Story
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 was a factory-built SportsRoof model, not a dealer conversion or later tuner car. Ford positioned it around the high-output R-code 351 Cleveland V-8 and paired the package with a four-speed manual transmission, ram-air hardware, competition suspension, power front disc brakes, and a 3.91:1 Traction-Lok 9-inch rear axle. The surviving source trail is strongest for drivetrain and appearance: factory/dealer literature and later reference guides consistently describe the functional NASA hood, hood locks, Boss 351 callouts, body-side tape stripes, lower-body paint treatment, front spoiler, and Mach 1-style grille. The same sources identify Boss 351 production as 1,806 cars for the 1971 model year only. Authenticity review should start with the VIN and data plate rather than badges or captions: the fifth VIN character should be R for the Boss 351 engine, the body is the SportsRoof form, and the axle tag for an original rear should show the 3L91 Traction-Lok ratio. Because public images and auction listings often depict restored or modified examples, media candidates here are evidence candidates only and are not marked publishable.