Built to compete with the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the Sports Car Club of America’s Trans-Am racing series, the Ford Mustang Boss 302 proved that less is more—at least in terms of cubic inches. Its 302-cubic-inch V-8 engine produced a claimed 290 horsepower and kept base with bigger offerings from competitors. More than just a straight-line sprinter, the Boss 302's upgraded suspension and quicker steering ratio improved handling when compared to the standard Mustang. SCCA homologation rules for racing production cars required at least 6,500 Boss 302s be built. For 1970, Ford exceeded the quota by 514 cars with a grand total of 7,014. It would be the second and final year for the first-generation Boss 302 Mustang.

The Boss 302 completed the quarter mile in 14.9 seconds at 93.4 mph in Car and Driver’s period road test. In Trans-Am tune, the Boss 302 would win the Manufacturer’s Championship in 1970, while in production guise it received new exterior stripes and “Grabber” colors that year. The engine benefited from smaller valves to improve drivability while output remained the same at 290 horsepower.

This professionally built 1970 Ford Mustang Sportsroof is a thoughtfully executed Boss 302 tribute, offering a carefully considered blend of period-correct style and modern engineering. An accompanying Deluxe Marti report indicates that this Sportsroof was originally configured in September 1969 with a standard-spec 302 V-8, three-speed manual transmission, and 2.79:1 rear end. It was painted Bright Gold Metallic from the factory and given Ginger vinyl upholstery for delivery to Cavalier Ford of Norfolk, Virginia.

Though its color combination today is factory correct, this Sportsroof has been considerably enhanced beyond stock, thanks mostly to the addition of a 347-cubic-inch stroker V-8 engine with electronic fuel injection that reportedly produces 450 horsepower. A Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission channels power to the rear wheels by way of a 3.70:1 rear end. A RideTech coilover suspension system and Wildwood disc brakes at all four corners work in conjunction with 17-inch American Racing Magnum 500 alloy wheels. Dakota digital instrumentation has been cleverly integrated into the original Ford gauge nacelles, while a Bluetooth-capable head unit is similarly disguised behind the factory FM radio faceplate to preserve the period look.

Tastefully blending an intoxicating suite of high-performance upgrades and modern conveniences cleverly incorporated within Ford’s timeless Mustang, this fascinating 1970 tribute to the Boss 302 would be an excellent acquisition for any collector looking to savor all the joys of classic Mustang ownership enhanced with modern performance and convenience.