Mustang was the Boss in muscle car era

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.suntimes.com/output/auto/car-news-clas14.html

The Boss 302 and Boss 429 are two 1969 Ford Mustang models that were among the fastest cars of their era and are among the hottest autos in the current sizzling market for 1960s muscle cars.

The original 1965 Ford Mustang was a sensation, with a staggering production of 680,989 cars. But the only 1965 factory Mustang that resembled a muscle car was a stock model with an optional 271-horsepower V-8; most Mustang buyers ordered a six-cylinder engine or lower-horsepower V-8.

Former champion racer Carroll Shelby built a custom 306-horsepower 1965 Mustang at Ford's request. But only 562 were made in his small facility, mostly to beat the Chevrolet Corvette in road races.

Strong competition caused Mustang volume to plummet to 317,404 units in 1968, when muscle cars were nearing the height of their popularity. Ford thus offered a bunch of new Mustang models for 1969, when the car got longer, lower and wider, with more exaggerated styling.

The Boss 302 and Boss 429 were the most exclusive 1969 Mustangs, and were introduced months after the 1969 model year began. Only 859 Boss 429s and just 1,934 Boss 302s were produced. snip

Ford later said the Boss 429's 375-horsepower rating was understated. Automakers were beginning to downplay horsepower ratings to avoid escalating insurance premiums.

Whatever its power rating, the Boss 429 could do 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, which makes it competitive with 2005 muscle cars.

[NNN0LHI]

1. A 1969 Boss 429 Ford Mustang could do 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds?

That is kind of unbelievable when you think about just the advancements in tires alone since then. Here is what one looked like.

[Blue_Tires]

2. yeah, that sounds like a 'ringer'

tire/suspension technology was stone age back then, and with that (incredibly) nose-heavy car with a 429, the old 'poly-glases' tires would turn to vapor before hooking up

[flvegan]

3. No it's not.

Sure, in stock trim, those little Goodyears would've gone up in smoke in every gear change.

However, the car probably "could" do it with some Mickey Thompsons on the back, and not dumping the clutch at 4200 rpm, but feathering off at 2200 and then stomping it, and powershifting through 2nd. Though, the gearing might insist on seeing 3rd right around 60.

Of course, I HATE the idea of comparing it to today's musclecar. It's just stupid. Sure, straight line, 0-60 or maybe 1/4 mile it's a comparison. However, take the '67 Vette. A 427 with 435hp couldn't wash the shorts of today's Vette in performance outside of a straight line. Cornering, top speed, mpg, safety...huge advances. However, it doesn't change the fact that these are great cars and a heritage. Just don't compare them in a la time machine.

[hickman1937]

4. Back in the late 60's early 70's, Mustangs ruled on Woodward.

Back when Woodward Ave was the place in the country to race hot cars illegally. I was never allowed to go, but had friends that did. From Ted's to the cemetery, mustangs routinely shut down everything. The guys from Walled Lake used to race out on Sleeth rd to test their modifications. Back in the day.