BOSS 302 HISTORY
The Ford Mustang isn’t just a car – it’s an American automotive icon.
And of the more than 9 million Mustangs sold to date over the five
different platform generations covering the past five decades, there is
arguably one high-performance model that stands above the rest in both
reverence and respect among enthusiasts, racers and collectors alike.
That’s the Boss302.
Many consider the 1969-70 model years to be the high-water mark of the
so-calledMuscle Car era.Semon E. “Bunkie” Knudsen was hired as
president in an effort to pump new blood into the Ford Motor Company
product pipeline.
Bunkie set out to secure Ford corporate bragging rights once and for all
with an all-new racing-inspired Mustang model. Knudsen wanted a
Mustang race car to champion a hot, new Ford small-block V-8 that could
power a competitive entry in the Trans Am road racing series. So he
tagged designer Larry Shinoda with the task of designing what a
production version of the new race car should look like.
Knudsen had ordered that his new road-racing Mustang not only be
powerful, but also that it should be “absolutely the best-handling street
car available on the American market.” Shinoda came up with racy looks
for the new Mustangs that he was designing forthe boss– which was
how he referred to Knudsen. Both the styling ofthe Boss’ car,and the
name, stuck.
Enter the 1969Boss302built to compete in the performance car
arena. The Boss302 was built so that Ford could go out and win in
Trans Am racing. Shinoda’s design for the Boss302 included front and
rear spoilers, racy side stripes, a matte-black hood and even rear window
louvers – but it was performance that really helped sell the cars.
The Boss302 dazzled the enthusiast press, established a new level of
interest in Ford performance, and became a force to be reckoned with
on the racetrack. The Boss302 was edged out of winning the 1969
Trans Am racing series in the car’s inaugural season. But Parnelli Jones
and George Follmer piloted their Boss302 Mustangs to the victory
circle more than any other team in the hotly contested 1970 campaign,
giving Ford the manufacturer’s championship, all while the road going
versions were buildingstreet cred.
Introduction
4
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
ADVANCETRACSTABILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
AdvanceTracsport mode
The AdvanceTracsystem provides an available sport mode specially
calibrated for the Boss302 and its unique performance characteristics.
This can be selected utilizing the stability control off switch. While in
AdvanceTracsport mode, the selected steering option will be
overridden and placed in sport mode. See theDrivingsection of the
Owner’s Manualfor more information.
DRIVING YOUR VEHICLE THROUGH WATER
The Boss302 has aerodynamic devices attached to the underbody
designed to help control airflow for superior performance. Therefore, the
driver must be especially careful to avoid driving through deep or
standing water. If driving through deep or standing water is unavoidable,
proceed very slowly. Never drive through water that is higher than the
bottom of the wheel rims. Water may enter through the air intake due to
the vacuum generated in the engine. Damage caused by the intake of
water in the engine is not covered by the warranty. Refer toTi r e
informationfor more information.
GROUND CLEARANCE
Note:Because of low vehicle ground clearance, use caution when
approaching curbs/curb stops from the front and rear as vehicle damage
will occur. Additionally, when crossing speed bumps or driveway curbs,
Ford recommends approaching at a very low speed.
Driving your Boss302
9
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
Position (1) has the lowest damping force which provides for a more
comfortable ride. Position (5) has the highest damping force which
provides more responsive handling. Position (2) is the factory setting
(shown in graphic).
Left and right dampers should always be set to the same dial position.
Front and rear can be adjusted independently to change vehicle
response.
Chassis
12
2013 05+ Mustang(197)
Supplement, 1st Printing
USA(fus)
