As journalists, we’re supposed to be detached and impartial regarding the products we write about, ensuring that a Toyota Prius gets the same unbiased coverage as a Lamborghini Aventador. As driving enthusiasts, sometimes it’s hard to maintain that sense of objectivity, especially when a car comes along that makes you seriously consider selling everything you own just to park it in your garage.
Such is the case with the Ford Mustang Boss 302 Laguna Seca, which in our eyes could be the most entertaining American car of the past three years. No, its 444 horsepower, normally-aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 won’t run with the 662 horsepower Shelby GT500, but the Boss is a more balanced car for the track. In our eyes, it’s both easier and more enjoyable to lap at speed.
Unlike many “sport-tuned” cars, the Boss 302 isn’t particularly punishing to drive on the street. It’s no luxury car, to be certain, but it really isn’t any harsher than a Mustang GT with a few suspension upgrades. It’s interior is on the bland side, but trust us on this – you won’t notice when you’re lapping your favorite track at speed,
Critics will argue that the Boss 302 still uses an archaic live axle in the rear, but on most tracks (and in normal street driving) this is a non-issue. The only real drawback we can think of is the car’s limited availability, which encourages Ford dealers to tack on ambitious markups in many markets.
Kurt Ernst has been passionate about automobiles and driving nearly his entire life. His early years were shaped working in the family service station, though his real passion was auto racing. After graduating from the University of Colorado, Kurt spent a year club racing with the Sports Car Club of America, before focusing on a business career in marketing and project management. Later, his passion for writing and the automotive hobby found him freelancing for a variety of automotive news sites, including Automotive Addicts and Motor Authority, where his work was syndicated and appeared in several national publications. Recognized as an expert in the automotive field, Kurt joined Hemmings Motor News as an Associate Editor in 2013, and in the years since has progressed to Editor, Hemmings Daily; Managing Editor for Hemmings Motor News, Hemmings Classic Car, Hemmings Muscle Machines, and the Hemmings Daily; and now, Managing Editor, Hemmings Auctions. Kurt was instrumental in organizing the Hemmings Motor News Concours d’Elegance from 2013-2019, and has served as a judge at this event and The Vintage Racing Stable Concours d’Elegance. A Skip Barber Racing School graduate and prolific writer, Ernst is also skilled in copyediting, project management, brand development, and public relations.
