1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429

Each year, Mecum auctions never fail to disappoint, showcasing classic and rare collector cars. With the auction currently taking place in Kissimmee, Florida, we stumbled across a couple of Mustangs that defined a generation; a 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429 and a 1965 Shelby GT350.

To begin, Mecum is auctioning this 1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429. This Boss 429 is one of the more desirable muscle cars to own due to its rarity and elusiveness.

The Boss 429, also known as the “Boss 9” by enthusiasts, was only in production for two years and stopped in 1970 due to internal problems within Ford as well as higher production and gas costs.

With the Boss 429’s limited production, Ford’s Boss 429 rivaled Chevrolet’s Yenko Camaro. It’s as if the two car manufacturers were competing to see who could build the fastest street-legal beast.

As of January 21, 2015, the Boss 429 holds a current estimated bid between $450,000-$550,000, buyers are putting up some serious coin for this beauty.

However, it is understandable when the vehicle has only been driven 4,770 miles in its lifetime. One of only 499 Boss 429s produced in 1970, this vehicle represents the muscle car era with respect and prowess.

820-A 429ci 7.0L V8

The Boss 429 for sale is all original, even including its original window sticker, owner’s card and manual. Its custom Grabber Blue paint shines new and its all-white interior glistens with untouched curiosity.

To signify its rarity, each Boss 429 was given a Kar Kraft or “KK” identification number by NASCAR. This car is KK #2097, with KK #2558 being the last Boss 429 to roll off the assembly line.

Ford stuffed a 820-A 429 cubic-inch 7.0L V8 engine under the hood, cranking out 375hp. The vehicle also includes a solid lifter cam and semi-hemi aluminum cylinder heads.

Look at that all-original untouched white interior

The Boss 429 has a Hurst T-handle shifter to accompany its four-speed manual transmission. A Traction-Lok 3.91 ratio rear differential and a competition suspension package is also included.

Surprisingly, the Boss 429 for sale includes one of the first emission fuel systems. Although the vehicle was sold in New York, the car includes a unique fuel system that’s located in the spare tire compartment.

Moreover, the Boss 429 up for auction has been on display at Wellborn Musclecar Museum in Alexander City, Alabama, preserving it for visitors and enthusiasts alike.

1965 Shelby GT-350

Moving on, this particular 1965 GT350 is regarded as one of the premier and complete early production GT350s in the world. As of January 21, 2015, the bid is estimated between $400,000-$500,000.

289ci 4.7L V8

Carroll Shelby took Ford’s Mustang and gave it a subtle makeover that redefined the muscle car generation in the 1960s. A sleeper at heart, the GT350 looks like an ordinary fastback Mustang but what is under the hood is the true game changer.

Under the hood rests a Hi 289 cubic-inch 4.7L V8 that produces 306hp. The GT350 is regarded as one of the earliest street-spec cars built.

Built in Southern California, this vehicle is one of the first of 31 GT350s to be badged with unique serial numbers. In September of 1964, Ford introduced the fastback 2+2 version of its commercially successful Mustang.

All-black original interior intact

However, despite its great looks the Mustang didn’t resemble a high-performance image to appeal to buyers in search of greater handling and more horsepower.

In January of 1965, Carroll Shelby rolled out 100 modified Mustang fastbacks to his Los Angeles facility. Each Mustang was painted Wimbledon White, fitted with a fiberglass hood, intake scoop and blue “GT350” sill stripes.

Modifications included an 8,000 RPM tachometer, oil pressure gauge and an aluminum high-rise intake manifold. Moreover, the GT350 houses a Holley 715 CFM four-barrel, welded-tube headers and finned Cobra cast-aluminum rocker covers.

GT350 badge affixed on the side sill stripe

A larger radiator was also fitted to improve cooling and a 6.5 quart aluminum Cobra oil pan with internal baffles which enhanced lubrication during spirited driving.

In addition, suspension modifications were also made to the GT350. The front upper control arm mounting points were relocated, Koni adjustable racing shocks were installed as well as a performance front-disc, rear-drum brake package.

The Shelby GT350 garnered attention from both the consumer and racing scene. It dominated the SCCA B Production National Sports Car Championship and also was victorious in the 1965-67 BP Championships.

The auctioned GT350’s serial number is SFM5018, one of the few two-digit serial number cars remaining. Documentation is quite extensive, including when the conversion to the GT350 was completed.

With these two Mustangs on the auction block, it is clear no buyer is sleeping on these legendary street beasts. But are they worth their current bid price? Leave your comments below.