The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is an iconic American muscle car that exudes power and performance. It was Ford's desire to win at NASCAR, and homologation rules allowed the company to utilize its new Boss 429 motor in a production car. Production of the Boss 429 began in 1968 at Kar Kraft’s then-new assembly facility in Brighton, Michigan; the cars were transported to the facility directly from the Ford Rouge facility.
Kar Kraft was an exclusive contracted experimental vehicle facility that functioned as Vehicle Engineering for Ford Special Vehicles. Kar Kraft had previously developed the first GT40 MKIIs and designed and built the GT40 MKIVs, both of which won the Le Mans 24-Hour Race in France in 1966 and 1967.
A new, reconstructed front apron assembly accepted the large Boss 429 engine, initially installed by technicians at the Dearborn Assembly Plant vehicle assembly line; this process compensated for the lost structural integrity that came with the added weight of the Boss 429 engine. A pair of reworked front fenders was also installed at the Dearborn plant. The potent Boss 429 CI V-8 engine was extremely underrated at the advertised 375 HP and 450 lb-ft of torque. At the time, industry insiders claimed the Boss 429 engine produced 600 or more horsepower, though nothing was ever officially released in that era to support the claim.
With only a 2-year production run in ’69 and 1970, they are among the rarest, most sought after Mustangs on the planet. This incredible Royal Maroon Boss 429 was built on May 28,1969, and sold new on August 6, 1969, through Shiretown Motors Inc. The original purchaser nicely equipped his new Boss with 3.91 ratio traction lok rear axle, competition suspension, AM radio, console, power front disc brakes, deluxe belts, power steering, competition suspension, functional front air spoiler, color-keyed mirrors and trunk-mounted battery.
Recently, this example was the subject of a complete nut-and-bolt, cost-is-no-object restoration to a true concours level with only test miles since completion. The quality of restoration work is absolutely incredible. Under close inspection, one can see that not only the body, paint and interior are done to perfection but also the engine bay, trunk and undercarriage are true works of art as well. Adding too its provenance, this example retains its numbers matching BOSS 429ci engine and four speed transmission.
Documenting the hard to duplicate and exceptional example is a Marti report, owner’s manuals and more. A stunning example of a very desirable car with proven provenance and a restoration done to this level would be very difficult to find, and for the astute collector, this is the ultimate combination.