1970 Boss 302 vs. 1970 Shelby GT-350

I based my decision on looks alone and voted for the GT 350.

 

The Boss is an enthusiast's car. By 1969 the GT350 had lost its mojo; it's more like a small Thunderbird than a trans-am racer.

Either is a good choice. It all depends on what you want. Drive both and decide which one meets your needs.

 

Boss 302 all the way, and you just gotta have the shaker hood and rear window slats or it's less desirable......look out for fakes, there are lots of them.

The GT350 was the luxo-cruiser in comparison and IMHO isn't worth the $$.

Have you driven one lately Rob ? If you do, the boyhood memory bubble you currently have (and I once had until about 2 years ago when I last drove a Boss 302) will soon be burst. Don't know what I ever saw in that car, or the others I owned, FWIW.

 

IIRC the GT 350's w/ 289's, up till 68' ran B production and then the new body with the 302's ran in Trans Am. IIRC the new body style GT 350 had bigger engines and therefore not legal for that series, which is why most ran the legal 302 boss in b/ production. Could be wrong.

here's a 69 GT 350 they put a 302 in... http://www.mustangandfords.com/featuredvehicles/mdmp_0906_1969_shelby_gt350/index.html

either way 302 all the way.

 

The Boss is a more focused car. Big heads (bigger still in '69), compression, solid lifters.

GT350's a bit softer - w/different intent than '65-6 GT350 (or Boss 302). Sharp looker, nice driver - don't have to set the valves ...

Depends on what you're angling for.

 

302 all the way.

RMX

 

Boss 100%, the Shelby GT350 was hardly considered a Shelby after 1965 in many ways (although, many people love the GT500's through 1968).

 

Boss like I raced .
535 bhp
430 ibs torque
15 x8 Minilites
Nothing revs like a Boss 302.
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Built along the lines of the Australian Touring car period '66 to '72.
Same as US Trans /am except Webers allowed and we had to keep the drum brakes.
turn 'em tyres baby,oh ye.
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I'd go for a Boss because of the Trans/am link,where as the Shelby is a road car.
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I'd agree-the Boss 302. The performance is better, styled by Shinoda and still pretty cool. The Shelby was considered a poseur by that time(even the old man wanted out of the deal with Ford by that point and really had little to do with the '70). All moot if you like the way the Shelby looks today(and many do).

As to boyhood memories-my experience has been that many muscle cars today have been restored and drive like crap. Huge differences between these cars are possible depending on who built and dialed them in. When we obtained a "restored" AAR 'Cuda, the thing looked great, yet ran terrible. Sputtering, wandered all over the road, touchy brakes,etc.

A few days of tuning, an aggressive alignment, proper tires and shocks and its a world of difference. Great fun, handles pretty decent with a willing, responsive engine-seats still are uncomfortable, though.

 

The Boss 302! The Shelby GT-350 is a Shelby in name only. After 1968, Shelby had little or no input in the cars. Plus the 69-70 cars are ugly, IMO. To me, the only real GT 350's are the 65-66 models. The local Ford dealer had a 1965 GT 350 on display back in the day and two friends had 65 Mustangs in high school. We road to Montana from N. Dak. to go skiing in the Mustang, not much fun sitting in the back seat for 600 miles!! The looks of the 67 style had to grow on me, but now I like it.

 

I like both but the Shelby gets an edge on looks for me

Maybe I'll get 1 of those new 69 Mustangs and build my own Super Shelby out of it

but 1st I have to finish my 68 Vette

 

The 69/70 Shelbys were also styled by Larry Shinoda.

 

True, and I do like the way they look.

 

For most of the reasons that have been mentioned:

Boss 302!

 

To me the Shelby blows away the 302 in looks and the 351 in the 69-70 is a decent motor. Neither car has crazy performance by todays standards so i would go with what you think looks and drives better. A grabber blue or Competiton red (bright orange) Shelby especially the convert is a sweet car. The Boss may impress mustang people but the Shelby will get the nod from the masses.

 

For me the Boss 302 is the one to have. Trans Am heritage, Parnelli Jones and that 302 motor make it the one to have, yes the Shelby is nice but the Boss has real history whereis the Shebly wasnt even made by Sheby but assembled by Ford.

 

I know many "purists" consider the 69-70 Shelbys to be "lesser models" than the 65-68 models, but in my opinion, the 69-70 Shelby (coupe or convertible) is one of the best looking cars ever made. Period.

 

Look at this sweet car!
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Very nice, indeed. I guess having watched the epic Trans Am duels between the Boss and Z/28s, I'm partial to the Boss.

 

I picked the Boss. You might want to consider the TA Challenger or AAR Cuda as well. Back in high school a friend had a AAR. It was a blast to cruise around in & handled great.

 

What about a '69? I always liked the 4 headlights on them.
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SCHWING!!!!!!!!!!!!

Way back when I was about 12 there was a red one exactly like this for sale for a few $1000

I BEGGED my Dad to buy it. No luck. I still remember that car like it was yesterday.

What a beauty