When you examine the history of Ford’s Mustang from the first vehicle to the current model, the Fox-Body version stands out from the crowd. While most cars contained at least a styling nod to the iconic First Generation vehicles, the Fox-Body brought an entirely different and almost European appearance to the table. The later versions signaled that Ford was back in the performance car game, which has seen values climb at an impressive rate. The most desirable versions are the 1993 SVT Cobras, of which only 4,993 rolled out of the factory. Our feature car is one of those, and it has a genuine 37,000 miles showing on its odometer. Its presentation is hard to fault, and its most pressing need is a new home. The seller listed it here on eBay in Hurst, Texas. The bidding has raced beyond the reserve and currently sits at $32,000.

Buyers could order their new ’93 SVT Cobra in three paint shades, although that number could be considered four if you separate those in Vibrant Red from those in Vibrant Red Clearcoat. This SVT is 1-of-1,854 ordered in Code UA Black. If I’m honest, it isn’t my favorite color because I’m partial to those wearing Code RD Teal. The exterior condition is difficult to fault, with the paint holding an impressive depth of color and shine. There are a few minor nicks and marks, but considering this classic is about to tick over thirty years, there is no shame in its presentation. Black paint is excellent for revealing panel imperfections, but there are no such troubles here. Another issue worth tackling is that of potential rust problems. The Cobra split its time between Texas, New York, and New Jersey. There are no signs of any issues, and the lack of corrosion in areas like the engine bay allows us to be quietly optimistic. The distinctive aerodynamic additions are free from damage, and the original owner ordered this classic with the optional sunroof. Rounding out the exterior are the beautiful 17″ alloy wheels, free from stains and physical damage.

The SVT Cobra marked a quantum leap forward in performance, with its fuel-injected 5.0-liter engine receiving a host of improved parts to extract as much horsepower as possible while complying with emission regulations. The upgraded components included cylinder heads, a unique intake, an improved camshaft, and a host of smaller items that helped the company extract 230hp from that sweet little V8. That power fed to the 3.73 Traction-Lok rear end via a five-speed manual transmission, allowing this classic to storm the ¼ mile in 14.5 seconds. Ford claimed a top speed of 150mph, but aerodynamic limitations saw the Mustang fall slightly short of that figure. Although this car is numbers-matching, its owner upgraded a few areas to create a more potent vehicle. They dropped the ride height, added KYB shocks, installed an aluminum driveshaft and radiator, fitted an MSD ignition coil, and helped the spent gases escape via a dual Flowmaster exhaust. They say the car runs and drive perfectly and has a genuine 37,000 miles on the clock. They don’t mention verifying evidence but include the Owner’s Manual, SVT Certificate, the manufacturer’s literature, and a clean Carfax.

Of the 1,854 buyers who ordered their SVT Cobra in Black, 1,079 selected an interior trimmed in Opal leather. That is what we find inside our feature car, and its presentation is pretty tidy. The seller identifies a small hole in the passenger seat upholstery and a broken ashtray hinge, but they appear to be the extent of the problems. There is a blanking plate where the original stereo used to reside, with a Bluetooth system hidden beneath the center console. Comfort and convenience features include air conditioning,  power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, cruise control, and a leather-wrapped wheel

After the years of misery that was the hallmark of The Malaise Era, cars like the 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra appeared like a breath of fresh air. They weren’t firebreathing monsters like those from the late 1960s. However, they offered impressive performance coupled with a refined driving experience. The classic market recognizes the contribution these vehicles made to the performance sector, with values climbing rapidly. It was only a few years ago that sellers struggled to achieve sale prices of $30,000. Today, figures beyond $40,000 are common. I located a previous listing for this classic where it failed to sell with the bidding at $30,750. It has passed that mark, and with the reserve met, it is finally ready to find a new home.