Which would I rather own? The Boss, as I currently do 69 Boss 302 April build date, 3.91 car with approx 30K miles (though it has been repainted)
I feel that if I could only have one muscle car it would be the Shelby. Personally I like the Boss better, but the Shelby community and events are second to none. Owning a Shelby gives you entry into an exclusive group of cars and great people.
I own both a 69 350 and a 70 Boss the Shelby is a more Classy Car and better understood ,I guess it depends on there condition all orignal un restored or restored I will always take the Orignal car ,they are only orignal Once ....Not Something everybody can find Just my 2 cents MikeB)
It is of course a decision w 2 right answers! That having been said the Boss 302 is really for one who appreciates engines and Ford's effort to RACE and take the attack to Chevy. It is directly linked to FoMoCo's all-out racing heritage, it was the only reason the car/engine were produced. The 69 Shelby 350, as originally produced, is hardly and engine person's car and an effort aimed in a different direction than the Boss 302, more of a stylist's exercise. Two different cars for two different markets. I was never happier than the day I bought a crated Boss 302 service motor and yanked my 306 HP 289, but a lot has changed in 30+ years.
I used to own a 69 GT350 with a factory installed Boss 302 engine . The best of both worlds. I sold it years ago because it was going to be a monumental restoration job. I wish I hadn't. It has stirred quite a lot of controversy recently. The present owner has it restored now and it sure looks beautiful.