The Boss Mustang’s second and final year in Ford Motor Company’s lineup was in the model year 1970. Designed to rival Chevrolet’s Camaro Z28 and compete in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am racing series, the Boss 302 showcased Dearborn’s commitment to performance, emphasizing the philosophy that less cubic inches could mean more power.
Featuring a modified 302 cubic inches V-8 engine producing 290 horsepower, the Boss 302 boasted additional enhancements such as handling suspension, F60-15 tires, and quicker steering. To satisfy the SCCA homologation requirement for racing a production car, at least 6,500 Boss 302s needed to be manufactured. Ford exceeded this requirement by producing 7,013 units over two years, with 6,319 of them being 1970 models.
In line with contemporary road tests conducted by Car & Driver, the Boss 302 demonstrated its prowess by completing the quarter-mile in 14.9 seconds at 93.4 MPH. In its Trans-Am configuration, the Boss 302 secured Ford the Manufacturer’s Championship in 1970. In its production form, the car received new exterior stripes and “Grabber” colors, while the engines underwent modifications such as smaller valves to enhance drivability.
According to its accompanying Elite Marti Report, this handsome Grabber Orange Boss 302 Mustang Sportsroof was built on 29 December 1969 and delivered new shortly thereafter to Hirsch Ford in Michigan City, Indiana.
This specific Grabber Orange Boss 302, documented by an Elite Marti Report, rolled off the assembly line on December 29, 1969, landing at Hirsch Ford in Michigan City, Indiana. Laden with optional features including a “shaker” hood scoop, rear window slats, and a rear spoiler, it epitomizes the era’s muscle car ethos.
With high attention to detail evident in its rotisserie restoration and unique factory specifications, this Boss 302 encapsulates an important chapter in Mustang history, presenting a compelling opportunity for enthusiasts. This 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302 will be available for bidding on RM Sotheby’s as part of their Miami 2024 auction event which runs from March 1-2.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
