Henry Ford II was determined to have the cars representing the “Ford Performance Corner” to be winners. Starting with the same 429-cid V-8 block casting that was then used successfully in NASCAR competition; the Boss 429 was vastly underrated at 375 horsepower in street trim. Ford developed the new V-8 with all-new, free-flowing aluminum cylinder heads, an aluminum high-rise intake manifold, 11:1 compression, header-style exhaust manifolds, a beefy four-bolt main block, canted valves, hydraulic lifters and forged rocker arms. Manually controlled Ram Air induction comes on strong via the 735-cfm Holley four-barrel carburetor.

To apply the power, the stout “Top Loader” heavy-duty four-speed manual transmission and a 3.9:1 Traction-Lok rear axle were mandatory options. Other features included an engine oil cooler, a trunk-mounted battery with a special vent cap system, a competition suspension with front and rear anti-roll bars, power front disc brakes, and wide F60x15 tires. The production process required numerous modifications to accommodate the new engine, including cutting and relocating the shock towers. To ease the in-house production load, Ford had the cars transformed at Kar Kraft, of Brighton, Michigan.

According to its Deluxe Marti Report, this Boss 429 was assigned KK 429 NASCAR production number 2029, it is further accompanied by three original build sheets. It is an extremely exciting car that has recently been completed after going through a three-year professional chassis-up rotisserie restoration with attention paid to correct factory chalk markings and other meticulous details. This Boss 429 is believed to be a three-owner car and conveyed as being “one of the nicest restored Boss 429’s." It has been looked by the detail-oriented restorers who confirm the sheetmetal, front fender numbers, rear end, transmission, plus other aspects matching the three original build sheets. The fits and finishes are superb throughout, including the undercarriage. The approximate 35,000 miles are actual to the car, which is also backed by a Marti window sticker copy and restoration receipts.

The legendary Boss 429 V-8 engine was recently dyno-tested at 471.7 horsepower and 460 foot-pounds of torque. According to the Marti Report, KK 2029 was sold new on August 25, 1969 at Nelson Ford Company in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, finished in Candyapple Red over Black Clarion Knit/Vinyl bucket seats, and equipped with 3.91:1 Traction-Lok rear axle and four-speed manual transmission, Visibility Group, power steering, console, power front disc brakes, Philco AM radio, Interior Decor Group, Deluxe belts, color-keyed racing mirrors with driver’s side remote and Competition Suspension, for the sum of $4965.01 new. The popular SportsRoof design is perfectly highlighted with styled steel wheels fitted with Goodyear Polyglas GT tires. Other interior features include a Rim-Blow steering wheel and woodgrain trim on the dash fascia, center console and door panels. The spare tire and jack are found in the trunk with the proper covers and liners; the engine compartment also displays this duteous attention to detail.

The street racers of the day who utilized this platform as their weapon of choice might cruise under the radar with only a simple decal on the front fenders quietly proclaiming what was under the hood, although the massive hood scoop was a dead giveaway to their competition. With a base price of $4,087, the Boss 429 was the priciest non-Shelby Mustang to date, with limited production of just 859 units for 1969. This may be one of the finest examples available and is most worthy of consideration.