Bud Moore Engineering's 1970 Mustang Boss 302 Trans Am
The very last car built for Bud Moore's Trans-Am racing team recently sold at auction.
Last One
Every Mustang fan worth their salt knows the history of Ford's pony car and Trans-Am racing, where it went head-to-head with the best in the world and brought home a championship in 1970. Bud Moore Enterprise played a big role in that success, and this 1970 Mustang Boss 302 was the very last car built for that outfit by Kar Kraft. It also recently sold at Mecum Auctions' Indy sale for a whopping $143,000.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
One of Four
What's particularly notable about this Boss 302 is that it was never raced, and sat unfinished until 2008. Ford pulled its support from Trans-Am late in the 1970 season, but not before four Mustang Sportsroof "bodies in white" were given to Bud Moore for the 1971 season. Three of those cars were finished, while one was left as a backup, and the fourth, BME 4-1971, was never completed.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Finished Project
Steven Johns managed to purchase the historic racer in 2008, then set about finishing it with an eye toward authenticity. Johns enlisted Bud Moore to assist with the build, which was completed in 2011. The car was then sold to a vintage racer in 2015, who proceeded to prepare the car for the track.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Full Rebuild
That process involved handing the engine over to Hertel Racing Engines in Spartanburg, South Carolina for a thorough rebuild. There, it was treated to custom headers and original-style side-exit exhaust, eventually laying down 525 horsepower on the dyno.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Ready to Go
The racer wound up hitting the track at Brian Redman's Targa Sixty Six event at Palm Beach International Raceway, but that was its sole appearance. Today, the car remains in impeccable condition, ready to show off, stow away, or use in any number of vintage racing events.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Fully Documented
The Boss 302 racer comes with a host of documentation, including a signed letter from Bud Moore affirming its history, a signed dashboard, a pair of extra Minilite wheels, and all kinds of extra goodies.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
Second Chance
Though we doubt the seller made any money on this comprehensive build, we are glad to see that this car eventually got its chance to hit the track after sitting unfinished for so many years. Now, it can live on as a fine example of a time when Ford was determined to prove the Mustang's worth on the track against the best the world had to offer.
Photos: Mecum Auctions
>>Join the conversation about this BOSS 302 Trans Am right here in the Mustang Source Forum!
For help with service and mods on your Mustang, visit the how-to section of our sister site MustangForums.com.