The
year 1971 started out with much promise of success as a completely new vehicle proudly
carried the Mustang's emblems. With the wheel base stretched by one inch, it was
the longest Mustang ever. The exaggerated sportsroof's roof line ran almost horizontal
as the radically slanted windshield sloped down to below the level of the hood. Windshield
wipers were tucked away under the rear of is five and a half foot long hood, and
recessed door handles added to the streamlined effect.
Long low and wide, these cars had an enormous top area, while the top barely
reached above the average persons belly button.They were solid and luxurious cars
that were dressed to impress.
The main reason for the oversized 'stang was Ford's desire to install a radical
new version of the potent 429 engine.This power plant was available in two basic
forms as an option. The ''Cobra Jet'' which offered blazing performance with
thinwall casting for weight savings, and massive intake and exhaust ports borrowed
from the police interceptor engine. When the''Drag Pack'' was ordered, it
became a ''Super Cobra Jet''. The 429 SCJ used a huge Holley carb. to allow
its solid lifter camshaft (the same cam as the Boss 429 ) and 3.91:1 or 4.11:1 gears
do their jobs. Unfortunatly, these cars were only built during 1970 as goverment
safety sanctions pulled the plug January 1, 1971 making big block '71s almost nonexistant.
Although the 429 SCJ was the largest cubic inch production engine ever offered
in a Mustang, the '71 B0SS 351 has the honorable distinction of being the
fastest quarter mile Mustang that Ford built, during those ''Golden Years
" of the muscle car.
Other engines of note includes the, 351 Ram Air 4v, and the Cobra Jet
351, all these 351 engines were built in Ford's Cleveland plant.
1971
