1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351: The Perfect Blend of Speed and Style

The Birth of

The year 1971 marked a significant transformation in the design of the Ford Mustang. It was the first year the Mustang grew in size and became more aggressive-looking. Ford introduced the Boss 351, a high-performance muscle car that served as the successor to legendary models like the Boss 302 and Boss 429. However, this time, Ford equipped it with the Cleveland 351 cubic-inch (5.8L) V8 engine, providing a balance of power and control for both street and track performance.

The Boss 351 was produced for only one year – 1971, making it one of the rarest Mustangs ever built, with only 1,806 units manufactured.

Pride

The Boss 351 stood out with its sporty and aggressive appearance, setting it apart from other Mustangs of its time. Some of its defining features included:

• A long hood and short rear deck, giving it the iconic Fastback silhouette.
• Functional hood scoops, not only enhancing aesthetics but also improving engine cooling.
• Two-tone paint schemes, featuring black details on the hood, roof, and sides for an even more aggressive look.
• A distinctive front grille, with dual headlights and the classic Mustang emblem.
• 15-inch Magnum 500 or Hubcap wheels, paired with Goodyear Polyglas F60-15 tires.

The presence of the Boss 351 not only captivated muscle car enthusiasts but also reinforced Ford’s reputation in the high-performance segment.

Engineering

The most significant highlight of the Boss 351 was its Cleveland 351 V8 engine, specifically engineered for maximum performance and speed.

Key upgrades that set the Boss 351 apart from standard Mustangs:

• A high-lift camshaft, optimizing high RPM performance.
• Autolite 4300-D 750 CFM carburetor, maximizing fuel and air mixture efficiency.
• Motorcraft Dual Point electronic ignition system, ensuring precise ignition timing and efficient combustion.
• Heavy-duty suspension, improving handling and cornering stability.
• An 11.7:1 compression ratio, allowing the engine to perform at its peak with premium fuel.

The chassis of the Boss 351 was also reinforced to handle the extra power, giving it quicker acceleration and improved road grip compared to standard Mustang models.

Luxury Features Set the Standard

Despite being a performance-focused car, the Boss 351 was still equipped with several luxury features for its time:

• High-quality vinyl bucket seats, offering a sporty and comfortable ride.
• A unique three-spoke steering wheel, adding a racing-inspired touch.
• Optional air conditioning, providing added comfort for daily driving.
• An AM/FM radio system, delivering entertainment for long drives.
• A detailed instrument cluster, displaying essential performance metrics such as speed, RPM, and fuel levels.

These features ensured that the Boss 351 was not just a speed machine but also a comfortable and stylish ride.

Specifications, Outputs, and Understanding

Key Specifications of the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351:

• Engine: 351 cu in (5.8L) Cleveland V8
• Horsepower: 330 HP @ 5,400 RPM
• Torque: 515 Nm @ 4,000 RPM
• Transmission: 4-speed manual Toploader
• Drivetrain: RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive)
• Rear Axle Ratio: 3.91:1 (optimized for acceleration)
• Weight: 1,570 kg
• Tires: Goodyear Polyglas F60-15

With an outstanding power-to-weight ratio, the Boss 351 was capable of challenging some of the fastest sports cars of its era.

Speed

Thanks to its powerful engine and upgraded suspension system, the Mustang Boss 351 boasted impressive acceleration:

• 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in approximately 5.7 seconds, an impressive feat for a muscle car of the early '70s.
• 1/4 mile (402m) completed in around 13.9 seconds, reaching a speed of 166 km/h by the end of the run.
• Top speed of approximately 220 km/h, depending on road conditions and tuning.

These figures made the Boss 351 one of the fastest Mustangs of the early 1970s.

Conclusion

The 1971 Mustang Boss 351 remains one of the most unique muscle cars Ford has ever produced. With only 1,806 units built, its powerful engine, bold styling, and rarity make it highly desirable among collectors.

Despite existing for only one year, the Boss 351 left a lasting legacy in the muscle car world. Today, well-preserved Boss 351 Mustangs can fetch hundreds of thousands of dollars at auctions, proving their value and desirability.

For muscle car enthusiasts, the 1971 Mustang Boss 351 is an absolute gem that should not be overlooked.