Vehicle Description
Ford invested heavily in the Cobra to make sure it stood out from
the GT (and any pesky competitor for that matter), and the
introduction of the completely redesigned 1994 Mustang SVT Cobra
left an indelible impression on the motoring world. Flat-out, this
was a world-class performance vehicle with a beefed-up 5.0L V8, a
sporty Fox-4 platform that improved pretty much every single
performance measure from the previous generation, and chiseled
design lines that were just restrained enough to make the car look
absolutely timeless. Today, examples like this low-mileage, 5-speed
Cobra are still screaming bargains in a market where 'modern
classics' are getting more valuable each year, offering great
horsepower and lively performance for pennies on the dollar.
So, it's 1994 and you want to buy the brand spanking new 4th
generation Mustang, but to quench your up-market needs you must
choose between the tried-and-true GT, or the SVT Cobra. A quick
look at any value book today would make you believe that was an
easy decision (SVT Cobras are much more valuable today), but back
then it wasn't so cut-and-dry. The Cobra stood apart with its
unique front fascia that featured a cowl hood with side scoops,
unique reflector lights, round foglights, ground effects that
encircled the car, and a unique rear spoiler with an integrated LED
brake light. The resulting look was an instant hit, and because the
car was such a great improvement on the Fox Body SVT Cobra (the
entire Fox Body platform had grown stale after 15 long years, and
sales were suffering), it was forever entrenched into Mustang
fandom. The truly shocking thing about this particular 1994 Cobra
is that it's completely unmodified, which is rare sight indeed for
a car with such a robust catalogue of aftermarket performance
parts. With just three owners from new and only 56,217 original
miles, this Crystal White Cobra keeps to the stock look, and closer
examination reveals that it's likely never been raced or abused.
The paint is almost all-original, although there are some signs of
a faithful touch-up on the front bumper that covered up a few
scratches accrued through the years, and it's in still in great
shape, presenting as a top driver-quality vehicle that belies the
mileage on the odometer. It's obvious that this Cobra car has
always been well-kept in sunny Texas since new, and although we're
sure it's taught a Camaro a lesson or two out on the street, it
shows none of the usual battle scars.
Inside, the Code 4S Saddle leather interior is simply gorgeous, a
huge upgrade over the trimmings found in previous generations. The
nicely bolstered seats are soft yet still sufficiently grippy,
which is what you want in a car that can corner like this, and the
Cobra script on the steering wheel and floormats are a subtle
reminder that this isn't some V6 grocery-getter you're sitting in.
Other than that, the cabin isn't overly braggadocios about its
racing pedigree, which is a great change of speed compared to some
of the gaudiness you see in specialty Mustangs today. Genuine
leather on the steering wheel, shifter, and parking brake are also
Cobra-spec, and the front seat frames were actually made from
magnesium to reduce curb weight while still complying with federal
safety standards. Cobras came only one way: loaded. As a result,
things like A/C, power windows/locks/mirrors/seats, cruise control,
dual airbags, a tilt wheel, ABS brakes, and a great-sounding Mach
460 AM/FM/Cassette/CD stereo all came from the factory. Cobras also
got special white-faced gauges and black lettering as part of the
SVT package and you'll note the redline on that tach is way up
there at 6000 and the speedometer tops out at 160MPH. The interior
shows very little wear, again a testament to both the quality of
the Cobra and the care it has received throughout the years, and
the contrast of black accents on the dash, door panels, and rear
package tray give the cabin a more sophisticated feel. The back
seat is reasonably-sized for adults and there's a nicely shaped
trunk with plenty of room for weekend plans, making this a machine
you can actually use as a real car.
The heart of the Cobra was a 5.0L V8 OHV EFI, aka the legendary 302
small block, and unlike the High-Output 5.0L in the GT, this one
came with GT-40 heads and a Cobra-specific intake that pumped out a
higher output of 240HP. With an independently tested 0-60MPH time
of 5.7 seconds and a blistering top speed, it was one heck of a
street motor and just a few bolt-ons away from being outrageous on
the track. Thankfully this one is bone stock, right down to the
unique shock-tower braces that cross over the block, and with signs
of regular maintenance throughout, the engine bay is ready to be
shown off with great pride. EFI makes it dead-nuts reliable and
engineers upgraded just about everything around it 1994, from the
Tremec T5 5-speed transmission to the uniquely tuned suspension and
heavy-duty vented front disc 13-inch power brakes (10.5-inch discs
in the rear). It's totally stock and nicely preserved with all its
factory equipment still in place, including the little tags and
stickers that can be seen underneath. The chassis is as-delivered,
right down to the dual exhaust system with functional catalytic
converters and rather restrictive mufflers to keep it street legal.
And perhaps the Cobra's most noteworthy feature are those drop-dead
gorgeous 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, which wear 255/45/17
Yokohama radials all around.
Only 5009 of these Cobra Coupes were ever built, with 442 in this
killer color combination. This particular beauty is officially
#1960, and comes equipped with its original owner's manuals, a
plaque commemorating the special edition, and even the original
spare original keys and fob. Modern Classis are all the rage these
days, and there aren't many cooler than a Cobra. Call today!
