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Ford Mustang Boss 302
The third redesign of the Mustang appeared for the 1969 model year and the car grew in size once again. They changed the engine choices as well as the equipment list, concentrating the Mustang lineup in two main directions. One was luxury with the new Grande notchback model, and other was pure muscle with three new models, the Mach I, Boss 429 and Boss 302. Also, Ford introduced the legendary 428 Cobra Jet engine as a regular production option, putting the Mustang among the fastest muscle cars of the era.
But for most Mustang fans, the Boss 302 is the most important model. They produced it for only two years, in 1969 and 1970. The Boss 302 featured the 302 V8 engine they conservatively rated at 290 HP. But the real output was closer to the 350 HP mark. The Boss 302 was a model they intended for racing in the Trans-Am championship. Apart from blackout hood, spoiler on the trunk and other details, it featured a stiff, track-tuned suspension, close ratio gearbox and high revving engine.
Also, the car was light and without any unnecessary luxuries. This model is on this list because it was a perfectly balanced car with great performance and driving dynamics. It was a muscle car, obviously, but its handling characteristics, high revving engine, and overall feel made it a sports car with racing success. Basically, it’s the best of both worlds and a unique model in Mustang’s long history.