Every generation of Ford's Mustang enjoys a solid following in the collector car world. In recent years, interest in choice 71-73 models has seen steady growth. And cars like this Metallic Green Boss 351, literally one of the last high compression muscle cars Ford built, are increasingly claiming the spotlight. With 100% original sheetmetal that's the beneficiary of a recent, professional restoration, it has all the hallmarks of a great collector piece. With a completely numbers-matching drivetrain and iron-clad documentation from new, it's virtually guaranteed to build equity. And if you're a blue oval fan who wants a thrilling show car, it's the top notch classic you've been waiting for!
According to Kevin Marti of Marti Auto Works, this striking coupe was bolted together at Ford's Dearborn, Michigan assembly plant on July 29th of 1971 and delivered to Fugate Ford in El Dorado, Missouri. Here's a thorough breakdown of the car's original door data and optional equipment:
DOOR DATA:
SERIAL NUMBER: 1F02R228701
1 1971 model yearOPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:
4-speed, wide-ratio manual transmissionUnleashed on the flat roads of El Dorado Springs, Missouri, this awesome pony is a strong example of just how good this generation of Boss can look. Not too long ago, its solid body was the beneficiary of a ground-up restoration that primed a smooth canvas for a correct and glossy coat of metallic two-stage. Once that wet-looking green was buffed to an excellent shine, a full array of war paint tapped an aggressive demeanor that's both classic and fitting. And today, the car sits as a revered collection of well-aligned panels and ridged character lines that presents a better-than-factory appearance.
For the 1971 model year, Ford product planners, aided by former GM exec Bunkie Knudson, designed a bigger, heavier and more luxurious Mustang. The idea was to cash in on the burgeoning large luxury coupe market; and not only did the car grow, it also received styling cues which exaggerated both its length and weight. At the front of this Ford's body, silver-trimmed sportlights, crystal clear headlights and a traditional 'galloping horse' emblem combine with a bright chrome bumper and a silver chin spoiler to form a clean and solid face. That face fronts a thick fuselage which is sprinkled with fresh marker lamps, flush door handles, vivid "BOSS 351 MUSTANG" call-outs and traditional Ford racing mirrors. At the top of that fuselage, like-new glass, which is framed in bright stainless trim, unites a long ram air hood with a dramatic fastback roofline. And at the back of that roofline, a jewel-like fuel filler and traditional Mustang tail lights ride between a silver decklid spoiler, a second chrome bumper and a third "BOSS 351" call-out.
Naturally, this all-American blue oval is a lot more than just a pretty body. Under the car's 'long and low' hood you'll find 351 cubic inches of Ford V8 that's been mechanically and aesthetically restored to correct factory specifications. As one of the most popular pony car mills ever created, Ford's venerable Boss 351 utilizes Boss 302 heads, a radical, solid-lifter cam and shot peened and magnafluxed rods to turn stout 11 to 1 compression into an honest 330 horsepower. At the top of the big engine, a familiar Holley carburetor snipes wind from a restored, single-snorkel air cleaner. Below that carburetor, a clean aluminum intake anchors a correct Autolite coil and traditional points distributor between fresh Autolite wires and finned aluminum valve covers. Below those covers, beefy, long-tube headers funnel spent gases into high performance, true-dual pipes. And in front of those headers, a re-cored radiator cycles water through pliable Autolite hoses and reproduction screw clamps. As you can see, the car's spotless bay has been properly sprayed in a smooth coat of Satin Black paint. All of the engine's correct ancillary components, from its Autolite voltage regulator and Autolite engine governor to its Ford washer tank and tagged Autolite battery, are present and accounted for. And the road-ready powerplant is fast, potent and runs every bit as good as its brilliant Ford Blue suggests!
Given its ground-up restoration, the bottom of this Ford looks exactly how you'd expect a well-maintained show car to look. Behind the motor, a rugged, wide-ratio 4-speed spins a durable Traction-Lok rear end that's equipped with steep, 3.91 gears. Holding that drivetrain off the ground is an old school Competition Suspension, which makes good use of a thicker front sway bar, stiffer springs and staggered rear shocks. Above that suspension, solid floorpans wear fresh, Satin Black paint. At the ends of that suspension, correct power steering combines with fresh fuel components and power front disc and rear drum brakes to make turning, stopping and accelerating an absolute cinch. In the middle of the floors, a big, true-dual exhaust system jettisons roasted dinosaurs via an H-shaped crossover and great sounding Dynomax mufflers. And at the edge of the floors, 15-inch Magnum 500s twist power through 245/60 front and 255/60 rear BF Goodrich Radial T/As.
Inside the car, a correct Black interior wraps fresh bucket seats in a cocoon of reproduction parts. Everything, from the door panels and headliner to the carpet and pony-branded floor mats, appears trim shop-fresh. The dash is loaded with vintage telemetry, featuring a crack-free faade that's as vivid as the day it left the showroom. A correct AM/FM radio rides between well-integrated accessory gauges, controls for the car's heater and a chrome Hurst shifter that's founded in a full-length console. In front of the driver, you'll find a deluxe Rim Blow steering wheel. Behind the passengers, a completely restored trunk features a correct mat and familiar Space Saver spare. And, like most first generation Mustangs, this Boss's impressive detailing is solid proof that Ford employed some of the best designers in the business.
Not only is this full-figure thoroughbred rare, it's also fully documented. Here's a chronological list of what's included with our sale:
Two original build sheetsThere's never a bad time to buy a classic muscle car that's in pristine condition especially when that car is a Boss. While the 71-73 Mustang's production numbers are significant, top-of-the-line show cars are hot commodities that appear to just be warming up. If you're looking to buy into an emerging niche, don't miss your chance to own this stellar Ford!