1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 & 429 Models

While Ford had already introduced five completely redesigned Mustangs for 1969, they had two more iconic models in store: the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 and 429. These two variants, launched later, became among the most impressive Mustangs in the history of the 'pony car' era.

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If Henry Ford II hadn't brought Semon E. 'Bunkie' Knudsen from General Motors to become Ford's president in early 1968, the entire 'Boss' concept might never have come to life. Knudsen believed that Ford needed a supercharged small-block engine to compete with Chevrolet's Camaro Z-28. A street version of the racing Mustang that had dominated Trans-Am tracks seemed like the perfect solution.

Additionally, Ford had developed a 429-cid V-8 engine that needed to be homologated for NASCAR competition. Imagine how well it would look under the hoods of a few hundred road-going Mustangs. Two cars, two engines, and two distinct personalities.

In addition to his role in creating the new SportsRoof fastback body, stylist Larry Shinoda, who was brought to Ford along with Knudsen, is credited with giving the 'Boss' its iconic name. The bigger Boss came first, appearing in mid-January, with a massive Ram-Air hood scoop and front spoiler, its Goodyear Polyglas F60 x 15 tires roaring on the road.

Related to the 429-cid V-8 developed for NASCAR, the 'semi-hemi' engine was designed for durability, featuring four-bolt mains and a forged steel crankshaft. A 735-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor sat atop the high-riser manifold. The cylinder heads were made of aluminum with cast magnesium covers.

Early models of the engine used hydraulic lifters, though solid tappets eventually became standard. Ford admitted that the official 375-bhp rating was likely understated. Torque output was listed at 450 pounds/feet. Regardless of the true numbers, the Boss 429 could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in as little as 5.3 seconds (or as much as 7.2), complete the quarter-mile in just over 14 seconds, and reach 102 mph.

Fitting the large 429 engine required significant metalwork. Kar Kraft of Brighton, Michigan, performed the custom modifications, which included widening the spring towers, installing shorter upper control arms, and lowering the suspension. Staggered shocks and a 'clamp-on' stabilizer bar were added to the rear. The Boss 429s avoided flashy detailing, instead featuring a black spoiler and grille.

Essential options like the heavy-duty four-speed transmission, 3.91:1 locking axle, and manual disc brakes added $1,300 to the Boss's $3,498 base price. With a limited run of just 858 units, the Boss 429 remains one of the rarest Mustangs ever produced.

Discover the details about the upgraded and more successful 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 on the next page.

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1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Ford created the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 independently, though it followed a Kar Kraft prototype. The model hit showrooms in March 1969. Car and Driver praised it as "easily the best Mustang yet ... the best handling Ford to ever come out of Dearborn," while Road & Track called it "delightfully sporting when driven hard."

With a starting price of $3,588 (almost $1,000 more than the base Mustang), the Boss 302 featured a deeper front chin spoiler compared to the big-block version. It could also be equipped with an adjustable rear wing spoiler for an additional $19. High-back bucket seats were available for $84. The distinctive rear-window louvers ($128), hinged at the top, gave the smaller Boss a unique look.

Although the advertised power output of 290 horsepower was listed, the 302-cid small-block V-8 undoubtedly delivered much more. Some estimates placed it as high as 400 bhp. With 10.5:1 compression, the engine featured Cleveland heads, 2.23-inch intake valves, an aluminum high-riser manifold, a 780-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor, and aluminum rocker covers. Low-restriction headers fed into large-diameter dual exhausts.

Early 302s were equipped with Ford's wide-ratio four-speed transmission, paired with a high-capacity 10.4-inch clutch, which was later upgraded with a Hurst shifter. Suspension enhancements included stiffer springs and staggered rear shocks. To fit the fat Goodyear F60 x 15 Polyglas tires, specially flared wheel openings were required, riding on seven-inch Magnum 500 wheels. The 'Daytona' rear axle had a standard 0:1 ratio, but could be upgraded to 3.91:1 or 4.30:1.

The hood, rear deck, and outer headlight areas were highlighted with matte black paint. The bodyside striping prominently featured the 'Boss 302' label on the leading edge.

Though the factory claimed a 0-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds, actual tests showed the Boss 302 was slightly slower, with times ranging from 6.5 seconds and up. Quarter-mile times fell into the mid-14s, with top speeds reaching the upper 90s. Only 1,934 units were produced in 1969.

Both the Boss 302 and Boss 429 continued production into 1970, with 6,318 Boss 302s and around 498 of the 429s built. The 302 was marketed as 'Son of Trans-Am,' despite the fact that, by chance, Chevrolet's Camaro had triumphed in Trans-Am racing.

Check out the specifications for the 1969 Ford Mustang 302 and 429 on the following page.

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1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 & 429 Specifications

The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 and 429 were the crowning achievements among the many new Mustang variants introduced in 1969.

Specifications

Engines: ohv V-8; Boss 302: 302 cid (4.00 x 3.00), 290 bhp; Boss 429: 429 cid (4.36 x 9), 360/375 bhp

Transmission: 4-speed manual

Front Suspension: upper control arms, strut-stabilized lower arms, coil springs, anti-sway bar

Rear Suspension: live axle, leaf springs, anti-sway bar (429)

Brakes: front disc brakes / rear drum brakes

Wheelbase (in.): 108.0

Weight (lbs.): 3,210+

Top Speed (mph): Boss 302: 118-133; Boss 429: 115-130+

0-60 mph (sec): Boss 302: 6.5-8.1; Boss 429: 5.3-7.2

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