Mustang Cobra

The Mustang Cobra is one of the nicest sports cars Ford Motor Company ever produced.

Ford created a specialty division for production of the Mustang Cobra. Known better as “SVT”, the Special Vehicle Team specializes in high-performance vehicles.



The 1993 Mustang Cobra

The first Mustang Cobra was produced in 1993. The 1993 Cobra was not drastically different than the other ’93 Mustangs, but there were a few notable upgrades. The engine, drivetrain, suspension, and some exterior body changes were the most significant. The fox-body Cobra was short lived, however, and only lasted one year.

The 1994-1995 Mustang Cobra

The 1994 model had a completely new body style. Additionally, more than twice as many were produced than the introductory Cobra. Horsepower increased slightly and Ford also used a larger brake setup. The biggest complaint about this model was the lack of a “COBRA” rear bumper. Instead, the 94-95 Cobra had a “MUSTANG” bumper.

The 1996-1998 Mustang Cobra

For the first time since its inception, the Cobra did not have a 5.0 liter V8 engine. The 1996 featured a 4.6 liter DOHC engine, touting the marginally-improved fuel economy as a primary reason. These models were capable of producing quarter mile times in the upper 13 second range.

The 1999 and 2001 Mustang Cobra

Cobra production in 1999 included a slightly newer body style, and a number of mechanical changes as well. These Cobras featured an independent rear suspension setup, the only Ford model at the time with such a feature.

In 2000, Ford replaced the then standard Cobra with the ‘Cobra R’, and significantly limited production numbers. Making just 300 of these, the car had a 5.4 liter DOHC engine, claiming the car was capable of 385 hp.

Back to the Mustang Cobra in 2001, it was very similar to the 1999 model. Minor changes include a “COBRA” bumper, re-designed spoiler, and a new rear trunk “SVT” badge among others.

The 2002 Mustang Cobra

Most believe a Cobra was not produced in 2002. However, that is untrue. Production was extremely limited (to about 100 vehicles total), and they were actually all brought to Australia. The 2002 model had additional fog lights on the bumper and a steering wheel on the right side of the car.

The 2003-2004 Mustang Cobra

The 10th anniversary Mustang Cobra, the 2003, was codenamed “Terminator” by SVT. Although the similar 4.6 liter DOHC engine as some of the previous models was used, this car received a number of upgrades. The most significant was the factory Eaton supercharger, which was supported by a number of powertrain and driveline upgrades. Brand new and completely “stock”, this car was capable of producing quarter mile times in the 12 second range.

Following the production of the 2004 Mustang Cobra, Ford continued making high-performance models, but the vehicles are no longer being produced by the Special Vehicle Team (SVT).