When it comes to vintage autos, it’s important to keep in mind the norms for the period in which they were produced, both in terms of styling and performance. Regarding the latter, the Ford Mustang King Cobra is a great example, as 1978 wasn’t exactly the pinnacle seventies era for horsepower. However, this pony looked great on the outside and had an appearance that could easily be described as intimidating, at least for those who didn’t realize how far down the output of the 302 had dropped by this time. This 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra here on eBay is claimed to be a survivor, and while it ticks many of the right boxes, the cost of admission isn’t cheap. This one’s in Annapolis, Maryland, if you want to check it out in person before deciding if $39,900 is a reasonable price to pay.
We featured another one of these recently here on Barn Finds, priced considerably less, and it’s also equipped with the rare T-Top option, although that car has been resprayed and there’s almost three times the number of miles on the odometer. Today’s KC is said to be wearing the original paint and decals, and the exterior still appears to be in excellent condition overall. This one’s also claimed to be all original throughout, with the photos showing what seems like a solid and dent-free body all the way around. These cars are also somewhat rare, as they were only produced in ’78, and just over 4,300 were supposedly made.
For some timeframes, the mention of a 5.0 under the hood of a Mustang can generate visions of exciting performance to be had. Unfortunately, this one’s only making 139 horsepower, and it’s fed by a 2-barrel carb. The exhaust exits through a single pipe, including a catalytic converter attached. A couple of positives to mention are that the V8 only has 21,000 miles of use, and it hasn’t been tampered with, as even the plug wires are mentioned as original. Another glimmer of hope is the transmission, as this one’s got a 4-speed manual, so that should help increase the driving satisfaction.
Black paint with decals isn’t the most user-friendly combo for any vehicle from this era, as both are prone to wear over time, even if the car is driven sparingly. That’s in no way implying that the outside doesn’t still look good, but the interior appears nearly immaculate, making the low-mileage claim easy to digest. There are many excellent points here, and I’d welcome this late-seventies muscle car to sit in my driveway or garage anytime. I’m just not sure this is the pony I’d most want to drop nearly forty grand on, although the seller has also included the opportunity to make him an offer. Any thoughts to share on this 1978 Ford Mustang King Cobra?
Thank you Mike. Looks to be a very well-kept King Cobra. Has probably been living the local cruise/car show life for years. Black/black looks nice. Four-speed is a plus. I’d be proud to own it.
Other interesting cars in the picture backgrounds, including another II.
Also noticed the cars in the background Bob. He also has two 1997 Pontiac Firehawks for sale both are two of only 29 that came with LT4 motors from the Corvette Grand Sport both also having the 6 speed. Always liked the 1995-1997 Firehawks but they are way out of my price range along with my being to old also
I would bet any kind of money that there are way fewer than a handful of ’78 King Cobra’s with less than 30k on it in this condition in the whole world. If you were into a car of this pedigree, what a find that would be. Wow.
The guy that drops $40,000 on a Mustang II, probably lights his Cuban cigars with $500 bills.
And stubs them out on imaginary crypto-currency.
There was never a Mustang 2 worth $40,000, I don’t care if it’s a one mile brand new car !
That’s an eye watering price regardless of how nice it is. These have niche appeal, there are fans, but how many of them are willing to drop just shy of $40,000 on one. As for the rest of the market, there are an awful lot of cars with much stronger followings for the same price, or less. This is a car where the seller is playing the long game, waiting for one of the few people willing and able to pay that amount.
Steve R
$40k, wow! I can remember not too long ago you could not give these away. I love Ford Mustangs but there are alot of other ones (70 Sportsroof) I could get for $20k. And is that an a/c vent in the right side dash? With no compressor? What’s up with that? I’m trying to sell my 1996 Thunderbird LX with a/c that blows ice cold for $6,000. Nope, hold on, the price just went up to…$25,000. Yeah, that’s the ticket.
Hard to determine who won the pinstripe war between this and the Trans Am
Hard pass.
Somebody better buy today’s 1995 SVT Cobra R for $42k before that guy sees this and ups his price to $75k! This would be a nice $15k car to complete an every-generation Mustang collection, but hard to see $39k especially with the 1-of-250 Cobra R highlighted on the same day.
Don’t run the King Cobra against the Shelby Shadow listed on here. You will get your feelings hurt.
I remember I raced on of these with my 340 duster, I pulled over and waited for them to catch up at the next light. Almost fell asleep waiting. Not only slooow, ugly and heavy.
Seriously lets remember what these were and why they didn’t sell then is the same reason people are not clamoring for them today even at “reasonable ” prices. 139 hp, for Fords halo car that year! granted there was no “muscle” cars during this time from the US or Europe due in part to high gas prices and emission regs. These cars in their prime couldn’t run with a Prius from light to light today, and almost every economy car sold today has more ponies than 139. This person is looking for a buyer that “just has to have one again” or a fool and his money to strike it big. its a hard pass for me, I remember how bad these cars were then!
And no a/c, way over priced.
This is going to have to be for someone who has seriously wanted one of these so bad their whole life and just has to have it. Granted it is in beautiful looking original condition but $40K?? I’d love to have his garage though lol.
I was working in Norman, OK back in 1978-79. One of my room-mates had this King Cobra package, only white. One Saturday, we swapped rides. My 304 cu in CJ-5 and her Mustang. I ran the pants off that ‘stang on back roads out to Shawnee, and I can tell you that car had as much Rock n’ Roll as the Ramones. On several ‘righties’, I thought the car would roll over. Maybe on some straightaways, yep, it would —maybe– out run my CJ, but it’d be tight. These were the dark days for the Mustangs. I’m glad that it’s behind them.BTW, Lynn, sorry about beating on your car.
I think this car was at fall Hershey list for mid 25. There can’t be two low mileage king cobras II
and who is to say that couldn’t be 121k ? don’t think they will ever get 40k for that car maybe 25 tops LOL
LOL I had a fellow employee way back in 1978 that bought one new. I was driving a 3 year old Cosworth Vega and the two black and gold cars parked next to each other. We had many races and found the Cosworth to be faster and more nimble around town than the Pinto with a fancy body AKA Mustang II.
I always did enjoy the looks of these, but they were really weak performance wise, but most cars were late 70’s. I could justify owning this but nowhere near $40k. I think it’s a long shot to get anywhere near $40K but it just might be the car of someone else’s dreams – who knows?
Kind of wonder where times goes but this thing is almost 50 years old – looks pretty darn good yet!