Discover the exceptional story of the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback, the personal car of MCA Judge Bob Wilson, concours restored to MCA Trailer Gold standards in 1999 at RJ Restorations in Farmington, Minnesota. With 51,000 original miles, matching numbers 351 CI engine bored .030 over, NOS parts, and original features, this Mustang is a true masterpiece.
Introduction
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback is an iconic American muscle car that has captured the hearts of many enthusiasts for decades. However, this particular Boss 351 is more than just a classic car; it is a piece of history that has been beautifully restored to its former glory.
The car was the personal vehicle of MCA Judge Bob Wilson, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Mustang Club of America. After many years of driving and enjoying his beloved Boss 351, Mr. Wilson decided to have it restored to concours standards. In 1999, he entrusted the restoration to RJ Restorations in Farmington, Minnesota, where the car was restored to MCA Trailer Gold standards.
With only 51,000 original miles on the clock, this Mustang has been carefully preserved and maintained over the years. The restoration process involved using only original parts, including NOS trunk floor, tail lamp panel and housing, stripe kits, and bumpers. The car’s original sheet metal was also preserved and used in the restoration process.
The engine is the original matching numbers 351 CI, which has been bored .030 over and features correct forged pop-up pistons, D1ZX rods and crank, and a rebuilt carburetor. The factory Ford exhaust and NOS H pipe complete the performance package. The car also features a 3.91 rear end with 31-spline axles and original front shocks, dated upper and lower control arms, and original front and rear springs.
The interior of the car is also original, with standard Red Vermillion upholstery. Reproduction headliner, door panels, and seat covers were used during the restoration process, but the car retains its original NOS shifter boot. The car rides on NOS Magnum 500 wheels and center caps wrapped in Firestone Wide Oval tires.
This article will explore the exceptional story of the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback, the personal car of MCA Judge Bob Wilson, concours restored to MCA Trailer Gold standards in 1999 at RJ Restorations in Farmington, Minnesota.
The Restoration Process
Restoring a classic car to concours standards is a painstaking process that requires a significant amount of time, effort, and attention to detail. The restoration of this particular Boss 351 was no exception, and it took the team at RJ Restorations several months to complete.
The restoration process began by completely disassembling the car and stripping it down to its bare metal. The body was then carefully inspected for any signs of rust or damage, and any areas that required attention were repaired using the car’s original sheet metal.
Once the body was in good condition, the team moved on to the engine and transmission. The engine was completely disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. Any worn or damaged parts were replaced with correct, original parts. The engine was then reassembled and painted to match the car’s exterior.
The transmission was also inspected and rebuilt as necessary. The car’s original carburetor was rebuilt and reinstalled, and the factory Ford exhaust and NOS H pipe were also installed.
The Restoration Process (Continued)
The interior of the car was carefully inspected, and any worn or damaged components were replaced with reproduction parts. The headliner, door panels, and seat covers were all replaced with reproduction parts, but the car’s original NOS shifter boot was retained.
The team also replaced the car’s carpeting, using the correct color and style to match the original carpeting. The team made sure that all the interior components matched the original specifications.
Once the interior was complete, the team moved on to the car’s exterior. The car was painted with the correct PPG Delstar 13358 Red base/clear paint, using a high-quality paint process that ensured the color matched the original specifications. The car was then carefully detailed to bring out its original shine and luster.
The team at RJ Restorations used only original parts to restore this car to its original condition. This ensures that the car remains a true representation of its time, and its historical significance is preserved for future generations.
Features and Specifications
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback is a rare and exceptional car, with a range of features and specifications that make it stand out from other cars of its time. Some of the key features and specifications of this car include:
- Matching numbers 351 CI engine, bored .030 over
- Correct forged pop-up pistons, D1ZX rods and crank
- Original carburetor rebuilt
- Factory Ford exhaust, NOS H pipe
- 3.91 rear end with 31-spline axles
- Original front shocks, dated upper and lower control arms
- Original front and rear springs
- Standard Red Vermillion interior with reproduction headliner, door panels, and seat covers
- NOS shifter boot
- NOS Magnum 500 wheels and center caps
- Firestone Wide Oval tires
- Build sheet
- Marti Report
- Window sticker
These features and specifications make the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback an exceptional car, and one that is highly sought after by car enthusiasts and collectors alike.
FAQs
Q: What is the history of the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback?
A: The car was the personal vehicle of MCA Judge Bob Wilson, who played an instrumental role in establishing the Mustang Club of America. After many years of driving and enjoying his beloved Boss 351, Mr. Wilson decided to have it restored to concours standards.
Q: What is the significance of the car’s restoration to MCA Trailer Gold standards?
A: MCA Trailer Gold is the highest level of restoration certification awarded by the Mustang Club of America. This certification ensures that the car has been restored to the highest possible standards, and that it is a true representation of its original condition.
Q: What is the condition of the car?
A: The car has been concours restored to MCA Trailer Gold standards, using only original parts. It has only 65 miles since completion and has 51,000 original miles.
Q: What is the value of the car?
A: The value of the car is difficult to estimate, as it is a rare and highly sought after vehicle. However, it is expected that the car would fetch a significant sum at auction.
Conclusion
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback is an exceptional car, with a unique and fascinating history. This car, the personal vehicle of MCA Judge Bob Wilson, has been restored to concours standards, ensuring that its historical significance is preserved for future generations.
With its original sheet metal, NOS parts, and matching numbers engine, this car is a true masterpiece. Its original features and specifications make it a rare and highly sought-after vehicle, and one that is sure to attract attention wherever it goes.
The restoration process of this car was a labor of love, with every detail meticulously planned and executed to ensure that the car remained as original as possible. The result is a stunning car that is sure to turn heads and bring joy to its new owner.
Overall, the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 Fastback is an exceptional car that represents the best of American muscle cars from its time. With its unique history and outstanding features, this car is a true gem in the world of classic cars, and one that any car enthusiast would be proud to own.
