw the Boss 302 and Boss 429. The Boss 302 was similar in concept to the Camaro Z/28 package. Both of these models were built for the 1969 and 1970 model years. The Boss 302 produced 290 horsepower, and its 429 cube big brother made 375 horses. The Boss 302, which was created to race Chevrolet's Z/28 Camaro on SCCA Trans-Am road courses. The Trans Am series were becoming increasingly popular. The 429 V-8 was built for NASCAR tracks.
The 69 Boss 302 had a trunk top spoiler, front under bumper lip spoiler and distinctive body side striping. Also side scoops and new panel ornaments.
Total production over the two model years was about 8,500 units for the Boss 302 and about 1,360 for the 429.
 |
| Ford Boss 302 engine |
The 69 Boss 302 engine was a Ford 302 cubic inch small block V-8 with a thin wall high nickel casting and with specially designed Cleveland style heads. The engine was developed for the Trans AM racing series but was put into the production Boss 302's for the 60 and 70 model years. This engine put out a rated 290 HP.
Some have stated that the real horsepower with this 302 engine was more like 350. The maximum rated speed for this car was 121 MPH.
The 0-60 was rated at 6.7 seconds and the quarter mile at 15.2 seconds.
Fuel made it's way to the engine with a Holly 4-barrel carburetor.
Standard gearbox was a 4 speed manual.
Front brakes were power disc with rear being hydraulic drum.
Stiff competition suspension was used. Quad headlamps were used for the first time in 1969.
The 1969 Ford Mustang was restyled and was larger. For example, the overall length was 4 inches longer than the 68 model. Dimensions for the 1969 Boss 302 included a 108.0 inch wheelbase..an overall length of 183.6 inches..width of 71.3 inches ..height of 49.2 inches and a curb weight of 3,417 lbs.
See additional Muscle Car Journal articles on the links below...
The 1969 Ford Torino GT
Modified 1961 Chevy Impala SS 409
1996 Chevy Camaro SS Z/28
Reference materials for this article and excellent books include...Mustang Boss 302: From Racing Legend to Modern Muscle Car by author Donald Farr...Ford Mustang, America's Pony Car by the editors of Consumer Guide Automotive...The Complete Book of Camaro: Every Model Since 1967 by author David Newhardt.
Both the Mustang Boss 302 and 429 have plenty of appeal because of factory racer exclusivity. The Boss 302 offers outstanding performance and road handling and is a milestone car.
Finding one today in originality however can be hard. Production was for two model years only and was very limited.
As of this date, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302's show valuations in the range of about $40,000 to $90,000. These are for models in very good to immaculate condition. The highest price would be for a vehicle in perfect original condition or perhaps professionally restored in all areas.
(Article and photos copyright 2016 Muscle Car Journal)
