Boss for $22,000

[Thin Lizzy]

I spotted this Boss on ebay, looks like it needs so serious work. Is it worth the $22,000 asking price?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1971-FORD-MUSTANG-BOSS-351-4-SPEED-MANUAL-R-CODE-/331743052518?hash=item4d3d6d42e6:g:iB0AAOSwYaFWgvNH

 

[jbojo]

These cars probably go for a good amount in the UK because of the shipping that would be involved.. I personally think that it will take quite a lot to bring it back to the way it was. Looking at the exterior rust issues tell me there is probably a lot of hidden rust areas too, cowl for example. I would love to have a Boss but one that is in a little better shape to begin with. For the cost of restoring, shipping it back one could probably get one in the US for that amount restored. I could be totally wrong but it wouldn't be worth that for me.

 

[Thin Lizzy]

It's the first one I've seen in the UK. Was thinking of giving a cheeky offer and getting the guy that did my car to fix it up.

 

[mach1000]

I'd like a dictionary definition on the following:

"CARPET TATTY"

"FRONT WINGS"

"BOOTLID"

"BOOTFLOOR"

lollerz

 

[Thin Lizzy]

Carpet's got $hit on it

Front quarter panel

Trunk

Trunk floor panel

Those crazy English. We say bonnet for the hood too!

 

[jbojo]

It's the first one I've seen in the UK. Was thinking of giving a cheeky offer and getting the guy that did my car to fix it up.

Yeah for you it would be a better deal. He mentioned floor pans needing replacing so I would check out the cowl area and other places prone to rust to assess the costs. If you can get it at a better price initially that would be good so if you do inspect it make a point of these areas. Curious why he doesn't restore it if only 4 or 5 there. You might be surprised at an offer, I got a deal that I wasn't expecting, you just never know. Good luck.

 

[Gardoco]

I've viewed this car, there is less rust on the Titanic. Most major original engine components are missing and replaced with aftermarket including the Distributor, Carb, Inlet Manifold and Boss 351 only Crank dampener which could mean the original Boss engine has been substituted with an ordinary 351C. Shock towers and doors are rotted out so guess what the cowl and torque boxes are like! It has sat unregistered for 26 years and in the open in a wet field for at least seven years regardless of what the ad says. It's been for sale here in the UK for at least Seven years with many viewers but no takers.

It didn't sell for the last three years on UK eBay at $15,000 dollars and now it's up for more?

He has cleaned it up well for the pics though! Good luck!

 

[Jim and Jutta]

I've viewed this car, there is less rust on the Titanic. Most major original engine components are missing and replaced with aftermarket including the Distributor, Carb, Inlet Manifold and Boss 351 only Crank dampener which could mean the original Boss engine has been substituted with an ordinary 351C. Shock towers and doors are rotted out so guess what the cowl and torque boxes are like!...

Exactly what I was running into when I was looking for a 71 Boss on the cheap and ended up buying a 71 M Code Mach1. I'm now back looking for a 71 Boss but far more educated; my primary requirement is unmolested, with original drive train that's not a rust bucket at a reasonable price. I don't see the value a car like that going any where but up. I would pass on the one as described.

 

[Thin Lizzy]

Thanks for your comments and thanks for the heads up Gardoco. Shame it wasn't looked after. Someone's going to get a basket case.

 

[Pastel Blue]

I've viewed this car, there is less rust on the Titanic. Most major original engine components are missing and replaced with aftermarket including the Distributor, Carb, Inlet Manifold and Boss 351 only Crank dampener which could mean the original Boss engine has been substituted with an ordinary 351C. Shock towers and doors are rotted out so guess what the cowl and torque boxes are like!...

Exactly what I was running into when I was looking for a 71 Boss on the cheap and ended up buying a 71 M Code Mach1. I'm now back looking for a 71 Boss but far more educated; my primary requirement is unmolested, with original drive train that's not a rust bucket at a reasonable price. I don't see the value a car like that going any where but up. I would pass on the one as described.

Good luck... I can tick off two of the three requirements you note above, when I purchased my '71 429 cj convertible this past June. The "reasonable price" I seem to have forgotten when I agreed to the deal at the time.

As I go through my restoration now, I realize that the purchase + the restoration costs will surely out distance the eventual value of the car... However, I am still glad I bought it and I know I will enjoy for years to come and when I do go to sell, should still bring a decent $$. The moral of my story, sometimes you have to spend to get what you want at the time. Cheers.

 

[secluff]

I've viewed this car, there is less rust on the Titanic. Most major original engine components are missing and replaced with aftermarket including the Distributor, Carb, Inlet Manifold and Boss 351 only Crank dampener which could mean the original Boss engine has been substituted with an ordinary 351C. Shock towers and doors are rotted out so guess what the cowl and torque boxes are like! It has sat unregistered for 26 years and in the open in a wet field for at least seven years regardless of what the ad says. It's been for sale here in the UK for at least Seven years with many viewers but no takers.

It didn't sell for the last three years on UK eBay at $15,000 dollars and now it's up for more?

He has cleaned it up well for the pics though! Good luck!

Gardoco, if that is the case with the engine, then its nothing more than a sportsroof with a 351C. Being for sale as long as it has with no buyers speaks volumes. Sure glad you know this car. I thought things looked a little strange on the under hood shot showing the top of the fender along the front apron.

If the original engine is indeed gone, then you would have a monumental task of trying to fine a replacement engine or the parts to build one and the associated Boss parts that go along. Your dealing with a one year engine (unless you want to include the slightly less powerful 72 "R"). Be ready to spend some big $$, cause the people that have those things know what they have!!

At least if you had a 429 car you could source a CJ from a Torino, Montego/Cyclone, Cougar, another Mustang, or even a 71-72 Police Interceptor.

I know unmolested, original powertrain Boss 351's that won't break in half if you slam the doors too hard are out there.

Gardoco if he ever decides to just part out since it won't sell, be sure to get in line and make an offer on those 15" trim rings and hub caps!! :whistling:

 

[Boss1Ray]

I've viewed this car, there is less rust on the Titanic. Most major original engine components are missing and replaced with aftermarket including the Distributor, Carb, Inlet Manifold and Boss 351 only Crank dampener which could mean the original Boss engine has been substituted with an ordinary 351C. Shock towers and doors are rotted out so guess what the cowl and torque boxes are like!...

Exactly what I was running into when I was looking for a 71 Boss on the cheap and ended up buying a 71 M Code Mach1. I'm now back looking for a 71 Boss but far more educated; my primary requirement is unmolested, with original drive train that's not a rust bucket at a reasonable price. I don't see the value a car like that going any where but up. I would pass on the one as described.

Good luck... I can tick off two of the three requirements you note above, when I purchased my '71 429 cj convertible this past June. The "reasonable price" I seem to have forgotten when I agreed to the deal at the time.

As I go through my restoration now, I realize that the purchase + the restoration costs will surely out distance the eventual value of the car... However, I am still glad I bought it and I know I will enjoy for years to come and when I do go to sell, should still bring a decent $$. The moral of my story, sometimes you have to spend to get what you want at the time. Cheers.

Well said Pastel Blue!

Good info on this Boss 351 car!

I don't have my book handy but I know there were more than just one Boss 351 originally sold in Black!

Ray