Don’t let the layer of dust fool you because this 1969 Mustang Boss 302 looks to be an excellent project car. A large part of what makes it so attractive is that the owner has completed all of the heavy lifting on this build. All the buyer will need to do is bolt this rust-free classic back together. If you feel tempted by this classic, you will find it located in Leander, Texas, and listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $38,600, but this remains short of the reserve. The owner also includes a BIN option of $53,500 for those who wish to avoid the auction scene.

I generally feel some trepidation when it comes to the question of tackling someone’s unfinished project build. While most of these don’t offer too many challenges, some can be a minefield of issues and low-quality workmanship. That doesn’t appear to be a problem here because there is no evidence of any rough edges for the buyer to consider. The owner has addressed any rust issues and has applied a fresh coat of the car’s original Calypso Coral paint. This shines beautifully below the dust, with no evidence of any problems or defects. The panels are laser straight, while what can be seen of the chrome and trims looks pretty promising. The buyer will need to source a new windshield, but the remaining glass is present. The owner supplies some photos of various parts that are yet to be installed, and the rear deck spoiler is present. The included Marti Report indicates that the original owner ordered the Boss with Sport Slats, and I believe that these are also present. It seems that when the car is reassembled, it will include all of the features that are listed in the Marti Report.

When we delve below the surface of this Mustang, what we find looks enormously promising. This photo is indicative of the lack of rust problems for the buyer to tackle. The floors and frame look particularly clean, as does the torque box region and the engine bay. The accumulated dust that has developed in the cobwebs indicates that this project has been stalled for a while, so it will be good to see this build through to completion.

Racing improves the breed, and the roots of the Boss 302 rests squarely within motorsport. Ford developed this model specifically to compete head-to-head with the Chevrolet Camaro in the Trans Am series. The governing body pegged the maximum engine capacity at 305ci, so the Boss 302 managed to barely sneak in. This little V8 pumped out a conservative 290hp, and in this case, this found its way to the road via a 4-speed manual transmission and a 3.50 Traction-Lok rear end. Pointed at a ¼ mile, the journey was over in 15.5 seconds. However, these engines were not designed with low-end torque in mind. Ford developed them to rev, and holding the foot to the floor in this classic would see it run out of breath at 133mph. The news with our feature car is both good and bad. The owner has rebuilt the original rear end and all of the suspension. The numbers-matching close-ratio 4-speed is present, but the buyer will need to treat that to a refresh. Also present is the original engine block, and while I can also spot an intake and cylinder heads, I’m not sure whether they are original. I can’t see items like pistons, rods, or a crank, so the shopping list for the engine has the potential to be long and relatively expensive. However, it might be worth it when we come to consider this car’s potential value once reassembled.

The owner has purchased most of the trim pieces to return the Mustang’s interior to its former glory. This car featured a tach and an AM radio, and these are both present. It appears that all of the trim is in the correct color and pattern, but the buyer will need to source a new dash pad and seat foam. However, neither item will break the bank, and given the standard of work on the panels and paint, having the interior less than perfect would not be doing this classic justice.

With so much of the heavy lifting complete, most of what is required to reassemble this 1969 Mustang Boss 302 could be tackled by a competent person in a home workshop. The engine and transmission work would be best left to a specialist, but refitting the interior trim and items like the spoiler would not be a complicated undertaking. Like so many classic cars, 2020 was not a kind period when it came to values. The Boss 302 was hit particularly hard, with values dropping by a whopping 20% across the board. This trend has leveled out, and it is now showing the first tentative signs of turning the corner. That means that once reassembled, this is a car that should command a value of over $70,000. Given the required work, its financial viability will be touch and go at the BIN, so if the buyer can persist with the auction process and secure it for a lower figure, that would be a wise move. Would you be willing to take that risk?