Developed to meet homologation requirements to compete in Trans Am racing, it was Ford's response to the success of the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the 5 L (305.1 cu in) and under SCCA series since 1967.

While substantial modifications were required to the stock Boss 302 to be competitive on the track, many thousands were sold to the public in a street-legal form that included a refined high-performance motor and upgrades to the suspension and brakes over base Mustangs.

(5.0L) and under Trans-Am road racing series, with the 7 liter big block Boss 429 developed likewise for the higher limit of the NASCAR circuit at that time.

Available only in the Boss 302 Mustangs of 1969–70, the engine differed substantially from stock Ford 302s, being based on a unique thin-wall, high nickel content small block casting.

[1] The engine was only available in a complete Boss 302 package, which included a four speed manual transmission and handling and aerodynamic aids necessary to compete on a race track.

[2] In addition to a lower ride height, standard equipment included front disc brakes, larger sway bars, heavier duty spindles, reinforced shock towers.

The Boss 302 Mustang was styled by Larry Shinoda, a former GM employee, who deleted the fake air scoops in the rear quarter panel fenders of the regular production 1969 Mustangs, added a front spoiler, and a rear deck wing, making the Boss 302 one of the first production cars to feature both.

A type of "stock-car" racing usually held on road courses, the series limited maximum engine displacement to 5 L (305.1 cu in).

[8] In 1969, tire trouble and slow pit stops were major factors limiting the Ford team's success.

[12] Since its restoration, the only person Bowden has allowed to drive the car (other than his son Dan) is its former owner Allan Moffat.

It is recognizable by the "hockey stick" side stripe, rear louvers and chin spoiler (although those features can also signify a Boss 429 Mustang).

Many "Boss 302" replicas been created out of regular fastback Mustangs, with varying degrees of accuracy, including efforts to dishonestly clones vehicles to capitalize on the relative rarity and expense of existing examples of the original automobiles, especially race-prepped models.

The standard 2011 Ford Mustang GT's 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine was enhanced[13] with a forged crankshaft, CNC ported heads, revised camshafts, and a high flow "runners in the box" intake taken from the 302R racecar.

The Boss 302 suspension supplemented the Mustang GT's with higher-rate coil springs, stiffer bushings, and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar, and was dropped by a bit less than 1/2" in the front to evoke the stance of the original.

Light-weight alloy wheels are 19x9-inch in front and 19x10 inch rear, fitted with R-compound ultra high-performance 255/40-19 / 285/35-19 tires.