To the Ford faithful, little compares to Ford’s mighty Boss 429 Mustang. Designed and built at the height of Ford Motor Company’s all-out Total Performance campaign, the storming new Mustang had just one purpose—to qualify Ford’s new Hemi-head Boss 429 engine for NASCAR competition. To create the Boss Nine, as they’ve come to be called, the cars were essentially hand-built by Ford racing subcontractor Kar Kraft of Brighton, Michigan, with extensive modifications to the Mustang’s basic structure. A complete package, the Boss 429 Mustang was loaded with special, high-performance features. Among them was a close-ratio Toploader 4-speed transmission, 9-inch Traction-Lok rear end with 3.91 gears, an engine-oil cooler, trunk-mounted battery, competition suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars and staggered rear shocks, power front disc and rear drum brakes, chrome Magnum 500 wheels and F60X15 belted raised-white-letter tires. A large cold-air scoop atop the long Mustang hood, “Boss 429” decals at each front fender and a menacing stance were the only external clues. Laughably, Ford rated the “street” Boss 429 at 375 HP, well below its true output. Listed from $4,087 new, the Boss 429 Mustang was the priciest non-Shelby Mustang offered. Production of 859 (including two Boss-Cougars) for 1969 was followed by 499 or 500 more (depending upon the source) for 1970. Numbered KK No. 1897, this 1969 Boss 429 is a three-owner car from new with just 34,072 miles. Integrity is exceptional with the matching-numbers powertrain including the 429 CI V-8 engine and 4-speed manual transmission, with power delivered by a 3.91:1 Traction-Lok rear axle. Enhanced handling is delivered by the standard Competition Suspension and stopping is via the Boss 429’s mandatory power brakes with front discs. The Boss Nine is finished in Raven Black with a functional front spoiler and rear-window Sport Slats, while the interior features black, vinyl bucket seats and console, the Interior Decor Group-Deluxe, an AM radio, Deluxe belts and warning light, and the Visibility Group. Other highlights include color-keyed racing mirrors, a trunk-mounted battery and power steering. The detailed engine and Goodyear Polyglas white-letter tires finish it off. Documents include a Deluxe Marti Report and rare, factory final-assembly inspection sheets—both left and right. THE DR. J. CHRISTIAN AND JENNIFER McCARTER COLLECTION
