The Long Lost 1971 Boss 302 Mustang Prototype, Bob Perkins Boss Expert Saving History

[@wildwind4456]

I am not sure there's anyone else in the world who has the knowledge, the dedication, AND the connections to do this car justice. It's amazing that it found its way into his hands, and all of us Mustang fans should count ourselves lucky that it did.

[@literallyshaking8019]

Damn, it’s almost like Bob has been stocking up and waiting for this one car his entire life. His knowledge and collection of parts is astonishing.

[@chrismc.4437]

In many ways he has been.

[@axelbart7470]

Wow that's incredible, one for the history books for generations to come

[@davebrittain9216]

I am so glad you did a follow up. Just a fantastic historical Mustang/Ford video! There is simply no other person on this earth that would do this car better than Bob Perkins. Please do more follow ups. Thanks!

[@MrDejast]

This has to be the best " one of one" I've ever seen. Especially since he sourced that engine.

[@MikeSmith-cn6ub]

I know it's amazing he found a brand new never touched motor for a car they only. Built one of I mean to find a motor made for a car that was technically never made they were both meat for each other literally just waited almost 50 years to b e joined in holy matrimony.

[@williammatthews2948]

This gentleman restoring it back to it's original identity makes me a happy man.

[@mexicanspec]

It is too bad he can't re-VIN the car like Ford did.

[@neganess4315]

Like all that was missing was the car it self, agree seeing good things happen to ppl for some reason it brings out all the volume of beautiful thanks again let's NVR lose that.)

[@guadalahonky4002]

Bob's a serious Mustang collector. Amazing Ford Performance stories, thank you.

[@MrJett1971]

No, Bob’s THE serious Mustang collector. And historian. And restorer. Everyone else just tries to keep up...

[@YenkoImpala]

Absolutely one of the best barn finds ever and I have seen and experienced a few myself. Bob is the right man to own and restore this car. I cannot wait to see it.

[@jaywp1977]

I’m a Mopar guy, but I love watching these videos featuring Bob and learning so much about how Ford built these cars back in the day. Thank you!

[@yorgalas]

This guy is def one dedicated dude. So many n.o.s parts ❤❤❤❤❤

[@carsmartsmedia2324]

I watched this with my jaw on the ground. all that NOS. Incredible.

[@spankthemonkey3437]

Nos like nitrous

[@Lethal_Venom]

My first Mustang was a 66 Coupe when I was 17. I'm 42 now and have had 5 Mustangs to date. I'm mostly into the more modern cars from the 1990's to early 2000 range but I love the history and restoration of the older cars that started it all.

[@rbrboulet]

I can’t describe with words how sad I was then the video ended. I could explore his property for days and gather all the information this gentleman would have time to share with me. Wow! Great story!

[@flat6fever680]

It did end abruptly 😔

[@wpcampbell491]

It's unbelievable that you managed to do this after nearly 5 decades! You're amazing! Can't wait to see this car completely restored!

[@crf150rRider6]

Wow, this is so cool! They don’t make them like Bob any more, the dedication and knowledge he has is amazing! Not to mention his collection, sweet!

[@johnclark3431]

Wow I’m truly amazed at how detail oriented this guy is… such an amazing job

[@shauno3697]

My first inclination was to say something about being jealous. But seeing that much knowlege, wisdom, talent, and attention to detail, I would never want to see anybody else touch that car. I hope that Bob is having the time of his life with it.

[@refiii9499]

Man I thought my ocd was bad. This guy takes it to the way next level

[@philspurling6414]

It runs in the family! 👍

[@sammolloy1]

This is very interesting. I’m so glad he’s the one that got this car

[@jrr...9356]

Wow, this guys knowledge of this one of one prototype is just amazing. It certainly is a "Holy Grail" of all Boss 302's.

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Documentation is king... especially with something like a one off. Those door tags are GOLD ! Thanks to Bob for letting you at this story, and thanks to you for bringing it to us ! Hope all healthy and happy in your scene Jerry.

[@thewriter2549]

Good, except virus shut down travel to a bunch more great finds!!

[@TheCanadianBubba]

In your game I suspect most of them will be waiting : ]

[@thewriter2549]

I had 2 in Europe to do, which now could be years away.

[@thewriter2549]

Are you still working, or did the virus shut you down?

[@TheCanadianBubba]

Would some of that travel have been for paid work ? Did not think of that. Myself am well insulated from fluctuations in earnings. My wife, children and other relatives and friends have not been so lucky and have all experienced changes to their income streams.

[@TnTravelers33]

I’m a Chevy fan have been all my life but I love these vids Bob knows his stuff and your videoing is great

[@ProjectFairmont]

It’s like he has collected for a lifetime for this moment and car. Fantastic.

[@thewriter2549]

My thoughts the same.

[@jinavl]

@@thewriter2549 it's a match made on Earth

[@thejackalsmith7329]

Great find on the engine, glad to see a concourse restoration done to this one of a kind mustang.

[@Archangel3083]

Absolutely amazing find. Love when these mythical cars from the past get found and restored.

[@02autogt]

Unbelievable the wealth of knowledge Bob has!! Hope he has someone following in his footsteps!

[@stuartb9323]

I was thinking the same thing! That would be awesome if he had a kid that was into it too.

[@4n461]

Incredible car. Incredible story. Incredible restoration.

[@flat6fever680]

One of my favorite KZbin videos ever. This story is amazing.

[@johnbeltron8787]

Driving the Boss302 was the best part of the car when it was new,absolutely race ready .Memories.

[@stevefairweather7792]

Glad to see other people like the 1971-73 sportroof cars. I’ve had 2 1973’s. They are my favorite body style

[@nevosrestos394]

Mine too lol

[@Bill.Connor]

This is just AWESOME!!!! Love the history of this car and it's great to know there are people like Bob out there! Please keep up the great work!

[@rdh5961]

This is one of the coolest videos I've ever seen. Very well done and I thank you

[@geoffreydemaesschalck6065]

Awesome, Bob is the right person for this ! I had the chance to meet him at his place in the Summer of 2016. What a museum !

[@mattskustomkreations]

That one of one unicorn still existing is mindblowing enough.... But-A guy having that engine in his basement!?! That is beyond belief!!! Wow. EDIT the other NOS parts have just melted my brain.

[@MikeBMW]

WOW! Well done, Jerry, I look forward to additional vids on this! :)

[@Agwings1960]

I admire the hell out of what this guy does, muscle cars were synonymous with the American culture and its hard to describe the feelings of a young guy in 1970 who had a nice muscle car.

[@srpdesigns]

I grew up next to an incredible retired mechanic who reminds me a lot of Bob.. Ol John knew his stuff and I used to love going next store and listen to him and all the Ol timers talk cars and parts etc.. This was in the mid to late 70s.. I even remember all those autolite catalogs on his workbench.. These men are truly a dieing breed in the great country.. Guys who devoted their lives to learning a certain craft by heart.. Those times are long gone, newer generations can't even remember phone numbers.

[@AlejandroP1980s]

What's today date I don't remember phone number nor date is it sep 28 1970 so I can by a New Dodge Challenger and be Dodge material

[@cmintsurfer]

Some cars, like this one, just needed the right man to find them. That engine sat so long waiting for this car.

[@thewriter2549]

the reason he sold it to Bob

[@johnshilling2221]

Yes, this is an incredible find. No doubt about it. But! Bob Perkins is the real treasure. What would the world be like without people like Bob? I couldn't imagine it. Some dystopian hellhole, I guess.

[@alexkalish8288]

The lord works in mysterious ways - He must like these cars as the serendipity involved in this project is beyond belief. A new engine in a factory workers basement ?!! - fantastic story and one has to be impressed by Bob Perkins, he's an encyclopedia and a great gentlemen. Bravo Bob for saving this for history.

[@superfreakie]

Please keep documenting this. It is fascinating! More details the better! Thank you.

[@thewriter2549]

That is the plan.

[@tredw66]

Car went to the right guy. You know Bob doesnt have wholesale prices on his parts but he is the go to guy for when you need them. Amen.

[@Stucifer]

What a great story and a beautiful car! I'm sad that it won't be driven. I'd be curious to know if the Boss 302 engine in the heavier 71 Mustang body would perform like a muscle car? The Boss 302 wasn't designed for drag racing so much, but rather for high rpm, endurance racing. The Boss 302 Cougar Eliminator was a beautiful car, but 1/4 mile times in the mid 15's wasn't impressive. LOL... I want to find the rare Boss 302 Maverick

[@alfonsuskarl]

Mr Bob Perkins, the God of Mustang restoration

[@chestercallahan8856]

I could listen to Bob talk all day.

[@neganess4315]

Something about their passion and knowledge was what automatically got us hook to this channel we believe their nothing better than loving what you enjoy doing.)

[@ReviewedYourVideo]

Simply amazing! I am truly glad it went to the correct man.

[@cougarfarmer]

I am a Ford fan and a Mustang fan ever since I rode in a 1967 390 GTA at the age of six. I am put to a mighty low shame by Bob Perkins! He makes me looks like a know nothing newbie. I have always wondered about the 1971 BOSS 302 and why there was not a 1971 BOSS 429 because the 1971 was designed for the very reason of placing a large engine in it's engine bay. Another 1971 mystery is the 1971 Mercury Cougar Eliminator. I had a 1972 Cougar with a 351C in it and at the time I also owned a complete 1970-71 Torino Shaker air cleaner assembly. One day after tuning up the Cougar I had the hood open and a friend came over to BBQ and we had a few beers. We got to talking about what kind of air cleaner I would need to complete a ram air system to the Cougar GT hood scoop on the car. I pulled out the Shaker and I was holding the trim ring while talking about the lower air cleaner when I noticed that the under hood structure had a shape very similar to the trim ring. It matched the trim ring. The next thing I know is that I am shutting hood with a Torino shaker sticking out. Everything lined up and fit. I looked at my friend and said "This not a coincidence. It was designed for this hood scoop!" Why did Mercury decide not to use this? They went through the trouble to make sure it worked. Where are the concept photos of it?

[@theodoremccoy3238]

This is as good as finding a long lost child that grew up having had their new parents trying to change their identity now due to the Ford fingerprints we get to see this girl pretty as the day she was born thanks for sharing her story

[@dougcoleburn1579]

Ok that Boss engine is incredible 🤩

[@speedy_pit_stop]

Never get tired of watching this amazing car and collection.

[@captsaison9343]

"Well, we know what Bob's passion is! One of the NICE things about all the interest in the vintage mustangs is that there are several sources for new and replacement parts. I can get about anything I might need for my old 1965 mustang from several different companies. Also love the 1969 AMC AMX but have been afraid to buy one because getting new and replacement parts might be very difficult. Hell, I wouldn't even insist on the 390 cubic-inch engine and four-speed tranny. ANY 1969 AMX would suit me.

[@randycoursey7230]

Bob is an amazing FORD enthusiast! Thank you sir for a great video.

[@rgs4x]

I used to work for Ford dealership in the early 80s. I remember them dumping tons of NOS and obsolete parts. I was able to purchase some rare parts for mustangs for pennies on the dollar. I have since sold all of them. This guys collection is incredible.

[@guysumpthin2974]

Bob is truly one of the GOOD GUYS in the business

[@SteveGrin]

So did the assembly line worker take that '71 boss 302 engine home in his lunch box?

[@balajiiyengar4]

Lol. 🤣

[@olivergarrod6487]

And it didn’t cost him a dime!

[@John-4649]

@@olivergarrod6487 one piece at a time!

[@morgansword]

Wow, a man after my own heart that truly loved a ford and from what I watched was a man who could exploit the parts correctly. Although I didn't have a fancy mustang, I did buy one from a dealer who was willing to give a nam soldier what he wanted was a four barrel anything motor with four speed and so into their shop went a kinda overkill six cylinder three speed car with one wheel peel and so they put a 302 engine with some aftermarket manifold to make the carb work plus whatever it needed for the throttle cable that I wound up tying a wire to hold it tight and work right on the side of the road. At the time I knew none of the above history and was only interested in power and speed. I used a narrowed lincoln rear end done in a shop in seattle where my money was fast disappearing. I did have fun in it and it caught some road rash I thought added to its personality. I caught a girls dads fence post digging out when he shot at me and the car caught some of the lead which popped the back window and had plastic in for a little while and then plexiglass. I couldn't see through it good but then others couldn't see in. The back of the seat on the passenger seat was much bragging rights with some holes in it. So there had to be lead in the upholstery. The rear end was 41? as I never really knew for sure if it was what was written on it. It had the disk brake from lincoln and all that on it but the center section was worked on and did the posi burn. This car had over thirty thousand miles from me but started giving me problems with the linkage on the trans getting tangled up when speed shifted bad. Hammers to get the thing to roll again as it slide to a stop a couple three or more times and then is when I stumbled onto a dodge polara with a 426 wedge and four speed factory. I got fifteen hundred on the trade in and that was more than most were selling for used banged up, an cause I drove it in my work clothes and did the upkeep in the car washes it had problems so was glad to get off it for a factory car that to me at the time looked more like a race car from the hot rod mag. I did get the dodge in 74 spring an was put together at the factory and by then getting on wages only plus a divorce so I had worked two summers in alaska. I drove that dodge till I pulled to the side with a flat on the right front? Your asking how I remember and it was easy, that tire was tore up and flopping and when it caught the soft fill on the side of the road, it took that phony torsion bar suspension and ripped the unibody and all up leaving me right there. I did start it and powered it onto the road where it definitely wasn't going anywhere. A guy I knew come and got me and it being a wrecked car thought I was screwed. I did know how to work on cars like a kid at the time and it was above my paygrade back yard diploma. He was headed to work and told me I could use his rig, don't wreck it an I took it with grin. He worked at a chevy shop and so me and chevy had had our differences. I went over to the local ford shop and used car sales. I was looking at their magazines and their salesman asked me if I was looking for something so I unloaded my lifes story on him and he said let me talk to my boss. They come down in their salvation army suits that just looked sad to me and I was going to leave. One said wait I have what you really do need..... ok.... and we go look at a 72 three quarter ton ford with a four wheel drive and as close to kinda dressy looking as the could cobble together look. They took title of my dodge parked where it was as someone there had seen it an no one did mess with stuff during the day. He said that I could bring the rest of the down payment in in two months but no longer. I thought that was easy enough ... thinking will get you every time as I found out. So some money left and a second hand nice little rig I hooked up with a bad crowd. I had to go to court in the afternoon and I was on a airplane north to Ketchikan where work and drinking had been my new signature. I did outgrow that but should of never put myself in that position an then a phone call to Olympia let me and them know I would come back and face my consequences. That was one nice judge who fined me a hundred dollar more out of token but he talked to me in chambers and really did get my attention. It was 1976 and I didn't want a warrant out. I wintered out and spring took me back to alaska where I have lived a colorful life.

[@1972mercurycougar]

Absolutely love this story!! Good stuff!!

[@guysumpthin2974]

Bobs favorite body style , that car is in the right hands

[@2098elk]

Owned a 69 Boss 302 which was almost new. Traded for a Toyota Celica GT in 1973. Still missed that car and shed a tear when I left it. Many years later bought a 70 BOSS 302 which I owned for over 20 years. Gone now but still a place in my heart for Boss Mustangs!

[@TORCHBROTHERS]

I had a 1973 mustang coop , not the fastback. I bought it in 1987 for $100 it had the 351 Cleveland with a 2 barrel. I spent two years fixing it up not the right way I used a lot of Bondo. But I did have the engine professionally rebuilt. That car was so fast it was unbelievable ! nobody would believe that it had a 2 barrel on it until I showed them the carburetor. Unfortunately I ended up getting married and had to sell it. Should have stayed single.

[@jdigitalseven7]

Yea its amazing that even the early coyote 302 engines are smaller, way more powerful, and more fuel efficient than those old school muscle engines.

[@needmetal3221]

Work and knowledge like this are to be appreciated

[@thewriter2549]

No doubt!!

[@josephjohnston8255]

Awsome video. Bob the Builder knows his stuff.

[@laszlovass7326]

Wow. Dedication and passion and patience. Well done.

[@chestercallahan8856]

Love this series and this Boss 302 is a beauty

[@rogerchevelle7231]

Thanks for the video..Bob Perkins is amazing with the knowledge of those cars.

[@nrobinson8713]

Excellent video. As the previous owner of a 70 Boss, I would love to visit that shop. Great job.

[@TrueNorth1970]

Amazing story. Thank you !

[@richtruesdell7276]

Jerry, this is absolutely your best video ever. I learned so much from watching this video and it's not that I don't know a little bit about classic 1965-1973 Mustangs.

[@thewriter2549]

Credit goes to Bob, and same here, I always learn more about Mustangs.

[@eddieberberich6611]

Terrific job. Thank you. Best of luck with the rest of the project.

[@mattpoppen2521]

I appreciate this so much! Gotta love the passion!

[@AndysDogHouse]

Fantastic video. Very interesting. Thanks for sharing.

[@yommish]

Boy I can’t imagine the time and money gone to finding all this stuff. I hope I can do something so cool in my life.

[@keithreiffenstein9909]

Best video yet! Been a Ford fan for many years..

[@gregsly1247]

Incredible story, I was hoping to see more about this car. Thank You so much for the update Jerry. Hope to see more 😊

[@thewriter2549]

More to come!

[@gregsly1247]

Look forward to it, thanks again.

[@999torino]

So cool Bob and that car found each other, match made in heaven.. Lucky guy, lucky car.

[@thewriter2549]

You get it. Imagine if the car went to an unknowing owner and the car is lost to history for another 40 -50 years? Even if somebody knows what it is, could they do this restoration, right down to finding the witness marks and tracking down that ''71 Boss 302 engine.

[@jdigitalseven7]

Production and saleswise, the following of Mustangs really show how its the most popular car model ever made by far.

[@PowersJulian]

Incredible video. Thank you for posting this.

[@bigw281]

Thank You Jerry I cant stand Mustangs but I watch your stuff, and have followed this car since your first video. I'm a Camaro Nut I even have a 69 SS X66 396 L78 car, with a CX code Turbo 400 Transmission, and its Factory Triple Black 10 10 paint code Tuxedo Black, with 711 standard black interior, Rare Car NOT FOR SALE, BUT I ENJOY WATCHING YOUR VIDEOS AND FINDS!

[@thewriter2549]

Thanks, glad you appreciate the work, and I do all makes, of course, for Vette and Muscle Car Review and now moved to Hot Rod. Keep me in mind if you find a barn find.

[@stuartb9323]

@@thewriter2549 hmmm...you cover Corvettes now as well?! Not sure if she would spark your interest, but I have a 69 Vette 427/400 that's been in a garage for over 30 years. Long story about her too. Black conv, black leather interior, 4 speed...very cool car She sits in a garage on the Jersey shore, covered in beach stuff.

[@glennhall8795]

Bob you are like a mustang dictionary of knowledge

[@charleshogan]

Thanks for sharing this video with us

[@thewriter2549]

And thanks for your comment. This family carries on the great qualities of the greatest generation. I hope that effect remains with this country forever.

[@MustangsTrainsMowers]

In the late 80’s I had a 5.0 4 speed Indy Pace Car which was missing one of the black seat belts because the first owner raced it at Brainerd International Raceway and another track in Wisconsin in the SCCA Showroom Stock series class A. He used a 4 point racing harness. On a late delivery run for Napa I saw a damaged 79 Pace Car behind a shop. I bought the dashboard, interior and a few other parts off of it,,, then a few more after the engine and transmission were sold and it was almost a bare shell. I remembered the 2 digit sticker on the forward facing side of the rear view mirror. The seller who had the title offered to sell me the bare shell for $100 but I passed. The pewter paint on the inside of the right door and RR quarter panel was very beautiful. It had been in 3 accidents: front crash and rebuilt, T-bone crash and rebuilt, then the slow rollover after which it was parked. The interior went with people from Nebraska who bought my Pace Car in March 1990. I remembered it was a 5.0 automatic and the last 6 of the VIN was 480054, similar to the 9f03f480544 vin of my 5.0 4 speed manual Pace Car Pace Car that went to Nebraska. In 1994 I see an article in a Mustang magazine about a 1979 Indy Pace Car “500 Festival” car listing the low VIN number as the Pace Cars started at 480001, all being 5.0 automatic and the 2 digit sticker on the front facing side of the rear view mirror and so I think it was one of about 75 “500 Festival” cars.

[@badassf1506]

It would be real sweet if you could get the boss 351 that came out of the car have all three motors with that car that be the cherry on the cake

[@900108Chale]

Had lost track of this AWESOME prototype. *TX!* I wanna see it out there!

[@scottkovacs7634]

I love to see more of this car.

[@brianwaskow5910]

I'm glad I have a stock 67 mustang coupe that I can drive instead of a trailer queen.

[@brianwaskow5910]

@Virtual Pilgrim what that means is I can enjoy driving it not trailing to events in an enclosed trailer and not having a nervous breakdown anytime anything minutialy happens to the car.

[@arnoldcorns8879]

@@brianwaskow5910 i guess you approaching it a bit wrong. This is Like an archaeological find: you'll like to preserve it for the afterworld. You not gonna feed your dog with dinosaur bones...

[@philspurling6414]

He has the best of both worlds tens times over!

[@brettwoodard167]

This is pretty incredible that all the stars lined up to make this a possibility! I am currently working on a numbers matching'71 351C-4V that I got lucky enough to purchase. This is a great video, thanks for sharing.

[@jeffreyjohn2037]

Bob's car is much more valuable than your junk.

[@banditto1969]

my personal take on this, having worked there... this car was most likely sold at the B Lot, which sold test vehicles to employees. that's how rarities get sold to the public

[@thewriter2549]

I've written magazine articles on Fords sold at the B-Lot. Did you ever take a picture back then of that B-Lot? I'd sure like to have a picture or two of this lot for when I do stories or a video and a car came from there,. That had to be a fascinating thing to see!!

[@lucky-rowe2623]

I am not a Mustang guy.. but damn I love these videos!

[@guysumpthin2974]

I would like to nominate Jerry for best documentary of the year

[@thewriter2549]

Thanks for the recognition.

[@thewriter2549]

@@moosejawventure The '71 Dodge I did not know what it was when we went in there, which is what happens out there hunting cars, so there were surprises.

[@Musclford]

Awesome history... Thx for capturing on vid!

[@MRAMX390]

Definitely the "unicorn" of Mustangs, very impressive.

[@jamiecampbell3068]

Always great content. Thanks Jerry. I grew up around Ford products. Wish I knew the VIN of my brother's '69 Boss 302. Fully optioned car sold in West Virginia. Military career had him selling the car to a Mustang Restoration firm in Phoenix around 1990 or so. In Beckley WV .. we used to play near the auto yard that held a long parked, '71 Boss 351 .. that recently made national news upon "discovery" over the last few years. My Uncle put back together a '70 Boss 429 that had a tree fall on its roof. 1981 or so. Also, Beckley WV. These cars have been special .. for quite a long time. Hell .. just that town, had in itself .. quite the collection of significant cars. A Super Bird and Daytona just sat in the driveway of a house .. directly across the street from Crossroads Mall there. Amazing stuff.

[@thewriter2549]

Old insurance cards or records are a way to trace the VIN of that car.

[@yommish]

Great narration and research on these videos

[@johnk5577]

amazing work, some people just get lucky by buying something from ebay to having something high value and special

[@thewriter2549]

Absolutely

[@rickhenke2452]

One of one, this thing is priceless

[@FalconClubFCA]

Good gosh. Not only can Bob find the prototype he also obtains the correct engine for it.

[@thewriter2549]

Yes, this was the most amazing part to me. And really the prototype found him.

[@robnieth4190]

I’ve passed Bob Perkins place in Wisconsin so many times not knowing exactly what his place was. Now I know!

[@MrWill73]

Awesome story! Those unicorns are still out there 👍👍👍

[@thewriter2549]

Yes! Thank you!

[@garyvanbuskirk7014]

I drove a 1971 BOSS 351 blue ,my friend had bought in 1980 from a one owner with 40K miles in excellent shape, under rated power it would pull you back in the seat like a F-18 an handled so beautiful with the longer wheel base they rode nice too. As a ford & Mustang fan Hats off to Jerry H. Would like to see more after fully done Thanks !

[@thewriter2549]

Planning a follow up when done.

[@garyvanbuskirk7014]

@@thewriter2549 ThankYou I enjoyed your videos an narration (or interpretation of the FORD codes) I owned a one owner 69 fastback (blue) 351 W 4V dual exhaust with 40k mi in 1973 i did a isky cam anti pump lifters with a mallory dual point Dis she would run found out when valve job was being done it had10 to 1 compression factory heads 90 cc same as the 302 boss i believe , I had talked to the oner he said he ordered it that way in 69 . I drove it for seven yrs