Some classic Mustangs spend decades locked away in private collections, rarely seeing daylight. Others are in the hands of enthusiasts who believe these cars were built to be driven, regardless of how valuable they become.
A remarkable 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 is heading to auction with just 13,670 miles on its odometer. Finished in Black Jade, the car still has much of its original paint, its numbers-matching drivetrain, and an impressive collection of factory components.
Its preservation is especially noteworthy given that Ford built only 859 Boss 429 Mustangs for the 1969 model year. These homologation specials were created to accommodate Ford’s enormous 429-cubic-inch V8, developed for NASCAR competition.
However, this particular Mustang’s history is arguably as fascinating as its specifications. According to the owner, it has spent the past 51 years being driven, displayed, and occasionally taken down the drag strip.
He Found It Behind A Corn Crib In 1975
Owner Dan Medis recalls discovering the Boss 429 while accompanying his father on a visit to a farmer in northwestern Pennsylvania. The Mustang was parked behind a corn crib, and Medis immediately decided he wanted it.
With his father cosigning the purchase, Medis bought the car from its original owner on August 5, 1975. It had approximately 10,300 miles at the time, meaning he has added only around 3,300 miles during five decades of ownership.
Despite that low mileage, Medis hasn’t treated the Mustang as an untouchable collectible. He estimates that more than 200 people have driven it over the years, including visitors attending his annual gatherings.
He’s also taken it drag racing, eventually recording a best quarter-mile time of 13.07 seconds at 107 mph. The engine received a replacement camshaft, and the car has worn various performance modifications, although numerous original components were carefully retained.
It’s Still Wearing Nearly All Its Original Paint
Richmond Auctions identifies the car as Kar Kraft number KK1877, equipped with a four-speed manual transmission and a 3.91 Traction-Lok rear axle. Its original engine, transmission, and rear differential assembly are reportedly still present.
Boss 429 specialist Lyle Essick inspected the Mustang and authenticated its identification markings. The original Kar Kraft chalk marks, factory body panels, and approximately 90% of its original paint have also survived.
There are imperfections, including minor paint touch-ups, a damaged headliner, and some non-original installed components. However, the sale includes an extensive collection of factory parts, including the original battery, distributor, shifter components, and an unused front spoiler.
The Auction Takes Place October 16
The Mustang will cross the block at Richmond Auctions’ Fall Spectacular event at the Savoy Automobile Museum on October 16. At the time of the supplied listing, bidding stood at $60,000, although that figure isn’t necessarily indicative of the final selling price.
Medis says he’s selling because of changing circumstances and his advancing age. His hope is that the next owner will continue driving the car rather than permanently parking it in a museum.
Considering how few unrestored Boss 429s survive with documented histories and original drivetrains, this example should attract serious collector interest. Its next owner will also inherit something difficult to reproduce: 51 years of stories from someone who genuinely enjoyed using it.