Vehicle Description
1969 Ford Cobra 2 Door Hardtop
It might look like a Torino, but the Cobra actually shares its body
code with the Fairlane, and Ford marketed the Cobras, which came as
2 door hardtops and 2 door sports tops, as simply "Cobras". Only
3,910 Cobras were built in 1969 with the R code 428CJ making a
desirable, somewhat rare and potent muscle car.
For consignment, a 1969 Ford Cobra 2 door hardtop with a title
verified 51,636 actual miles. Our consignor informs us this car was
drag raced extensively in the late 70's into the early 80's,
resprayed in the late 70's, and for the past 10 years, has been
mostly idle. This is especially evident by the tires that will need
immediate replacement. This car was originally ordered by the
Philadelphia District Office back in the day, so is one that was
delivered not far from where we sit in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania.
Exterior
That repaint was done in the original Royal Maroon, a rather
pedestrian color for such a beast, but it wears it well and the
black vinyl roof is a nice contrast. Quad headlights flank a black
grille exhibiting a few rock chips, and a chrome bumper sits below
it all in very good condition. Hood pins and a scoop further help
differentiate this from mere mortal Torino/Fairlane. Our consignor
states the car wears its original panels and the gaps are good.
While the door handles and side mirrors could use some restoration,
the Cobra snake emblem on each front quarter panel are worth the
price of admission. The rear fascia is quintessential 60's but has
two distinctions. The somewhat subtle "Cobra Jet 428" emblem is
tucked in the right corner and massive straight tailpipes exit
under the bumper like two cannons ready to fire. The profile is
deceivingly straight, like your average passenger car that most
people would not give a second look and aside from some of the
subtle cues, there is nothing outlandish about its exterior. The
14-inch Styled Steel wheels hint at some sportiness. Imperfections
include random scratches, chips, extra paint, bubbles, and the
vinyl roof shows some separation on its seams and where it meets
metal trim on the decklid.
Interior
More straight lines dominate the black vinyl door panels, and we
note some waviness, especially on the driver's door. The front
split bench is black vinyl with black cloth inserts and shows some
wear but is in otherwise good condition. The rear bench is in very
good shape and the requisite ashtrays are located on the front seat
backs, while external speakers are on the bench. A basic steering
wheel shares its column with an AutoMeter tachometer and Stewart
Warner oil pressure gauge while a line of four round gauges make up
the dash. If that's not enough information, and it wouldn't be for
a race car, there's another pair of gauges under the dash. Adding
to the fun is an AM/FM/Cassette radio embedded into the dash which
likely has to be on "11" to be heard over what we anticipate to be
loud exhaust. A wood handled shifter is floor mounted, surrounded
by black loop carpet in good condition. Though a bit dirty, the
pedals are trimmed in metal, a small attention to detail that
stands out. The black stitched headliner is in good condition and
houses the shoulder belts. The trunk is bare and contains a spare
tire.
Drivetrain
Pop the pins and open the hood and inside we find a very clean non
original 428ci Cobra Jet V8 rated at 335 horsepower and topped with
a new Holley 4-barrel carburetor. The Toploader 4-speed close ratio
manual transmission sends power back to a Ford 9" rear with 3.50
gear and Equalock. Drum brakes are the option on this car.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with typical surface rust on untreated
metal parts. The dual exhaust flows from the engine to a pair of
stock style mufflers, up and around the rear axle, and out the back
and appears to be in good shape. On our travels, we note a drop of
oil on the transmission and some dampness by the rear yoke seal.
Typical aged undercarriage but no invasive rust is noted. A
driveshaft safety loop is in place for good measure and suspension
consists of coil springs in the front and leaf springs with
traction bars in the back.
Drive-Ability
As predicted, it does rumble on startup, but we note a high idle on
startup taking much longer than normal to kick down. The valve
train is also adding some unwelcome noise to the soundtrack as
well. As we gently take the car for a lap, we note a weak horn,
turn signals not working, blower motor inoperable, and the fuel
gauge not reading. Beyond that, there's obvious power on tap and
the period correct cabin is comfortable and upright.
When was the last time you saw one of these at a car show or cruise
night? They are rare and somewhat legendary and among the 3,910
built there exists some standard equipment but also some variation
in the options available. Here's a straight example that probably
needs some tuning but is no poser with the snake on the side, it's
a real deal R code 428CJ born in Lorain, Ohio and delivered to
eastern Pennsylvania. It's still here, but where will it end up?
That's up to you!
9H45R124714
9-1969
H-Lorain, OH Assy Plant
45-Cobra 2 Door Formal Hardtop
R-428ci 4bbl Cobra Jet, Ram Air
124714-Sequential Unit Number
WARRANTY PLATE
BODY 65A-Cobra 2 Door Hardtop, Bench Seat
COLOR B-Royal Maroon
TRIM 1A-Black Vinyl & Cloth
DATE 08K-November 8th
DSO 16-Philadelphia
AXLE S-Ford 9" 3.50 Equalock
TRANS 6-Close Ratio 4 Speed Manual
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collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
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acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
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