In the late 1960s, Ford needed a new engine to be competitive in NASCAR against Chrysler’s mighty 426 Hemi. Ford engineers answered the call with the now-legendary Boss 429 V-8 – featuring 11:1 compression, four-bolt mains, high-rise intake, 735 cfm Holley carburetor, and massive aluminum semi-hemispheric cylinder heads. To qualify for NASCAR competition, Ford needed to build 500 street cars equipped with this new powerplant. At the height of the muscle car wars on the nation’s streets and drag strips, Ford Motor Company President Semon “Bunkie” Knudsen made the call to shoehorn the Boss engine into the 1969 Mustang.

For the 429, the Mustang required many upgrades to handle the massive power. These Mustangs received modified and relocated shock towers, a Toploader four-speed transmission, Traction-Lok rear axle with 3.91:1 gears, engine oil cooler, trunk-mounted battery, competition suspension, rear sway bar, and power front disc brakes. Because the cars were so unique and would disrupt regular factory production, they were first built as 428 Cobra Jet Fastbacks, invoiced to Shelby Automotive, and delivered to Kar Kraft to receive their extensive modifications. Today, Boss 429 Mustangs are considered some of the most rare and collectible muscle cars in existence. For the 1969 model year, just 859 were built, but within that small number is a smaller subset of 50 cars even more uncommon, exclusive, and valuable. The first 50 Boss 429s were essentially hand built by Kar Kraft and have more than 25 unique components not found on later Boss Mustangs. Most notably, they were fitted with Boss 429 engines straight from Ford’s NASCAR program, featuring NASCAR cranks and connecting rods with 1/2" bolts, larger valves, and magnesium valve covers. These cars were also constructed with many KKX and XE parts, such as a lowered competition suspension.

The 1969 Boss 429 offered here is one of the original 50 hand-assembled examples and, according to the Boss 429 Mustang World Registry, the first Candy Apple Red car built for public sale. It was purchased in 2005 by then SAAC Head Judge Ed Myer as a well-preserved, original car. His company, Myer’s Cars, embarked upon a nut-and-bolt restoration of this Boss, down to the correct assembly-line paint daubs and chalk marks. It is believed to retain its original body panels, brightwork, and glass. The car was in such good pre-restoration condition that even components such as its original exhaust system were retained. Today, this Boss 429 is considered one of the best examples in existence. Sold with its original build sheet, owner’s manual, Marti Report, and glove box warranty papers, this Boss 429 would be the crown jewel in any muscle car collection.