Spotless Survivor: 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
What do you believe to be the greatest First Generation Mustang ever produced? Undoubtedly, some readers will select a vehicle from the Shelby range, while others will opt for a Mach 1. A third group will provide compelling arguments for the earliest versions, contending that those cars represent the badge in its purest form. Me? The Boss 302 is a clear winner. Ford produced these cars as a total package that provided the best combination of power, handling, and braking available at the time.
The Boss 302 was borne from a desire for competition success, and spotless examples command serious attention when they hit the market. Such is the case with this 1970 model. It wears one of the most desirable paint shades, and finding anything worth criticizing seems virtually impossible. It is a turnkey proposition needing a new home. Therefore, the seller has listed the Boss here on eBay in Dripping Springs, Texas. The action has been intense, pushing the bidding past the reserve to $40,100 at the time of writing. There is still time for interested parties to stake a claim, and I would understand if you do.
The seller has only been this Mustang’s custodian for around a year. However, the listing suggests they have had an intimate knowledge of this classic for considerably longer. It presents beautifully in Grabber Blue, one of the premium shades for that model year. The paint holds an impressive depth of color and shine with no significant flaws or defects. The panel gaps are tight and consistent, with no visible bumps or bruises. The underside shots aren’t the best, but they tend to indicate there are no rust issues that might cause the new owner grief.
The seller says it hasn’t received any refurbishment or restoration work while in their care, although there are suggestions it may have when possessed by the previous owner. The “shaker” hood joined the options list in 1970, although, surprisingly, this feature never saw use in Trans Am competition. This car retains its original spoilers and features optional Sport Slats on the back window. The glass and trim are immaculate, and the Boss rolls on Magnum 500 wheels.
Ford introduced the Boss 302 V8 to the Mustang range in 1969, with this motor’s power and torque figures remaining unchanged in 1970. It generated 290hp and 290 ft/lbs of torque, with many experts believing that both figures were significantly understated. This car feeds those ponies to a limited-slip rear end via a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission. The “Boss” package upgraded the suspension and brakes to maximize performance in those areas.
The Boss 302 was purely a homologation exercise designed to bring success in the competitive Trans Am series. Ford fell short of the mark in 1969, trailing Chevrolet by fourteen points in the Manufacturer’s Championship. Despite a significantly reduced factory racing budget, 1970 proved a resounding success. Not only did Ford triumph with seventy-two points, but Chevrolet didn’t receive the silver medal. That honor fell to American Motors on fifty-nine points.
Chevrolet trailed in third on forty points, justifying the money Ford had invested in developing the Boss 302. The seller doesn’t say whether this Mustang is numbers-matching. They indicate an odometer reading of 19,000 miles but not whether they hold evidence verifying the reading as genuine. However, the car is in excellent mechanical health and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner.
Boss 302 buyers in 1970 could order their new toy with virtually any trim combination in the Mustang range, but most selected the Black vinyl we find in this car. Its condition is immaculate, seemingly supporting the mileage claim. There are no signs of wear, abuse, or UV damage. The plastic is spotless, and the faux woodgrain has avoided the typical deterioration issues. There are no visible aftermarket additions, and the factory AM/FM radio will provide in-car entertainment for those who tire of the tune sung by that sweet V8.
This 1969 Mustang Boss 302 is a stunning car, and the thirty-three bids submitted confirm that people agree with my view. The fact that the reserve has been met means it is destined to find a new home in only a few days. If there is evidence confirming that it is original and the odometer reading is genuine, I expect the bidding figure will need to at least double before someone gets to drive it away. Are you tempted to join the bidding war, or will you join me sitting back as an interested spectator?
