Underrated: 2012 Ford Mustang Boss 302 Is a Low-Mileage Future Collectible in the Making

There, I’ve said it. I believe that visually, the updated S197 Mustangs are more aesthetically pleasing than any of those newer sixth-generation iterations, regardless of spec. Sure, the S550 Shelby models looked amazing, but somehow still not as rugged as say, a 2010 GT500 or a 2012 Boss 302.

We’re here to talk about the latter. The Boss 302 nameplate got respawned for the 2012 model year, with Ford taking the standard Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter V8 unit and installing an upgraded intake, forged rotating assembly, CNC ported heads, revised camshafts, plus the same high flow intake used on the 302R race car.

This resulted in 444 horsepower (as opposed to just 412 hp on the standard GT) and 380 lb-ft of torque, with everything going to the rear wheels via a six-speed MT-82 manual gearbox.

The carmaker also fiddled with the exhaust system, which was built using two standard Mustang GT outlets and two side popes. Furthermore, higher-rate coil springs were added, together with stiffer bushings, adjustable shocks, and a larger diameter rear stabilizer bar. As for the aero package, it too was copied from the 302R race car.

Sounds pretty good, right? Well, check out this Kona Blue Metallic example we just found getting auctioned off. In addition to all the previously mentioned Boss 302 goodies, the car also comes with Brembo brakes and black 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, featuring Michelin Pilot Super Sport rubber.

Inside, you’ll find manually adjustable Charcoal Black Recaro bucket seats with special embroidery, special dashboard trim, air conditioning, a CD stereo, cruise control, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.

Back to the engine, there’s a plaque on the intake manifold which points to this being car #1970 built in 2011 for the 2012 model year, which makes it kind of rare? Sort of? Alright, maybe it’s not quite that rare, but it is special, and very desirable.

When this Mustang was new, it cost its original owner $42,780, which was a pretty good price tag even for early 2010s standards.

Why should I love this?

It’s understandable if you don’t get why the updated S197 Mustang deserves certain considerations. Like I said, personally I believe it’s a better-looking car than its successor, simply because it represents the most accurate “modern-day" incarnation of a classic first-gen Boss 302, from a visual standpoint.

There’s a certain ruggedness to those original Boss 302 Mustangs, a ruggedness that the S550 Mustang failed to capture, with its perhaps overly stylish, more elegant exterior.