In the late 1960s, Ford started on a quest for dominance in the high-performance market, escalating its engine offerings to rival Chrysler’s formidable 426 Hemi. Following the introduction of the powerful 428 Cobra Jet and its Super variant, Ford released the legendary 429 engine in 1968.
While these engines were impressive, they still fell short of Chrysler’s dominance in NASCAR. To address this, Ford introduced the Boss 429 in 1969, a massive engine designed specifically for NASCAR competition.
The Boss 429 was homologated for street use to comply with NASCAR regulations, ensuring its availability to the public. With a limited production of 857 units, the Boss 429 became highly sought after by enthusiasts. Its massive displacement, coupled with advanced engineering, made it a formidable force on the racetrack and the street.
The Boss 429’s legendary status is a testament to its performance and rarity. Alongside the Boss 429, Ford also offered the Boss 302, a smaller engine designed for SCCA racing. Despite its smaller size, the Boss 302 achieved a much higher production volume, with 8,641 units built. Its agility and handling made it a popular choice for road racing enthusiasts.
The Boss 302’s success demonstrated Ford’s ability to produce high-performance engines for various racing disciplines. Recognizing the success of the Boss nameplate, Ford continued to use it beyond the original Boss 429 and Boss 302. In 1971, the Boss 351 was introduced, featuring a 351 Cleveland V8 engine.
With its 330 horsepower output and 11.7:1 compression ratio, the Boss 351 was a formidable performer. It offered a balance of power and handling, making it a versatile option for both street driving and track use. While the Boss 429 and Boss 302 were discontinued in 1970, the Boss 351 continued to be offered in the Mustang lineup, including the Mach 1, for several years.
The Boss 351’s longevity and popularity solidified its place in Mustang history. The Boss nameplate, once synonymous with high performance, became a symbol of Ford’s commitment to producing powerful and exciting vehicles. A trio of legendary Mustangs, each a collector’s dream, have emerged from a decades-long slumber.
The Boss 429’s powerful 429-cubic-inch V8 engine, once rated at a staggering 375 horsepower, is sure to excite any performance enthusiast. The Boss 429’s engine, once rated at a staggering 375 horsepower, is sure to excite any performance enthusiast. It has been modified to remove the smog equipment, allowing the engine to produce even more power.
The car also features a rare snorkel on the air cleaner, a unique touch that adds to its desirability. The Boss 351, while not as rare as the Boss 429, is still a highly sought-after car. It was produced in limited numbers in 1971 and came standard with a powerful four-speed manual transmission and a 3.91 Traction-Lok rear differential.
The Boss 351 was designed for street performance and was not intended for racing. However, it could be equipped with optional oil cooling hardware and special valves for those who want to take their car to the track. The Mach 1, while not as powerful as the Boss cars, is still a highly desirable Mustang.
It was available with a variety of engines, including a 351 cubic-inch V8 and a 429 cubic-inch V8. The Mach 1 was known for its aggressive styling, which included a twin-scoop hood, a shaker hood, and a rear spoiler. This barn find is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for any collector. The three Mustangs are in excellent condition and offer a rare chance to own a piece of automotive history.
