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?
Very, very nice. I always liked these Cobras. With its big-block power, it was a serious machine in its day. They had enough bright trim to look good, but no loud graphics– just a subtle Cobra emblem. This one looks classy with the Black Jade paint, one of my favorite colors. I’d prefer a four-speed but that’s just me. Dirty floor mat…. but if that is the biggest complaint about the condition, we’re in good shape.
Excellent write-up Adam.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Bob_in_TN. I was raised in a Ford household, and I know that the Cobra falls through the cracks overseas. Would I park this one in my garage if I had the chance? You’d better believe it! I hope that you continue to enjoy our articles, because it is a pleasure to write them.
Wow, what a great find! A real unicorn with the heart of a lion. This is a great example of an uncommon car.
That dirty floor mat bothered me, too ! A hose and a scrub brush could fix that problem in under a minute.
Once had a 69 Torino GT (same body, lesser engine) so that’s my starting point. The body on this one looks great, so that’s a positive. The drivetrain should be a beast, so that’s also a positive. Driving it is something else, particularly parallel parking. Basic driving is OK but the parallel parking is a bear. You can’t see out the back of that thing.
As the man once said, “the first rule of Italian driving…what’s behind me is not important!” 😂
https://youtu.be/AjGXn249Fc0?si=70ihnFAGzdpLV6kc
That’s what mirrors are for. I drove a 68 Merc. Cyclone GT for over 9 years…..still had the original clutch when I sold it.
Wow, another great barn find! Amazing condition, at least they washed it before they took the pictures. I thought this site was Barn Finds! Not trailer Queens. I had to check and see if I was on BAT. Seems this is happening more and more.
They feature a mix of nice cars and projects, typically 16 featured a day. If I’m not interested a particular car, I don’t click on it, something else that I’m interested in will come along soon enough.
Plus this site is free, like my mom used to say, “don’t look a gift horse in the mouth”.
Steve R
Really great write up, Adam.
Wow – the most optioned, complete and stellar CJ Torino I have seen.
Original Holley – so nice ! These run close to $1,700.
Many of the CJs were stripped down; my HS pal owned an SCJ 428 Cobra that had 4 spd … but no PS or PdB. Many are in fields, rusting away, without their 428s. This one even has AC!
The C6 autos are heavy duty, including iron tailshafts. Auto with this heavy street-grunt BB is a great ride, just hold on!
Been working on my Torino 428 scj for 6 yrs -nowhere near this nice.
Every bolt, gasket and hose.
Back window not great but you can see more than you would think – really lean on the passenger side mirror!
I would be looking at this one with the “buy the nicest one you can find” adage, in person if I was not deep into mine.
Very impressive.
Prefer the next generation cobra design over this model, but that 69 428cj is a tough competitor. The automatic is the better choice for all this power in the hands of a weekend warrior too.
Had a 68 Torino GT with 390 ci, 4 bbl and that thing was so fast it scared everyone, including the driver (me). Loved the car, but marriage and change in employment forced me to let her go. Sadday in blackrock! I would buy this one in an instant, if I had a place to keep it.
Very nice. I don’t even care that it has an automatic. Though a floor shift would be nice.
Nice write-up Adam.
Nice write up Adam, nice find Curvette. This car is awesome, original/ numbers matching, 55K mi, top of the line as far as options go. The only way this could be any better is if it was in my barn!
These Cobras were offered by Ford to battle the “strippo” Road Runner’s and Super Bee’s of the day. That’s why the base Cobras didn’t have the fancy interiors, or other doo dad’s. I’m assuming many buyers ticked off the option boxes, like they did on those Chryslers. Ford did the same thing in the 80’s with the Mustang LX 5.0’s. I sure wish they’d do it these days!
is there a ‘Super’ CJ, a model above this one?
My neighbor’s had a more sedate but matched model… may be an LTD or
a top of the line Fairlane? The kid sure didnt drive it like the parents. Same
dash w/row of gauges across. Kept apacka Marlboros in one of the ‘portholes’.
He spotted me walking home from school one day’n offered a ride. I saw
the smokes, B4 I could bum one he said “Want one? U can have the whole
pack if U can snatch them out the dash.” As I went to reach for them all I saw
were telephone lines. Didnt know a car could doa tail stand. The smokes
went straight to his lap. I was pinned to the seat, couldnt lift my arm. Not sure
if the vehicle was modified but he worked ina garage, had plenty of tools…
Thanks for the memories Adam. I hear the “Clev” was well loved in the day
down Oz. In return I like the XY (’66/72) “2v iron head 250” and the XC (’72/9)
“X-flow”. Some here put the head on our ThriftPowers. Its quite a trick to put
the later alloy heads (‘79+) on ours and some do (even fewer)…
Matt Cox (vintage Inlines) has been casting the alu for them state-side a few yrs. No hassel, direct bolt on.
Doesnt make them into a Barra but pretty close w/turbo/efi added~
Yes, it had stronger connecting rods, an engine oil cooler, crank dampner, etc. It was available only with 3.91 or 4.30 rear end, not good for cruising west TX at 85 mph in comfort. In drag racing at the time and also now, due to the heavier rotating weight, the none Super Cobra Jet cars are quicker when using the same rear gear ratios. I have “wasted” thousands of dollar’s and hours on Ford FE engines.
Love it , Love it , almost bought one in 1111969 but couldnt afford the insurance I was under 25
Did not know the Cobra was a stand alone model. Wasn’t there a Mustang Cobra that year or was that something Shelby cooked up? This would be a ball to drive, way too rich for my blood but the market dictates prices.
1 wicked ride here. sits a bit low though
Great car and it could be a real sleeper for anyone not familiar with it. I’d have to get rid of the chrome tail pipe extensions and the dirty floor mat should have been addressed by the seller. I’m wondering too, what is on the passenger floor mat? Almost looks like toilet paper, lol. Despite these shortcomings, still a really great car.