Ford Mustang Boss 302 Coupe

Named for its engine displacement, the Boss 302 Coupe was a high-performance Mustang launched in mid-1969 as a road-going version of the Trans Am racing Mustangs. Output was rated at 290bhp, but 350bhp was a more realistic figure.

Made only in coupe form, the 302s had special striping, a front "Chin" spoiler, and distinctive rear window louvers, standard equipment included heavy-duty springs, four-speed manual transmission, and power-assisted front disk brakes; 1,934 Boss 302s were made in 1969 and 6,318 in 1970.

With many engine parts from Ford's GT40 race car installed in the Boss 302 racing blocks, the factory racing version of the Boss 302 developed 500 reliable horsepower at an astonishing 9,000 rpm. Production versions put out 290 horsepower at 5,800 rpm, but even those gained 20 horsepower if a driver dared rev the engine to 7,000 rpm. The street Boss 302 engine also adopted many of the technologies Ford engineering had invented and proven in the first 289-based engines for the GT40s as well.

As much as engines played a role in the success of the Boss 302, so did its handling. Designer Semon Knudsen dictated, "Make it absolutely the best handling street car available on the American market!" acording to author Donald Farr in Mustang Boss 302: Ford's Trans-Am Pony Car.

Magazine reviewers love the performance, handling, and balance of the Boss 302 version. The Boss 302 was a $676 option in 1969, while the 429-ci engine added $1,208 to the sticker. In 1970, Ford product planners made the Boss 302 a separate package, pricing it at $3,270.