The chrome exhaust tips were exclusive to the '71-72 Mach1 (body code 05) with 4-bl engines ONLY. Even premium performance models, like the Boss 351 or the C and J 429s, didn't receive chrome tips unless the 429s were Mach 1s.
The Boss was a purpose-built performance car. Anyone familiar with the "Total Performance" days at Ford knew the curtain was drawing closed on the performance cars from all brands. The Boss was a "Last Call" and was based on the base 02 SportsRoof and was priced with no options at $4124.00 (as of 4/71). That is $1151.00 over the standard 02 price of $2973.00. For the difference of $1151.00, you got a vehicle with a unique powertrain that was not available in any other Ford-produced vehicle and was capable of holding its own at any traffic light "Manhood Test."
While nice, things like the urethane front bumper, chrome exhaust tips, and pop-open fuel caps would have inflated the base price of an already expensive car (in '71 dollars) and would not have improved the car's performance. Performance was what this "Last Call" Mustang was all about! A couple of my friends who owned Boss 351s were always working on removing things to make them lighter and faster.
While there were several options available through the sales department when ordering a Boss, the above-mentioned items, along with a few other restricted items, were not. But if you knew of a well-stocked Ford parts department (Ahem), they could put a smile on your face and make your Mustang happy. The Boss front spoiler, Mach 1 chrome exhaust tips, rear valance with the exhaust cutouts, and the pop-open fuel cap were just a few of the over-the-counter hot sellers we kept.
