Established in 1966, the Trans-Am Series quickly became a popular racing competition, attracting major automakers to compete in various classes. Ford initially dominated, but Chevrolet’s Camaro Z/28 emerged victorious in 1968, prompting Ford to develop the Boss 302 specifically for Trans-Am racing.
Debuting in 1969, the Boss 302 challenged the Camaro Z/28 with its unique features and small-block V8 engine. Although it initially fell short, Ford clinched victory in 1970, marking the Boss 302’s triumph in the series.
Decades later, the legacy of the Boss 302 lives on through its production and race-spec models. While iconic examples like Parnelli Jones’ orange No. 15 car are well-known, lesser-known racers like the white No. 17 car also contributed to Ford’s racing success, both in the United States and Europe.