1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
A great driver reasonably priced!1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
Chassis No. 0T02G164581
290 bhp, 302 cu.in. ohv V8 engine, four-speed manual transmission, coil spring independent front suspension, live rear axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs, and disc-front, drum-rear power hydraulic brakes. Wheelbase: 108 in.
Ford’s popular Mustang, first of the so-called “pony cars,” received a larger body for 1969. This in turn allowed larger engines, up to 429 cubic inches, in fact. Bodies had new contours, quad headlights were added and roof profiles were updated. The previous fastback coupe was restyled and designated “Sportsroof.” Convertibles continued in production alongside two new coupe bodies, Grande and Mach 1. Grande was a luxury package, while Mach 1 had upgraded suspension and a standard 250 bhp 351 cubic inch V8.
In response to Chevy’s bevy of big block engines for the Camaro, Ford came up with a 428 Cobra Jet V8 for the Mustang in mid-1968. For 1969, a small block high-performance engine debuted in the form of the Boss 302. Taking a Windsor 302 block, engineers appropriated Cleveland 351 heads with their larger valves. The Boss 302 package included handling and aerodynamic enhancements, and was aimed at homologation for the Sports Car Club of America Trans-Am racing series. Trans-Am had a five-liter (302 cubic inch) displacement limit.
The Boss 302’s distinctive exterior was the work of designer Larry Shinoda. A reflective C-stripe adorned the side, the fake air scoop on regular 1969 Mustangs was eliminated, and a horizontal black rear window shade and blackout hood were options. A front spoiler and rear deck wing were added.
For 1970, the Boss 302 got hockey-stick side stripes, and the regular 1970 grille that replaced outer headlights with horizontal vents. Disc front brakes were standard, along with heavier sway bars, spindles and shock towers. A four-speed manual transmission was also standard. The solid-lifter engine was rated at 290 bhp, although later dyno tests suggest that was pessimistic. Acceleration was measured at 6.9 seconds to 60 mph and 14.6 seconds to 98 mph in the quarter mile.
According to Ford factory records, this Boss 302 Mustang was ordered on June 1, 1970. It was completed on June 10th at the Metuchen, New Jersey, plant and sold eight days later by Koerner Ford in Rochester, New York.
As-built specifications included Grabber Orange paint on the style 63A Sportsroof fastback coupe body, Black Rhino and Corinthian vinyl bucket seats, the four-barrel Boss 302 engine, a four-speed wide-ratio manual transmission and the standard 3.50 to 1 rear axle. Options included a shaker hood scoop and an AM radio.
Acquired by the current owner in June 2007 from a Wisconsin owner, the car had been restored in the early 1990s. It was given a complete engine rebuild in 2009, and the transmission was rebuilt by a Rhode Island specialist. Other recent work has included rebuilding the steering box and having the carburetor thoroughly reconditioned by Pony Carburetors, specialists in Holley carburetors.
Just 6,319 Boss 302s were built for 1970, 832 of them in Grabber Orange. This one typifies the Boss 302 mystique, and presents a chance to acquire a very nice example that could be brought to concours standards with modest effort.
| Listing Type | Automobiles |
|---|---|
| Year | 1970 |
| Make | Ford |
| Model | Mustang |
| Body Style | Boss 302 |
| Transmission | 4 Speed Manual |
| Condition | Great Driver |
| Location | Smithfield, RI 02917 |
| Exterior Color | Grabber Orange |
| Interior Color | Black |