2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302

Description

Few brands in the history of American motoring have been as consistently good as the Mustang. Where some of its rivals took a misstep or two, Dearborn did what they could to ensure America's favorite pony car remained a stylish and exciting platform. Because of that, each new generation has found a following and, ultimately, a place in the collector car world. The fifth iteration of Ford's storied halo has proliferated into an unprecedented array of specialty models, and high-end coupes like this awesome Boss 302 are building a loyal following. Combining a high performance mod motor with a track-tuned suspension, this bright orange pony is the first second generation Boss ever produced. And if you're a diehard Ford fan who's looking for a thrilling performer to show AND enjoy, it's your ticket to collector car paradise!

It seems all re-imagined classics have a story, and the second generation Boss is no exception. Back in 1969 Ford was doing exceedingly well in NASCAR, but getting absolutely whipped on the Trans Am circuit. Despite virtually creating the pony car market, the Mustang simply couldn't compete with Chevrolet's performance-bred Camaro. Ford President Bunkie Knudson, a former GM exec who recruited famed Mustang designer Larry Shinoda, commissioned a project that would end the Z/28's reign of terror. And in 1970, the Boss legacy commenced with a championship performance in SCCA.

For the next 25 years, small displacement pony car warfare would endure oil embargoes, insurance snipers and emissions issues to become one of America's most cherished rivalries. In 2005, Ford took a decidedly retro tone with its newest thoroughbred, announcing a series of 'lifestyle' models to accompany the car's production run. In 2006, with the appearance of Shelby monikers, enthusiasts were cautiously optimistic about a resurrection of the hallowed Boss name. In 2011, the triumphant return of the 5.0 liter V8 stoked desire for a track-bred performer. And in 2012, Boss 302 production resumed when Ford's Flat Rock assemblers bolted the following standard and optional equipment into this car.

STANDARD EQUIPMENT INCLUDED AT NO EXTRA CHARGE:

• Unique hood stripe
• Reverse “C” side stripes
• Painted exterior mirrors
• Black decklid spoiler
• Two 19x9” painted aluminum wheels (front)
• Two 19x9.5” painted aluminum wheels (rear)
• Summer tires
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• Boss Interior Package
• Unique shift knob
• Unique, non-lighted scuff plates
• Unique cloth seats that feature embroidered Boss logos
• 4-way manual driver's seat
• 2-way manual front passenger's seat
• Air conditioning
• AM/FM CD player that's satellite capable and MP3 compatible
• ----------
• Unique quad exhaust
• Manually adjustable suspension
• 3.73 gears
• Electronic power steering
• Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
• ----------
• AdvanceTrac traction control system that's complete with electronic skid control
• Dual front and side airbags
• LATCH child safety system
• SecuriLock anti-theft system
• Tire pressure monitoring system
• SOS post-crash alert system
• Integrated spotter mirrors
• Ford MyKey technology

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT:

• Front license plate bracket ($00)
• Torsen limited slip rear end that's complete with 3.73 gears ($00)
• Black, high gloss tape stripe ($00)
• Recaro sport seats ($1,995)

STANDARD MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $40,145

TOTAL OPTIONS: $1,995

DESTINATION CHARGE: $850

TOTAL MANUFACTURER'S SUGGESTED RETAIL PRICE: $42,990

SOLD AT: Randal Reed's Prestige Ford in Garland, Texas

The fifth generation Mustang is heralded as some of the best looking metal produced in decades. With its bulging fenders and crisp lines, the car's design not only plays well to the current trend of nostalgic goodwill, but also appeals to almost anyone with a pulse. In looking over Boss 302 #001's pristine body, it becomes obvious that the car's previous owner barely enjoyed any seat time at all. Its Competition Orange paintwork is super glossy and devoid of any problem areas. That clean basecoat is accented by wrinkle-free graphics which hearken back to ponies of yore. And, as a practically brand new coupe that sports less than 1K miles, panel fitment is still assembly line perfect!

Featuring muscular sheetmetal and a buttoned down stance, this awesome Ford creation mixes designer J. Mays' theme of 'retro-futurism' with subtle aero treatments that enable a 155 MPH top speed. At the front of the car, a high flow grille hangs a traditional galloping horse emblem between bright halogen headlights, a Boss-exclusive valence and an aggressive chin spoiler. Behind that grille, a familiar Mustang GT hood anchors new glass beneath a correct black roof. At the sides of that hood, sculpted splitters and bright “BOSS 302” decals perfectly complement correct orange mirrors and a small black antenna. And at the back of the car, a retro tail panel hangs a faux fuel filler between segmented brake lights, a small decklid spoiler and a Boss-exclusive valence that's complete with polished exhaust tips.

An eyeball popping presence is only part of this slick pony's excellent appeal; it also does a very good job of going fast and making noise! Looking completely natural between the car's Competition Orange fenders is a state-of-the-art Ford 5.0 liter that transforms 444 tire-scorching horses into 380 lb./ft. of pavement-busting torque. Officially named the Road Runner motor, and officially based on Ford's revolutionary Coyote motor, this aluminum rocket utilizes revised cams, CNC ported heads, a forged rotating assembly and a 302R intake to twist stout 11 to 1 compression to a 7,500 RPM redline. As with all Boss 302s, there's a Road Runner-specific intake proudly displaying a Ford-installed badge that verifies the car's authenticity. Aesthetically, the super clean mill features a typical OEM-style appearance that exhibits hardly any signs of wear. That appearance is a melting pot of black, blue and machined finishes which contrasts well against the aforementioned orange. And best of all, this muscle-bound brute will fire in any weather, drive thousands of miles before anyone turns its bolts, and lay waste to any old school muscle car that's brave enough to pick a fight.

The Boss 302 isn't some package any Mustang GT owner can piece together with a chip and a catalog. It's a front-to-back track warrior that's had every system tweaked to make a good driver great and a great driver better. Behind the engine, a beefy MT82 6-speed spins an optional Torsen differential around track-ready, 3.73 gears. That stout drivetrain powers a Ford Racing-tuned front strut and 3-link suspension that's equipped with five driver-selectable settings. Braking is handled by factory-equipped discs that are aided by Ford's standard anti-lock system and AdvanceTrac traction control. The car's killer engine note is provided by a quad-outlet exhaust system which utilizes removable attenuation discs to roar through track-ready cut-outs and traditional stainless tips. At the corners of the floor, glossy black wheels spin super sticky 255/40ZR19 Pirelli P Zeros in front of 285/35ZR19 Pirelli P Zeros. And overall, the bottom of this wicked Ford appears to have spent 99% of its life tucked away in a dry, climate-controlled garage.

Slide inside this low-slung Ford and you'll immediately notice that its stitched and louvered seats are every bit as comfortable as they are attractive. In front of those “BOSS 302” branded buckets, a familiar Mustang dash hangs clean telemetry behind satin silver trim. Below that dash, an MP3-compatible CD player combines with factory climate control to become a one-stop shop for all your convenience needs. Beneath that system, a wide console anchors a unique Boss shifter in front of ample storage space. Beneath that console, like-new carpet floats color-keyed floor mats between attractive, Boss-exclusive sill plates. Above those sills, sculpted door panels hang full-length armrests below small metal handles. And naturally, all the luxuries you'd expect in a high dollar muscle car are present and accounted for including: cruise control, power windows, power door locks, power mirrors and remote keyless entry that's complete with built in theft deterrent software. It's always hard to describe a car that's essentially new in every way. So I'll just sum this Mustang up by saying that everything, from its ice cold air conditioning to its suede-wrapped steering wheel, is in impeccable working order.

The sale of this virtually new pony includes a framed certificate of authenticity, an original owner's manual, an original owner's kit and the original Ford window sticker outlined above.

There's never a bad time to buy a universally appealing muscle car that's in pristine condition – especially when that car is a Boss. While the 05-14 Mustang features a significant number of variants, pedigreed heritage models are hot commodities. If you're looking to buy into an emerging collector car niche, don't miss your chance to own this stellar Boss 302!