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Boss Snake !

Savvy gearheads can build 'custom' muscle cars in backyard garages all day long. But when it comes down to sinking big money into a reliable purchase, is that really the 'one of one' car you want? Unless you're just as savvy, and know how to fix those one-off pieces if someone miscalculated a bit, probably not. It's not that there's anything wrong with guys building awesome cars themselves. In fact, we'll be the first folks to drool over a really nice custom that shows the creativity of a dedicated enthusiast. But, we also have the ability to offer you professionally built 'one of one' muscle cars that were designed and assembled by some of the biggest names in the hobby. Introduced as Good Guys' 2010 promotional car, this 1970 Mustang, officially named the Boss Snake, was penned by Kaucher Kustoms, fitted with a high dollar Jon Kaase engine and completely assembled by RPM Hot Rods of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania. From its Goodguys Yello PPG to its unique Intro wheels, this Ford is the stuff dreams are made of. And if you're looking for the ULTIMATE pro-tourer to spend time riding in, instead of time working on, it's an excellent place to park your money!

It seems all re-imagined classics have a story, and the Boss Snake is no exception to that rule. Back in 1969 Ford was doing exceedingly well in NASCAR, but getting absolutely whipped on the Trans Am circuit. As a result, legendary car exec Bunkie Knudson decided to commission a Mustang that utilized Ford's NASCAR technology to enhance its SCCA performance. Unfortunately, Henry Ford II showed Bunkie the door before that model could get built. And Kar Kraft Engineering, manufacturers of the firm's mighty Boss 429, only produced two prototypes of the would-be 1971 Mustang Boss. Those prototypes, officially named the Composite Mustangs and unofficially nicknamed the Quarter Horses, started with Ford's Boss 429 chassis and powertrain, added a '69 fastback body, bolted up a '69 Shelby GT500 nosepiece and threw in a Cougar dash for good measure. Both of Ford's storied Quarter Horses survive today. And 40 years after they originally broke cover, someone at Goodguys came up with the excellent idea of producing a replica for the club's 2010 giveaway.

It wasn't long before Kaucher Kustoms was commissioned for a suitable design, a whole roster of corporate sponsors signed on and RPM Hot Rods of Coraopolis, Pennsylvania was contacted about an intense, deadline-driven build. Naturally, the experts at RPM decided a project this cool was worthy of more than just a glorified replica. So they executed a ground up vision that ensured the newly christened Ford would perform every bit as good as it looks. With parts on order and a plan in hand, the work began. When that body was smooth, many labor-intensive modifications, which included a filled and re-imagined hood, filled and relocated side scoops and a custom rear valence, were painstakingly perfected. And when that canvas was solid in all the right places, a pearlescent coat of PPG Goodguys Yello was decked with a satin black racing stripe and subtle red pin stripes. The result is one lust-worthy Mustang that actually delivers on the world-beating promise its ancestors made. And today, the car sits as a fully functional homage to both highly skilled craftsmanship and significant historic purpose.

Despite its obvious 21st century appeal, the car you see here is actually very similar to the Quarter Horses that inspired it. At the front of its body, a fiberglass Shelby GT500 nosepiece hangs a tweaked grille between modern halogen headlights, a flush-fit bumper, smoked marker lamps and an aggressive chin spoiler. At the top of that grille, a custom-fabricated hood scoop bridges the gap between Ring Brothers hood pins, Detroit Speed wipers and like-new glass that's framed by black stainless trim. At the sides of that hood scoop, a clean profile is only interrupted by body-matched mirrors, Ring Brothers door handles, relocated side scoops and straight "BOSS SNAKE" stripes. And at the back of the car, a black rear valence hangs smoked Shelby tail lights between a third "BOSS SNAKE" decal, a Camaro tag bracket, a second flush-fit bumper and a snazzy roll pan that's formed around custom center-mount exhaust tips.

Riddle me this: what does an enterprising hot rod shop do when a Boss 429 or a 428 Super Cobra Jet just won't cut it? They order a professionally built Jon Kaase racing engine that produces a dyno-proven 770 horsepower and 720lb./ft. of pavement melting torque! Pull the pins on this awesome Mustang's hood and you'll find a 520 cubic inch Boss Nine V8 that's been tweaked, bathed in a slick coat of black paint and fully dressed in some of the best aftermarket components on the planet. At the top of that big mill, a custom "BOSS SNAKE" branded air cleaner feeds a coated Quick Fuel carburetor through what appears to be a re-usable filter element. Below that carburetor, a powder coated Jon Kaase intake is bolted between Kaase Boss 9 aluminum heads that are finished with powder coated "BOSS 520" valve covers and polished aluminum breathers. Below those heads, a Comp hydraulic roller cam creates explosive combustion with the help of an MSD Pro-Billet distributor and an MSD 6AL ignition system. At the sides of that cam, custom Stainless Works headers send vaporized dinosaurs into a brutal sounding, true dual exhaust system. And in front of those headers, a Billet Specialties Tru Trac serpentine system spins a chrome alternator, a chrome AC compressor, an aluminum Edelbrock water pump and a Billet Specialties power steering pump behind a full array of polished pulleys. Cooling for the massive powerplant is provided by a Performance Rod & Customs radiator which is complete with molded water tubes, a custom support topper and two giant electric puller fans. Fuel is provided by a high quality braided hose that's threaded into a chrome Holley regulator and a small Earl's pressure gauge. The vicious sounding engine rides in an OEM-quality bay that wears a traditional coat of satin black paint, proudly displays a custom-finished shock towers and shines via Ring Brother hinges and a custom hood prop. And the enlightened Ford enthusiast will immediately spot a recessed firewall that significantly aids the car's tenacious performance.

The bottom of this awesome Mustang is just as impressive as its exterior and engine bay. Behind the massaged motor you'll find a fresh Tremec T6 Magnum 6-speed that's bolted to a tough Centerforce clutch. Lift the third pedal and that modern transmission sends power to a Currie nine inch rear end that's equipped with a posi-traction Detroit Locker, stout 3.89 gears and beefy 35 spline axles. Stopping is a cinch thanks to a Baer four wheel power disc brake system that utilizes 6-piston calipers and 14 inch drilled and slotted rotors. Exhaust is handled by custom-fabricated, 2.5 inch true dual pipes that terminate with great sounding Flowmaster 40 series mufflers and great looking center-mounted tips. At the front of the car, tubular control arms combine with a thick anti-sway bar, Ride Tech ShockWaves, Total Control Products spindles and Total Control Products power rack and pinion steering to provide razor-sharp handling. At the back of the car, a modified Ride Tech 4-bar suspension utilizes custom tubs and a second set of Ride Tech ShockWaves to provide excellent grip. In the middle of the car, sturdy Total Control Products subframe connectors perfectly complement a heavily modified floorpan that's been sealed in a thick coat of Herculiner. At the back of the car, a custom fuel tank pushes dino juice through black braided fuel lines via a high performance Holley fuel pump. At the corners of the car, power flows to the ground through custom Intro wheels which spin 245/40ZR18 front and 335/30ZR18 rear BF Goodrich G-Force T/As around slightly stretched wheel openings. And every detail under this slick Mustang, from its Tuff Stuff starter to its deep Moroso oil pan, has been carefully planned and professionally executed.

Open this pony's solid-fitting doors and you'll find a tasteful custom interior that was likely the most labor-intensive part of the car's entire build. The firm bucket seats, factory units that were cut down to achieve a lower seating position, are covered in Finish Line leather, stitched with bright yellow thread and fitted with Ride Tech harnesses. At the sides of those seats, traditional door panels, which feature polished stainless inserts, are shaved of everything except familiar sculpted armrests. In front of those panels, the car's completely custom dash, which is detailed with a subtle red pin stripe, hangs "GOODGUYS BOSS SNAKE" branded gauges between small tweeter speakers, controls for Vintage Air conditioning and a custom-framed Clarion navigation system. Beneath that dash, a leather-covered and yellow-stitched console props an MP3 jack and controls for the car's Ride Tech suspension system behind a short Hurst shifter and simple power window switches. Beneath that console, like-new carpet bridges the gap between custom-machined foot pedals, RPM sill plates and a custom Ride Tech Tiger Cage roll bar. Behind that carpet, a custom-fabricated and leather-trimmed cargo area, which conceals the massive amount of hardware needed for the car's ShockWave suspension, anchors two Kicker subwoofers between two Kicker QS quarter speakers and three Kicker IX amplifiers that produce a combined 1,500 watts. In front of the driver, a polished Delta D steering wheel spins around a Flaming River tilt steering column. And behind the passengers, a custom-upholstered trunk conceals an air compressor, two Optima batteries, and a high quality Painless Wiring harness behind two more Kicker QS speakers, more leather surfacing and more yellow stitching.

Absolutely no expense was spared on this killer 1970 Mustang. It combines professional grade performance hardware with what is arguably some of the coolest customization in the hobby to create a take-no-prisoners muscle car.