Sometimes, a classic will appear on our desks at Barn Finds that genuinely pushes the boundaries. Such is the case with this 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. It isn’t the first example we’ve seen and undoubtedly won’t be the last. However, the odometer reading of 3,695 miles marks it as something special. The presentation is all you would expect, and the mileage lifts an already desirable vehicle to a higher level. The Cobra is listed here on eBay in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. Bidding sits below the reserve at $25,200, but recent history suggests that the figure will climb significantly higher before the hammer falls.
Ford was emerging from the depths of The Malaise Era as the 1990s unfolded and was keen to show the world that they could once again produce cars that combined stunning looks with excellent performance. The company formed its Special Vehicles Team (SVT) in 1991, handing it the responsibility of creating a “halo” version of the Fox-Body Mustang. The resulting car was released in 1993, with 4,993 Cobras receiving the SVT treatment and verifying paperwork. Our feature car is 1-of-1,355 finished in Teal Metallic, which also happens to be my favorite of the three paint shades offered. Its presentation is all you would expect from a garage-kept classic with a four-figure odometer reading. The paint retains a depth of color and shine that you could sink into, gracing arrow-straight panels. I can’t spot any flaws or problems, and even the chip-prone front bumper looks spotless. The aerodynamic additions applied as part of the SVT package are in excellent order, with no signs of cracks or other problems. The glass and remaining trim pieces are faultless, while the distinctive 17″ alloy wheels are in as-new condition.
Those of us who lived through The Malaise Era can confirm what a miserable automotive period it was. Finding an American car capable of turning a sub-16-second ¼-mile ET was exceptionally difficult, and once desirable high-performance models were reduced to shadows of their former selves. Ford trumpeted their triumph over adversity with the SVT Cobra, with the company taking its already fairly respectable 5.0-liter “HO” V8 and filling it with upgrades that squeezed out a significant power increase. The standard V8, as fitted to the GT, produced 205hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque. While Ford quoted “official” figures of 230hp and 304 ft/lbs for the Cobra, many believe those numbers were massively understated. The significant performance gulf between a Mustang GT and a Cobra supports that belief. A GT could cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds, but the Cobra slashed that time to 14.5 seconds. The difference between the pair is considered too significant to be attributed to a 25hp power increase. SVT viewed the Cobra as a “total” package, updating the brakes and suspension to cope with the additional performance provided by its beautiful powerplant. The seller throws us a slight curveball, indicating this car has an automatic transmission. I can find no records of SVT producing an auto-equipped Cobra, although I am happy to be corrected if my information is wrong. The engine bay presents as superbly as you would expect from a vehicle of this caliber. We receive no information on how it runs or drives, but the odometer reading and the use of the words “brand new” in the listing suggest the news should be positive.
I’m often left scratching my head when an owner lists a desirable classic and fails to supply images of a vital aspect of the vehicle. That is the case with this Cobra because we receive no interior shots. We know this is 1-of-802 Cobras where the original owner teamed Teal paint with Opal leather upholstery. Otherwise, we are flying blind. It would be worth approaching the seller to see if they would supply extra images because the inside of this classic needs to be perfect to command a high-end price. The lack of information means we can’t be sure what comfort and convenience features are included beyond air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. These items were part of the SVT Cobra package, but other options were available for those wishing to splash some extra cash.
After taking a hit in 2022, values have begun climbing again for the 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra. This one is exceptional, and the odometer reading places it in elite company. It is easy to see why it has attracted forty-five bids. I believe that number will climb significantly as the auction progresses, and I wouldn’t rule out three figures before the hammer falls. That begs the question of the potential value, and it is impossible to make an accurate assessment without interior shots. However, recent history suggests it will probably need to pass $50,000 before hitting the reserve. Beyond that, we can only speculate. Are you willing to take a guess, or would you prefer to submit a bid?
Good write-up Adam. These Cobras are very desired models, especially for clean, unmodified, low-mileage examples like this one. Many people (Adam and I included) like the Teal ones best. I suspect Adam’s sales price estimate will be ballpark correct. As a point of reference, two “wrapper” Cobras topped the six figure mark at Mecum Indy earlier this year.
These are a high point of the lengthy Fox Body run.
I would suggest that this car is actually a gold mine! I have the same car in black paint n grey interior!
Low miles slight upgrades! I would bet that this car goes to 6 figures.
Just saying.
Gorgeous piece!! Agree 100% with Bob_in_TN! But why are all of the pics taken in the shade??
Ever an auto. As a matter of fact, the T5 was treated to phosphate coated gears to deal improve durability.
Never…not ever.
It was sold at Mecum for 88K. https://www.mecum.com/lots/539230/1993-ford-mustang-svt-cobra/
Clicked on the MECUM link but the page didnt show the sale price
It sold in July at Mecum KISSIMMEE for 88K.
Much better pictures of it on the Mecum site. Plus, you actually get a look at the immaculate interior.
Very nice and ought to go for a pretty penny.
I wasn’t too thrilled with the Fox body when it was offered, so I waited and finally ordered a SN95 for the 1997 model year. My 1997 Cobra convert in Pacific Green, saddle interior, 5-speed, DOHC, has a little over 1,500 miles on it. All original, always garaged. Just have too many cars but we do take it out at least once a year.
In the ad it says number of doors 3, sellers feedback 0, and the seller just joined Ebay this month, and in Canada.
Yeah. High probability of a scam. Lot of fraudulent car sales listings on eBay anymore. People that have a zero or very low feedback and cars that have usually been sold on BAT or thru another auction using the exact same pictures. Personally, I have reported three in just the past two weeks and that’s with only looking at a narrow group of marques. All three were recent BAT auction cars.
While I agree that there are a lot of recent classic car scams on EBay, this one just feel real.
Scammers usually life photos from previous sales / auctions. These pictures do not yield any results on an image search.
Scammers usually sell cars on EBay using hijacked accounts so that the seller appears to have a history. Of course, that history is usually just selling trinkets, not high dollar cars.
That being said, the only way to buy this car is to go see it and speak to the seller in person.
Not many cars push you back into the seat like a 5.0 5 speed Fox body Mustang. Yeah there are cars today that make over twice the power as the old pushrod 5.0 but they are also 1000 pounds heavier or more. These days car makers are trying to get the best gas mileage possible, so it puzzles me why the new Mustangs weigh over two tons!
You’re kidding, right? PLENTY of cars today are WAY faster than one of these, despite weighing more.
These cars weren’t the fastest cars around when they were new, and that was THIRTY years ago. Cars have gotten a LOT faster since then.
My bone stock ecoboost mustang, 315 hp. I’ve run multiple low 13 passes with the quickest 13.2. Way quicker than my 87 GT back in the day. I think 15.2 was the quickest.
I will say, if my memory serves, it felt quicker.
The power to weight of the foxbody is what makes it feel crazy quick. They were kinda thin feeling and somewhat rickety. So when you side stepped the clutch and got smoke in 4 out of 5 gears, you’re going to think it’s a monster. But in reality, it was absolutely not. The mystique of the car in comparison to the rest of the cars that were on the market at the time… was what made them popular. The only things close to the mustang were the F body and the corvette. There was no real competition beyond that in the US built market. I gotta think that these people out here doing 7 second 1/4 miles in these things with giant turbos and small tire slicks are having a real serious ride when you think about how quick the fox felt back in the day. But then again, back then… not many cars were doing sub 16 second 1/4s. And these days, a Hyundai Nspec does a 16 sec 1/4. So, in reality… they’re not that quick.
I think we are talking about 2 different ideas here. The old 5.0 felt powerful because of the torque, and of course it isn’t as quick as newer cars. But, those new cars also have a lot more padding between you and the pavement, and electronic doodads to even out the power.
My ’70 Corvette manual put you back in the seat, but the Mini Cooper S I had at the same time was much quicker but didn’t have that immediate, powerful feeling.