The Mustang Boss 302 is a high-performance 302 cu in (4.9 L) H.O. V8-powered variant of the Ford Mustang originally produced by Ford in 1969 and 1970. Developed to meet homologation requirements to compete in Trans Am racing, it was Ford's response to the success of the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 in the 5 L (305.1 cu in) and under SCCA series since 1967. While substantial modifications were required to the stock Boss 302 to be competitive on the track, many thousands were sold to the public in a street-legal form that included a refined high-performance motor and upgrades to the suspension and brakes over base Mustangs.

Ford revived the Boss 302 name for another two year production run in 2012 and 2013.

Initially released by Monogram in 1981, it went through multiple reboxings under the Monogram label  before being released for several boxings as a Revell-Monogram kit in 1997. Finally, it became a Revell kit in 2000 where some new parts were added and thereafter followed more re-issues with the last one in 2011. Most of those releases were Boss 302s like this one.

The kit itself is standard fare other than the fact it is 1/24 rather than the more normal (for US car kits) 1/25 scale. There are two engine options, one with a single four barrel carb intake and the other with a cross induction intake. Both have cast iron headers. It fits into a frame piece that includes all the undertray with a lot of detail molded in place, including the front suspension and axle stubs. The rear suspension is a single piece with springs, rear end, and drive shaft. Also a single piece is the dual exhaust and mufflers.

Interior is a single tub with molded in rear seat. Arm rests are separate. The dash has the steering column built in so one simply attaches the steering wheel. No decals are provided for the instruments. Each of the front seats is a front and rear part. No seat belts are included.

The body has the engine firewall and inner fenders molded in place. The single window piece fit into it. Before attaching the body to the chassis, the radiator and some other engine compartment bits need to be attached. There is a separate front and rear section that will need to be built up and then attached. A wise builder will paint the non chrome bits at the same time as the body. Chrome is well done and is used for a variety of pieces so will need to have the plating removed from the mating surfaces. Clear lenses are provided for headlight and tail lights with the rear lights needing to be painted. As this is the Boss 302 a rear window sun shade and a spoiler are included. Vinyl tires are also provided.

Instructions are well done with all the parts labelled. Painting information is included during construction using generic references. There is no overall painting information, but you can find that on line or copy what's on the box art. Striping is included in both black and white so you can use it against whatever shade you choose. Decals still look very good and should still be viable.

From the look of the completed model on the box art and what I've seen in shows, this is a very nice kit. It has been re-issued a lot over the years so it is obviously fairly popular.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boss_302_Mustang

February 2023

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