Although some consider it a Torino variant, the lack of identifying badges confirms that this 1969 Ford is actually a Cobra, as stated in the company’s sales literature for that model year. To call it brutal would be an understatement, because its 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air V8 gives it genuine muscle car credentials. There is much to like and little to criticize about a car that is a turnkey classic. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Cobra listed here on eBay in Cooperstown, New York. The seller set their BIN at $68,000 with the option to make an offer.

The 1969 model year represented the end of the line for the First Generation Torino, and Ford carried over most of the previous year’s variants until production ended. One addition was the Cobra, and since it didn’t wear Torino or Fairlane badges, it is considered a standalone model. Interestingly, while this was the case, the Cobra featured heavily in that year’s Torino/Fairlane marketing literature. Before assessing this Cobra’s appearance, it is worth considering its history. It only recently found its way to its current location, and is a dry-weather classic that has never seen snow or salt. It spends its downtime in a climate-controlled garage, but has spent most of its life in Texas. Therefore, its rust-free status is no surprise, nor is the fact that it retains all of its original Ford steel. The seller confirms that it received a single repaint in its factory Black Jade, one of the classiest shades on that year’s color palette. Faulting its appearance in the supplied photos is simply impossible, and I believe that only an in-person inspection would uncover any flaws or imperfections. The panels are laser-straight, and the trim is immaculate. The tinted glass is crystal clear, and the wheels appear faultless.

Ford was playing seriously when it released this classic. The entry-level Cobra engine was good, but this car’s first owner took things to a higher level. They equipped this beast with the brutal 428 Cobra Jet Ram Air V8, producing a factory-quoted 335hp and 445 ft/lbs of torque. As was the case during this era, the consensus among those “in the know” is that Ford significantly understated both figures, meaning that there should be more than enough power under the right foot to satisfy most enthusiasts. The first owner teamed the Ram Air with a three-speed C6 automatic transmission, adding power assistance for the steering and the front disc brakes to create a “total” package. The seller confirms that this Cobra’s engine bay houses its numbers-matching V8, which was recently rebuilt to factory specifications. Therefore, it is unsurprising that this Cobra runs and drives perfectly, with plenty of power and a smooth-shifting automatic.

The first thing I checked when scrutinizing the interior shots was the dashpad. Torinos and Fairlanes from this era are prone to cracking, and the same would be true of this Cobra. That may sound insignificant, but with reproduction pads now costing almost $1,000, the fact that this one is crack-free is worth breathing a sigh of relief. The interior is trimmed in Black vinyl, featuring bucket seats, air conditioning, an AM radio, and subtle woodgrain on the dash. As with the exterior, there is nothing inside this Cobra requiring attention. The vinyl is in good condition, there is no visible carpet wear, and the seller confirms that everything inside this Ford works as it should.

The 1969 Ford Cobra could easily slip under the radar of buyers outside North America, because many enthusiasts from foreign shores tend to think of the more potent versions of the Mustang when considering Blue Oval models from this era with genuine performance credentials. However, this Cobra can hold its own in pretty elite company, providing greater interior space than a Mustang for enthusiasts with a family. The seller’s BIN figure is well above the market average, but the listing statistics suggest that this gem has generated plenty of interest since hitting the market. The View and Watch List tallies of 350 and 34, respectively, confirm that this classic has struck a chord with potential buyers. Whether anyone would be willing to pay the asking price is debatable, but if the seller is flexible, someone could be parking this Ford in their garage very soon. Could that person be you?