The Boss 429 Mustang was introduced in 1969 and produced through 1970, with its legacy far surpassing its limited production run. At the 2024 Scottsdale Fall Auction presented by Gila River Resorts , Oct. 10-13 at WestWorld, an unrestored surviving 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 will cross the block with No Reserve. Source and more info : Barrett-Jackson
John Birdsall’s ShootThe Boss 429 model was created by Larry Shinoda for homologation purposes, a requirement by official motorsport sectioning entities that compelled manufacturers to produce and sell a certain number of production vehicles to ensure that the race cars in various racing series bore a resemblance to their production counterparts. This process gave rise to iconic models like the GT350 and Boss 302 and 429 Mustangs, making high-performance vehicles accessible to the public.
While the Boss 302 was developed to homologate the 302ci engine for SCCA racing, the Boss 429 was designed as a NASCAR contender. The homologation rules for NASCAR and SCCA racing differed, leading to key distinctions between the Boss 302 and Boss 429. NASCAR required fewer cars – 500 compared to SCCA’s 1,000 – and didn’t mandate the simultaneous development of engine and car.
Shinoda, the mastermind behind both Boss models, made a lasting impact during his brief tenure at Ford. As a designer with a passion for hot-rodding, Shinoda had an innate understanding of the sporty enhancements that drivers craved. The Boss Mustang embodied his vision, becoming a beloved icon for its innovative features and timeless appeal. The “Boss” moniker originated from Shinoda’s secretive approach, simply referring to it as “the boss’s car” when questioned about the project. The number 429 signifies the engine’s cubic-inch displacement.
John Birdsall’s ShootThe Boss 429 went on to dominate the 1969 NASCAR season, boasting 26 wins, and likely would have continued its winning streak if not for a leadership change at Ford. The departure of Bunkie Knudsen, the executive driving Ford’s stock car racing push, led to the program’s demise. Fortunately, the Boss 429’s accolades remain well-documented, cementing its place in history.
Ford’s Boss 429 engine was groundbreaking for the time, featuring a hemispherical “crescent” combustion chamber similar to Mopar’s HEMI engine, a departure from Ford’s traditional designs. The engine’s magic lay in its aluminum cylinder heads, which featured separate cooling circuits for the heads and engine block, resulting in a more efficient cooling system with fewer hotspots. Although officially rated at 375 horsepower and 450 ft/lbs of torque, it’s believed the engine produced more power. Its size necessitated several modifications to fit under the hood, including redesigned shock towers, a thinner power brake booster and a relocated battery.
Further modifications enhanced the Boss 429’s handling. The control-arm positioning was widened and lowered for improved cornering, while the restructured shock towers were braced to the cowl. Heavy-duty shocks and sway bars were added. Power front disc brakes came standard, and the four-speed Toploader manual transmission was the only option, featuring a close-ratio configuration and a Traction-Lok differential with a rear gear ratio of 3.91.
The 1969 Boss 429 featured a subtle chin spoiler, faux rear quarter scoops, and options for a decklid spoiler and rear window louvers. Its most distinctive feature was the fully functional wide hood scoop. A total of 857 Boss 429 Mustangs were sold in 1969. Though it has never reappeared in Ford’s lineup, the Boss 429 has secured an enduring legacy, captivating enthusiasts with its combination of NASCAR victories, stylish design and overall appeal.
The 1969 Boss 429 offered at the Scottsdale Fall Auction is powered by its matching-numbers engine, which was rebuilt in 2014, and includes its matching-numbers transmission and original rear end.
This Boss is finished in Wimbledon White over a black bucket-seat interior, making it one of 271 with those appointments. Other highlights include a black Clarion-knit vinyl interior, high-back bucket seats with console, Deluxe Interior Decor Group, Visibility Group, color-keyed racing mirrors and 15-inch Magnum 500 wheels wrapped in Cooper Cobra radial tires.
This example was sold new at Bob Murphy Ford in Morton, Illinois, and wears Kar Kraft No. KK1853. Documentation included with the sale includes reproductions of the original Window Sticker and factory invoices, an Elite Marti Report, documentation on the 2014 engine rebuild, and the original date-code-correct exhaust manifolds and smog pump/equipment.
Source and more info : Barrett-Jackson
