Written by independent automotive journalist Dave Neyens

Built by Classic Recreations for SEMA 2018 and the first Ford-licensed Boss 429 ever created, this 1969 Boss 429 re-creation (Lot #769) will be selling at the 2019 Las Vegas Auction with No Reserve.

For hard-core “Blue Oval” fans, no other performance car compares to Ford’s mighty Boss 429 Mustang of 1969-70. Designed and built at the height of Ford Motor Company’s all-out “Total Performance” campaign, the storming new Mustang had just one purpose – to qualify Ford’s new HEMI-head Boss 429 engine for NASCAR Grand National competition. To create the “Boss Nine,” the cars were essentially hand-built by Ford racing subcontractor Kar Kraft of Brighton, Michigan, with extensive modifications to the Mustang’s basic structure required to accommodate the big Boss engine, including cutting and relocation of the front shock towers.

A complete package and far more than the sum of its parts, the Boss 429 Mustang was loaded with special high-performance features, including a stout “Toploader” close-ratio 4-speed transmission, 9-inch Traction-Lok rear end, 3.91:1 gears, an engine-oil cooler, trunk-mounted battery for improved weight distribution, competition suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars and staggered rear shocks, power front disc/rear drum brakes, chrome “Magnum 500” wheels and aggressive F60X15 belted raised-white-letter tires. A large cold-air scoop atop the long Mustang hood, discreet “Boss 429” decals at each front fender and a menacing stance were the only external clues of the mechanical mayhem lurking inside.

Laughably, Ford rated the “street” Boss 429 at 375 horsepower, a figure well below its true output. Listed from $4,087 new, the Boss 429 Mustang was the priciest non-Shelby Mustang Ford offered, with production of 859 (including two Boss-Cougars) for 1969, followed by 499 or 500 more (depending upon the source) for 1970. The Boss 429 was very successful in competition, with Cale Yarborough scoring Ford’s first Boss 429 NASCAR victory at its debut, the March 30, 1969 Atlanta 500 – a race he led for 308 of 334 laps. Once released in sufficient numbers to meet Ford’s NASCAR agenda, the Boss 429 was successfully campaigned on drag strips in the new heads-up Pro Stock class.

Despite its short production cycle, the Boss 429 made a huge impact on motorsports and generations of Mustang fanatics everywhere. Demand has only strengthened, and prime examples populate select private collections today. So much so that Classic Recreations of Yukon, Oklahoma, has translated its Mustang and Shelby expertise into crafting this hand-built 1969 Boss 429 Fastback Re-creation (Lot #769), which created a sensation at the 2018 SEMA Show in Las Vegas. In fact, thanks to the firm’s quality standards, Classic Recreations enjoys recognition as the only firm officially licensed by Ford to build these amazing and carefully reimagined Boss 429 Mustangs.

Each build starts with an original Mustang body restored to factory condition, upgraded with a new hood incorporating the requisite scoop, a new bumper, 18-inch wheels and all necessary logos. Interiors are upgraded with new seats, Boss 429 gauges plus a 200-mph speedometer, an aluminum steering wheel, air conditioning and a custom console. Under the hood, an 815-horsepower, 546ci (8.9-liter) crate V8 engine is transplanted and mated to a Tremec manual transmission or optional automatic. Underpinnings are totally up to date, including tubular upper and lower control arms and adjustable coilovers up front, a rear four-link setup, and anti-roll bars front and rear. Further updates include chassis reinforcements and a custom exhaust system. All this effort and attention does not come for free. As the product of thousands of hours of hand-labor, quality is exceptional and values are high.

Built for display at SEMA 2018 and the first Ford-licensed Boss 429 continuation car ever built by Classic Recreations, this stunning Mustang is a functional work of art throughout. Performance potential is far above the original “Boss 9” with its fuel-injected 546ci Ford V8 engine dyno-tested at 818 horsepower and equipped with “HEMI” heads and intake from none other than legendary builder Jon Kaase, paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission and Centerforce clutch. Finished in sinister black, this Boss cruises on American Racing wheels with Wilwood 6-piston disc brakes for stopping power. The interior displays black leather TMI seats with carbon-fiber dash and door panel inserts.

To be offered as Lot #769 at the upcoming Barrett-Jackson Las Vegas Auction October 3-5, this stunning Boss 429 re-creation provides image, performance and heritage with modern drivability and beautiful fit and finish throughout.

For up-to-date information on this vehicle, click HERE. For a look at all the vehicles on the docket for the 2019 Las Vegas Auction, click HERE.