While this is one of 1,628 BOSS 302’s that were built for the 1969 model year, it is the only one that was sold by Vel’s Parnelli Jones Ford dealership in Torrance, CA. Coupled with a documented 8,473 miles on the odometer, this Mustang is a special case, indeed. Epitomizing pony cars of that era, the bright Calypso Orange paint and contrasting black graphics leave no doubt about what this car was built for.
Trans Am racing was a popular sport in the mid to late 1960s and Parnelli Jones was deeply involved as a driver. A see-saw battle between Ford and Chevrolet had each pulling out all the stops for dominance in the series. Carroll Shelby and Ford tool an early lead, but GM countered with the Z/28 Camaro in the hands of Roger Penske and Mark Donohue.
Ironically, a couple of the names behind the BOSS 302 were those very ones that had created its nemesis in the first place. Larry Shinoda, who had designed the Z/28, moved to Ford after Bunkie Knudsen had been recruited from GM to be President. The Z/28 would continue its winning ways in 1969, but victory in the following year would belong to the BOSS.
Currently located on the East Coast, in New Jersey, the car is largely unmolested, but for one repaint and underhood detailing. Even the word survivor hardly describes this BOSS correctly, as that would imply some wear and tear, which the photos show no evidence of. This is much closer to a museum-grade acquisition and the asking price of $145,000 is not unreasonable for that level, as well as the Parnelli Jones connection.
TheĀ eBay listing for this 1969 Ford Mustang BOSS 302 has expired, but the seller can still be contacted through the “Ask a Question” function. Investing in a car of this apparent caliber surely justifies a personal visit, but if you can’t get there in person, an independent inspection is always a good idea when buying vehicles online.