This^^.
Even at 44, you were late to the party.
I was thinking about the whole age thing as it applies to perception.
I know that I don't have to tell you this, but for the benefit of those that weren't yet born:
A Boss 302 has the image that it was a bad ass car. In fact 4 bbl Cleveland heads on a 302 made it a pig on the street.
Great T/A engine, famous race track heritage, gutless pig on the street. A 2.23" intake valve, a 1.71" exhaust valve, and an intake port that you could get your fist into does it everytime. Despite the 290 HP rating, that power didn't even show up until after 5000 RPM, and on the street, that meant you got your ass whipped.
This is one of many stories I've read over the years. M/T compares all three "Bosses" 302/351/429.
Real quicky education for the "fox generation".
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302, 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429, and 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 - The Boss Squad - Motor Trend Classic