For those of you who don't know the story behind the development of the BOSS Mustang a little history lesson is in order. The BOSS concept was originally conceived by ex-GM employee and designer of the Chevrolet C2 Corvette, Larry Shinoda, who was brought on board the Ford team by Bunkie Knudsen, his former boss at GM. Get it, the Boss?! Shinoda believed that a purer, more racing oriented Mustang was needed to go up against newcomers in the busy ponycar space such as the Chevrolet Camaro Z-28 and SS, Pontiac Firebird and Trans-Am, Dodge Challenger, and Plymouth 'Cuda.
The 1969 and 1970 BOSS 302 and 429 Mustangs, were wildly popular with the former noteworthy for its crisp acceleration, exceptional handling and braking and road manners. The latter was a drag strip beast and while a bit ungainly was necessary for the engine to receive NASCAR homologation.
But with the passing of the 1970 model year and the adoption of a new body style, Ford was left with a decision to make. They had a new BOSS engine based on the 335-series Cleveland destined for the yet to be produced BOSS 351, but what about another BOSS 302 for the 1971 model year? Yea, what about it!
An Interesting History
And thus begins the story of the world's only, one of one, solitary 1971 BOSS 302 Mustang in existence. Ford obviously was bandying about the idea of running a 1971 BOSS 302 model alongside the new 1971 BOSS 351 Mustang. They created the prototype with unique design elements, took the motor from the outgoing BOSS 302 fitted with parts for the 1971 body style and displayed it across the country.
The project was so far along that Ford created hundreds of special part numbers in their catalogs for the 1971 BOSS 302 engine, body and interior pieces but eventually the project died. And with it, the prototype as well which was turned into a garden variety 1971 BOSS 351 Mustang.
ONE OF ONE
It seemed that the 1971 BOSS 302 Mustang either disappeared or died until years later when Andrew Hack bought the car on eBay in 2004. He had a funny feeling about the car from the start comparing it to pictures of the 1971 BOSS 302 Mustang prototype that was displayed at the Las Vegas Convention Car Show in 1970. It also appeared in photo ads and car magazines which looked just like the "BOSS 351" he purchased.
Finally, he reached out to Kevin Marti to get a complete rundown of the car. After some digging, Marti got back to Andrew and gave him the news. He had a very special Mustang indeed - he owned the one of one 1971 BOSS 302 Mustang prototype.
Sell It Or Keep It ... What Would You Do?
Andrew kept the car for years, maintaining it properly but not undertaking a full restoration. I appreciate his restraint as the decision of what to do with such a unique car is obviously a tough one that requires an expert. And so, Andrew parted with it a couple years back selling it to Bob Perkins, the famous Boss Mustang collector and restorer out of Juneau, Wisconsin.
Bob has amassed a considerable collection of 1971 BOSS 302 Mustang parts and can now restore the car to its original show condition. When he's finally done I'm sure it will be hitting the auction block for a hefty sum. But how much exactly? I'm sure it will be a lot but don't expect it to surpass whatever the "Bullitt" Mustang goes for this week at Mecum Kissimmee 2020! Buckle up.
Source: Mustangs and Fords