1970 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 ‘Orange Blossom III’
During the mid-1960s, Ford faced stiff competition from Chrysler in NASCAR competition. An all-new engine was needed, and Ford’s solution was a new 429 cubic inch engine featuring deep-breathing heads, hemispherical combustion chambers and huge valves. Rather than installing the new engine into the midsize Torino, Ford dropped the new monster engine into the Mustang, creating the ultimate ponycar. The Boss 429 was underrated at 375 hp but actually developed over 500 hp, with stock examples capable of quarter-mile times under 14 seconds and mildly modified versions easily dipping into the 12s.
This 1970 Ford Mustang BOSS 429 ‘Orange Blossom III’ is: Real Boss 429 Competition Car; 1 Of Only 2 Known Road Raced Boss 429 Mustangs In International Motor Sports (IMSA); Raced at Sebring 12hr; Raced at Daytona 24 Hour; Restored To As-Raced Specifications; Eligible To Race At Many Vintage Racing Events; Listed in the Boss 429 World Registry.
Mustangs’ were simply too small to accept the massive Boss 429 engine so Ford hired Kar Kraft of Brighton, Michigan to modify existing 428 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet Mach 1 Mustangs. Modifications included widening the shock towers and extending out the inner fenders. The mounts for the front suspension were chopped and displaced to create room for the block and exhaust manifolds. The battery was repositioned to the trunk and a stiff 3/4″ sway bar was added to the rear end to improve handling since the car was now nose heavy. It was also equipped with a 3.91 ratio rear axle with a “Traction-Lock” limited slip differential. In addition, a hole was cut in the hood, and a manually controlled hood scoop was added. Other features included a front spoiler and color keyed dual racing mirrors. In short, all Boss Mustangs are simply big block power with few options. The Boss 429 is an unusual platform to build a road race car from as the 429 engine is very heavy which leads to unequal weight distribution and poor handling characteristics. Nonetheless, the extra power of the 429 helps make up for time in the straights.
A full rotisserie restoration was completed to back to as raced specification. The car was shown at the Mid America Shelby meet in 2009 and won first in its class. This is a great way to be eligible for many vintage race events across the country.
Considered one of the rarest and most sought-after muscle cars that hit the road, the Ford Mustang Boss 429 went to market with only 1,359 units rolling off the line.
