Car: Ford Mustang Boss 302 Fastback Coupe
Year: 1970
What makes it special: Revenge was sweet with the 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302. GM executive Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen, who used performance to revive Pontiac, defected to become president of Ford in early 1968. He brought along stylist Larry Shinoda, whose work included the Z28 that had unseated Mustang as ’68 and ’69 Trans Am champ. The Mach 1 was among their first efforts, but the most-special ’69 and ’70 Mustangs drew on Shinoda’s nickname for Knudsen, “Boss.”
What made it famous: Like the Z28, the Boss 302 was built as a Trans Am road-racing qualifier. Its heart was Ford’s 302 cidV8 treated to the high-performance, big-port cylinder heads being readied for the famous Cleveland 351. The Boss’s solid-lifter small-block used the biggest carb employed by Ford, a 780-cfm Holley 4-barrel, and was underrated at the same 290 bhp as the Z28’s 302. A Hurst-shifted 4-speed and 3.50:1 gears were standard; 3.91:1 and Detroit Locker 4.30:1 cogs were optional. Underneath were racing-inspired suspension modifications, Polyglas F60xl5’s, and power front discs. Mustang’s phony fender vents were enclosed and a front spoiler was fitted; a rear air foil and backlight blinds were optional. Blackout trim and stripes finished the look.
Why I would want one: Silly as it may sound, I’ve always loved the Boss 302 Mustang’s since having a Hot Wheels Die-Cast car as a kid.
Fun fact: The name “Boss” came about when Shinoda was asked what project he was working on, he answered “The Boss’s car” because the project was a secret.
