To Tell the Truth

[Paul Ceasrine]

K,

The early 'S' Code Boss 429's.

When it first arrived in January 1969,
pre-release information stated, that it would be a 'flat-out street monster',
capable of 12.80's @ 112 MPH right off the showroom floor.

In reality, it was a 13.80 @ 102 MPH car.
And many Performance Car Magazine Editors labeled it a 'failed street supercar'.

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The 1969 Boss 429 Mustang (375 HP), weighed in at #3445 lbs.
Had a Weight-to-Horsepower factor of 9.19 Wt/Hp.

Based upon Ford's weight and horsepower figures, the car should have been classed in D/S or SS/G in 1969.
There, it would have been a very strong competitor.

But, at the beginning of 1969, after Ford's January 15, 1969 introduction of the Boss 429,
the NHRA re-factored the Horsepower rating, based upon Ford's own calculations and
stated estimated performance results of the car.

The NHRA re-rated the Boss 429 to 410 Horseower, with a Wt/Hp factor to 8.40.
The 35 Horsepower increase by the NHRA 'drop-kicked' the car into B/S for 1969.

Right into the B/S pack of 66' and 67' Ford/Mercury 427/410 HP cars, 427 COPO Camaro's
and SS396 Nova's.
And of course, an un-reachable B/Stock record of 11.83.

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Good Magazine Articles on the Boss 429;

Hi Performance Cars.... April 1969
Hi Performance Cars.....November 1969 (featuring Tom Larkin B/S Boss 429)
Super Stock & Drag Illustrated,,, June 1969 (featuring a Boss 429, prepped by Bob Brown)
Car Craft,,,July 1969 (featuring Butch Leal)
Car Craft...January 1970
Super Stock & Funny Car,,,, September 1970 (featuring Pat Mahnken C/S Boss 429)