Paul Walker Mustang to be auctioned
A 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 previously belonging to the late Paul Walker is one of the star lots consigned for this year’s Mecum 33rd Original Spring Classic auction in Indianapolis.
While Walker was known for his interest in late-model cars (including Japanese imports and BMW E30/E36 coupes), the star of the Fast and Furious films was just as enthusiastic about American cars, with classic Chevy Novas and Chevelles in his collection, as well as Mustangs and other home-grown muscle cars.
The example to be auctioned by Mecum is a genuine Boss 429 with low mileage (14,575 miles) and more importantly, its original NASCAR-spec 429 cubic inch (7.0-litre) engine and close-ratio Toploader 4-speed manual transmission.
Other standard Boss 429 features on this car include a Traction-Lok diff, “competition type” heavy-duty suspension, power front disc brakes and power steering.
Finished in factory Raven Black, all the car’s panels are original, too, while the interior, in black Clarion knit vinyl, includes factory extras like the Deluxe décor group, 8000rpm tachometer and an AM radio that were standard on the Boss 429. This particular car also has the optional Visibility group (a mirror and windscreen wiper upgrade) added.
Other details include the rear spoiler, rear window louvre and Magnum 500 wheels with matte black paint outs that were exclusive to the ’69 Boss 429.
Exactly when Walker owned this car and for how long before his death in 2013 is unknown, but the connection should be a factor in the car achieving a solid price at auction.
As a measure of the value of the Boss 429, Mecum sold an ultra-low mileage example for US$550,000 in 2013, while Barrett-Jackson achieved US$605,000 for another in 2007.
The upcoming Mecum auction follows an auction of 21 cars, trucks and motorcycles from Walker’s collection, conducted by Barrett-Jackson in January, that achieved a total of US$2.30 million (AU$3.01M approx.)
Due to the coronavirus, Dana Mecum’s 33rd Original Spring Classic auction has been rescheduled from its original May date to 10-18 July.
The ex-Paul Walker 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 (lot R460) is one of several star lots consigned for the auction, with others including Corvette L88 convertibles, rare Shelby Mustangs and Cobras, another Boss 429, Plymouth Cuda convertibles and concours-winning Ferraris.
For more details on Dana Mecum’s 33rd Original Spring Classic auction, go to https://www.mecum.com/
Boss 429 Mustang basics
Available: 1969, 1970
Production: 859 (1969), 499 (1970)
Engine: 429ci V8
Transmission: Toploader 4spd manual
Power/Torque: 375hp / 450ft/lb (280kW / 610Nm)
0-60mph: 6.8 seconds approx.
Quarter Mile: 14.0 seconds approx.
Top Speed 118mph (190km/h) approx.
