1969 Ford 'Boss 302' Mustang Fastback (LHD) - 'Ian Cummins Collection'

In muscle car terms, the Boss models built in 1969-1970 have grown in stature to become some of the most desirable Mustangs of all.  Whereas the Boss 429 was essentially a big-block dragster, Ford used the Boss 302 model to homologate the Mustang for the SCCA's Trans-Am road racing series, the engine capacity restricted to 5-litres.  Using a stronger version of the familiar 302-cid small-block V8, the Boss motor featured four-bolt main bearing caps, a stronger crankshaft and new Cleveland cylinder heads to boost the power output to a conservatively rated 290 hp at 5800rpm.  The suspension was likewise beefed up, with staggered shocks, heavy-duty springs, power front disc brakes, four-speed manual gearbox and special ignition system featuring a cut-out to limit revs to 6000rpm.  A heavy-duty “Daytona” rear axle with 3.50:1 ratio and quick-ratio steering were complemented by dual exhausts.  Visually, the Boss 302 was a stunner thanks to dramatic styling additions by Larry Shinoda (the man who styled the legendary Corvette Sting Ray) to the basic Sportsroof (fastback) body, including a deep front spoiler, matt black bonnet and bootlid, side stripes and optional rear wing.  Other changes included Goodyear Polyglas F60x15 fibreglass-belted tyres with raised white lettering and 15x7 steel wheels (chrome Magnums were optional).  Headed by Parnelli Jones, the factory-backed Bud Moore team fielded a pair of Boss 302s in the 1969 SCCA Trans-Am Championship, edging out chief rival Team Penske’s Javelins for the title.  A former Bud Moore team car was also piloted by Allan Moffat to great success in the Australian Touring Car Championship, chalking up over 100 wins between 1969 and 1972 and the ‘Coca Cola’ liveried Mustang is still regarded as one of the most iconic race cars ever seen in Australia.  Boss 302 production accounted for just 1,628 Mustangs in 1969, making these rare and very sought after collector’s pieces today and values have been climbing steadily in recent years, both in the US and Australia.