Rare 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 is beautiful but missing a key yet subtle feature

  • This 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 is pretty rare
  • It’s made even more rare in its shade of pewter
  • However, something else is missing making it one-of-one

Published on Sep 27, 2024 at 5:32 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones

Last updated on Sep 30, 2024 at 12:16 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Tom Wood

This rare 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 is missing a key feature.

Aesthetically similar to the Mach 1, it featured a blacked-out hood, front and rear spoilers, and prominent side stripes.

Only 1,806 buyers drove off the forecourt with a Ford Mustang Boss 351.

However, this one is even rarer with something key missing – can you guess what it is?

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1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351

Automakers were struggling to keep muscle cars in dealerships in 1971 with strict government emission and fuel economy regulations.

Insurance rates for high-compression V8 engines had gone through the roof, too.

While big-block units like the Boss 302, Boss 429, and the 428 Cobra Jet were facing extinction, the Boss 351 was added to the lineup.

It’s considered one of Ford’s last true high-performance options.

It was powered by a powerful 351-cubic-inch (5.8-liter) Cleveland V8 delivering 330 horsepower.

What makes it more rare?

The Boss 351 is close in appearance to the Mach 1, from its blacked-out hood, front and rear spoilers, to its prominent side stripes.

Repainted in the original true-to-factory shade of Light Pewter – a color only 3.3 percent of models were painted in.

There are imperfections but even the black hood, black stripes around the rear fascia, and the ‘Boss 351’ scripts have been replicated.

What’s missing from the livery? The side stripes – check it out in this video shared by American Mustangs.

They appear to have been repainted out as there was no option to get rid of them in production.

Meanwhile, the interior also appears to be original and in overall good condition, and under the hood, the original carburetor and valve covers have been switched.

However, it’s thought the Traction-Lok differential, power steering, Deluxe steering wheel, Sport Deck rear seat, AM/FM stereo, center console, and Magnum 500 wheels remain.

American Mustangs

That’s in addition to the 351 four-barrel engine with aftermarket valve covers and an Edelbrock intake.

It’s been sold for amounts up to $198,000 at auction.

Meanwhile, this 1958 Chevrolet Impala is missing several parts but one surprise makes it a great barn find.

This man is the only person allowed to paint lines on Rolls-Royce.

Plus this rare C7-generation Chevrolet Corvette ZR1 was mysteriously discovered on a dirt road in Canada – but half of it was missing.

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London-based Amelia cut her journalistic teeth covering all things lifestyle, wellness and luxury in the UK capital. Fast-forward a decade and the experienced content creator and editor has put pen to paper for glossy magazines, busy newsrooms and coveted brands. When her OOO is on you can find her spending quality time with her young family, in the gym or exploring the city she loves.