36k Mile 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

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.