If I were to pick a 1990s classic to park in my garage, it would be a no-brainer. Our featured car ticks the boxes for me because I have always been drawn to the 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra finished in Teal Metallic. The Mustang is an inherently handsome vehicle, and that paint shade enhances that impression. This Cobra is a survivor with 36,000 miles on the clock, and is a turnkey proposition for its new owner. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting it listed here on Craigslist in Waxahachie, Texas. The seller set their price at $70,000, although it appears that figure is flexible.
With the Fox-Body Mustang set to disappear at the end of 1993, Ford decided to send out the faithful generation that had served it well in a blaze of glory. The company had formed its Special Vehicle Team, or SVT, in 1991. It handed responsibility to SVT to develop something special, and the division proved up to the task. It produced the SVT Cobra, a vehicle combining stunning looks, excellent comfort, and performance upgrades befitting the badge. The company built 4,993 of these classics, with 1,355 buyers selecting Teal Metallic from the four available paint shades. This Cobra’s presentation is first-rate. The seller doesn’t mention any restoration work or touch-ups, and the lack of chips and marks on the prone front spoiler is noteworthy if the car is a genuine survivor. The paint isn’t dull or patchy, and the panels are straight. The unique 17″ alloy wheels have no stains or physical damage, and the distinctive aero additions forming part of the Cobra package are in good order.
The reality was that the SVT Cobra was more than a pretty face, with a range of mechanical upgrades providing impressive performance in a 1993 context. SVT started the upgrade process with the standard 5.0-liter “HO” V8. By replacing the cylinder heads with GT40 items, installing a more aggressive camshaft, bolting in roller rockers, adding a more efficient intake, and tweaking the engine management system, the V8 produced a factory-quoted 235hp and 280 ft/lbs of torque. The Cobra was manual-only territory, with shifting duties falling to a heavy-duty Borg Warner T-5 five-speed manual. The addition of a 3.08 Traction-Lok rear end ensured that not only did the ponies effectively meet Planet Earth, but the Cobra had long legs on the open road. The final pieces of the puzzle were four-wheel ventilated disc brakes and upgraded suspension with Tokico components. This approach ensured that SVT created a “total” package for its customers. Potential buyers can consider the Ford a turnkey proposition. The engine is strong, the transmission shifts smoothly, and the clutch is spot-on. There is no reference to evidence verifying the mileage claim, but the overall condition makes it plausible.
With 802 of the buyers who ordered an SVT Cobra in Teal Metallic selecting Opal Gray leather trim, this combination ranked second only to Black paint and the same interior trim in popularity. Ford helped to justify the sticker price by equipping each car with air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and power lumbar support. This car’s first owner added the optional AM/FM radio/CD player to make life on the road even more pleasant. The interior condition is extremely tidy, but it needs to be when we consider the asking price. It looks like the door pockets might be sagging slightly, but this issue is common and easily fixed for a few dollars. The leather looks soft, and there is no evidence of wear or other problems. The Cobra retains its factory floor mats, which is a minor victory since these often disappear. This classic is consistent because its interior is as tidy as the exterior.
This 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra is a stunning car, and I admit that I look at it longingly. Maybe I will park one of these classics in my garage at some point, but it won’t be soon. These cars have definitely found their place in the classic market, with values climbing steadily. That brings us to the subject of the seller’s asking price. If you believe Hagerty or JD Power, the figure looks realistic. However, once you start examining recent successful sales, you discover that the seller might be aiming slightly high for a car with 36,000 miles on the clock. It appears they are willing to negotiate, begging the question of what you would pay for this Cobra. So, it’s over to you.
Except for the price — which I can’t afford — this looks nearly perfect. It has enough miles on it that you can pretty safely assume it’s a good runner, and then drive it. And then drive it some more. Fewer miles might relegate it to static display status, and that would be a shame. It’s my preferred color scheme, too.
I would certainly try to chisel the seller out of a few bucks, but if he was firm and I had it, I’d probably pay up.
Peak Fox Mustang. And the teal is my favorite too. This one looks good. Their prices have greatly increased in recent years.
Who doesn’t love these final Fox tributes from Ford. My favorite of the lot… 91-93 Black LX hatchback, loaded, grey interior, 5sp, 3.08 gears.
Have the 91 GT. Black, Grey interior, 5.0, 5 speed, factory sunroof…been in storage a decade, nice car.
I know the 1993 SVT Cobra’s are sought after, but it’s hard to see $70,000. There are probably lot of other Cobras with similar mileage, what are they selling for? On eBay there are several sub 5,000 mile 1993 Cobras with 6 figure price tags, none have sold. For a fraction of this cars asking price I’d rather have a modified 87-93 5.0 LX.
Steve R
My favorite color of the 90s. Very very clean looking Cobra. But the price.. I can get 2012 Shelby GT500 for about $50,000.00 with 500 HP. And it sounds wicked taking off. Blue with silver stripes. So $70,000.00 sounds like the seller want to up his 401k fund. This is not the special Corba with side exhaust from the factory. I seen very high prices on those and for good reason. I also wish the seller showed us proof of the mileage on paper. I also wish the seller good luck. 🇺🇸🐻
I can’t imagine anybody popping $70gs for this car.
Has to be all the money J
As much as I love Fox Body Mustangs/Capris. (I have had close to 30 and still have 2) This price is out of my league and a, dream as far as I’m concerned. Pretty car at a pretty lofty price.
If you have to drive something, this would be okay 👍
Great vehicles, but now priced in the “investment, don’t drive it” category, which is sad.
What was the hp on GTs and 5.0l LXs of that time, like 225? SVT tweaking only gives you an extra 10 herspers? And $70k to boot? No thanks.
The 1993 Ford Mustang GT had a factory horsepower rating of 205 hp (and 275 lb-ft of torque), which was actually a drop that started in late 1992 rather than 1993. The rating went down from 225 hp because Ford re-evaluated its engine testing methods to use average, production-line engines with full accessories attached instead of selectively prepped test engines, and accounted for an accumulation of minor, restrictive emissions and intake changes made over the years. So in reality the cobras were making an actual 260-270 hp if the previous method of testing was used like it was on the 92 5.0s.