GT 350
GT 500
Mach 1
Boss 302
Boss 429


30

The 1969 Boss 302


The Boss 429 is arguably one of the rarest and most valued muscle cars to date. In total there were 859 original Boss 429s made. The origin of the Boss 429 comes about as a result of NASCAR. Ford was seeking to develop a Hemi engine that could compete with the famed 426 Hemi from Chrysler in NASCAR's Sprint Cup Series (then known as "Grand National Division"). NASCAR's homologation rules required that at least 500 cars be fitted with this motor and sold to the general public. After much consideration, it was decided by Ford that the Mustang would be the car that would house this new engine. The Boss 429 engine was derived from the Ford 385 engine. The Mustang's body however was not wide enough to encompass the massive Boss 429 engine and as a result, Ford hired Kar Kraft out of Dearborn, MI to modify existing 428 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet Mach 1 Mustangs to properly fit the new Boss 429 engine. The result was a massive engine in a light car. This made for the ultimate driving machine that would compete with any car on the street.

Production Numbers

  • Street production models: 1,628

Retail Price

  • Street: $3,588
Engine 429cid
Max BHP 375bhp (rated) but actual was 495bhp
Max Torque 490 lbs.-ft @ 3,200rpm
Curb weight 3,530 lbs.
Exhaust Standard, dual exhaust
Transmission Four speed manual
Front Suspension Unequal arms, coil springs, adjustable tube arms, anti-sway bar
Rear Suspension Live axle, multi-leaf, semi-elliptical springs, tube shocks
Brakes Front Disc, Rear Drum