Beginning in 1969, Ford introduced both the Boss
302 and Boss 429. Styling for the Boss 302 was done by Larry Shinoda,
the suspension by Kar Kraft, and the engine was done by Ford who used the 5.0L
block with the new 351 Cleveland heads. Originally, the Boss was to be
named the "Trans Am" until Ford discovered that GM had already
licensed the name.
The Boss was based off of the SportsRoof
body, but the simulated side scoops were deleted from the model. Flat
black paint was used on the hood, rear deck and taillight panels, and the
headlight buckets. The Boss Mustang was only available in four
colors: Wimbledon White, Bright Yellow, Calypso Coral and Acapulco
Blue. On the side of the car, a large C stripe with Boss 302 lettering
is found. Although a variety of colors were offered for the interior of
the Boss 302, standard black was often used. A front chin spoiler was
standard, but the rear window slats and plastic rear spoiler were options.
The Boss 302 was rated at 290 horsepower, but
actual horsepower was more like 350. Insurance companies began
penalizing cars that were rated over 300 hp. The race versions made over
450 horsepower at over 8,000 RPMs. All 302s came with a four-speed
manual transmission (2.78:1).
The standard wheels on the Boss 302 were
argent painted 15x7 Magnum 500s planted inside Goodyear F60x15 Polyglas
tires. Chrome Magnum 500s were an option.
In response to Chrysler's major success with
the 426 Hemi in Nascar, Ford produced the Boss 429. All of the Boss 429's
were built in Brighton, Michigan, where the Kar Kraft facility was
located. In order for the Mustang to be able to receive the 429 engine,
partially completed SportsRoof Mustangs which were built to accept the 428SCJ
were modified. Features included with the Boss 429 were Boss 429 fender
decals, a manually controlled hood scoop, a shallower front spoiler than the
Boss 302, color-keyed dual racing mirrors, engine oil cooler, a trunk-mounted
battery, power steering and power front disc brakes, a close-ratio four-speed
manual transmission, a 4.91:1 rear axle with Traction-Lok, 3/4-inch rear sway
bar, chrome 15x7 Magnum 500s with F60x15 Goodyear RWL Polyglas tired, a 8000 rpm
tachometer, AM radio, and Deluxe Decor interior.
A KK sticker was inside the driver's door above
the Ford warranty plate on each Boss 429, this signifying Kar Kraft's production
number. The serial number to each 429 could be found on the back side of
the engine block assembly, on the inner front fender panels, on the transmission
housing and also the chassis.
The 1969 Boss 429 was available in five
colors: Wimbledon White, Royal Maroon, Raven Black, Black Jade, and Candy
Apple Red.
Production Numbers: Boss 302: 1,628 Boss 429: 859 • includes two Boss
Cougars