- Seller: Richard D
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio
- Mileage: 21,056 Shown
- Chassis #: 2FALP47VXVF182141
- Title Status: Rebuilt
Barn Finds has a history of featuring older classics that have been brought back from the brink of extinction via custom builds. However, cars produced within the last thirty years with a similar history are less common. That makes this prize-winning 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra genuinely special. The owner rescued it from a potential fate as a parts car, transforming it into a vehicle that can’t help but turn heads and draw crowds. He has decided the time has come to hand this Cobra to an enthusiast who will appreciate all it offers. Therefore, the owner has listed this beauty with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The owner secured this Cobra as a wreck from an auction in 1999 with the aim of transforming it into a showpiece that presented better than it would have when its first owner took delivery. He commenced the process by ensuring that every panel was laser-straight, adding a set of Boss Shinoda Cobra R wheel arch flares to give an already aggressively styled car a touch of menace. Once satisfied that the bodyshell met his exacting standards, this Mustang received its custom paint job. This process involved applying a coat of PPG Pacific Green before overlaying this with House of Kolor Blue-to-Green Pearl tri-coat. The car was polished to a mirror shine, Euro Taillights and side markers were added, and 17″ chrome Saleen-style wheels (9-inch front, 10-inch rear) wrapped in Toyo Proxy tires were bolted on to provide an ideal finishing touch. The process was complete once the owner obtained a Branded Rebuilt Salvage Title. The impact made by the finished product is demonstrated by the fact the owner walked away from the Auto-Rama Piston Power Show and Mustang Nationals with multiple first-place trophies in the ISCA Class. The paint retains a shine deep enough to walk into, the aerodynamic additions are free from cracks and other defects, and the glass is flawless. The winning bidder could treat this Mustang as a stunning driver, although jumping back on the show circuit to secure additional silverware is a viable option.
The theme of spotless presentation continues when we turn our attention to this Cobra’s interior. Occupants sink back into seats finished in supple leather, with the driver grasping a tilt wheel wrapped in the same material. The gauges are easy to read courtesy of the Black markings and Orange needles contrasted against White faces. Life on the road is made safe and enjoyable thanks to the dual airbags, air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise control, and range-topping Bose Mach 460 stereo. The interior shows no evidence of wear or damage, carrying the hallmarks of a vehicle that has been treated respectfully. Light carpets can be prone to marks and stains, but this looks spot-on. There is no crumbling plastic, signs of UV deterioration, or other issues that would cause this classic to receive negative comments.
This Mustang could be considered a Third Generation SVT Cobra because Ford retired its enduring 302ci V8 from the existing SN-95 Mustang and SVT Cobra range in 1996. Its place was taken by the new 4.6-liter aluminum DOHC “Modular” V8. SVT once again waved their magic wand over the powerplant to extract significant power and torque from an engine that was already a respectable performer. Buyers ordering a Mustang GT received 215hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. By the time SVT had put down the tools, Cobra owners saw those figures soar to 305hp and 300 ft/lbs, which fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission. The impact was immediately apparent under the right foot because while the GT took 15.3 seconds to cover the ¼-mile, this car should despatch the journey in 13.9 seconds. However, having a mountain of power is pointless if it can’t be applied to the road. The enormous Toyo tires are the final piece in a puzzle that includes a chrome front strut tower brace and rear brace for increased stiffness, with the ride height dropped by 2″ courtesy of a lowering kit with H&R springs. Lifting the hood reveals an engine wearing chrome valve covers and a chrome intake plenum that adds to the visual appeal. Potential bidders should consider this Cobra a turnkey proposition with 21,000 original miles on the clock. It runs and drives perfectly, with the owner including the all-important SVT Certificate and a Marti Report.
The chance to purchase a custom classic that has accumulated a collection of show silverware doesn’t happen every day, but that is the opportunity presented by this 1997 Mustang SVT Cobra. The attention to detail and the beautiful paint guarantee it will turn heads, but the owner has ensured it has remained civilized for the lucky few who might consider it as a potential daily driver. Someone once asked why anyone would settle on something ordinary when there is a chance to secure something extraordinary. This Cobra certainly isn’t ordinary, and you might have the opportunity to own something extraordinary by submitting a bid. It must be worth considering.
Bid On This Auction
- Jeremy bid $6,500.00 2023-10-20 10:06:07
- 2manyvettes bid $6,000.00 2023-10-19 11:26:03
- Jeremy bid $5,500.00 2023-10-19 04:44:21
- 2manyvettes bid $4,500.00 2023-10-17 14:25:18
- RamIt23 bid $3,000.00 2023-10-17 10:05:39
Greetings,
Any explanation regarding the salvage title? Accident I assume?
i bought it wrecked when practically new (
1999), it’s now a previous salvage title. this car has already gone through the inspection process..
do you have all receipts for the repairs and VIN numbers on every panel that requires them ? I bought a branded title ’96 GT from PA and it took me a year and a half to get it titled in NY . The door was replaced and didn’t have a VIN tag . NYS confiscated it and I had to source one with the tag on it . This was after a complete respray of the drivers side .
Probably stolen or chop shop/junkyard car’s
likely. seats are not correct for this car.
One must always recognize that no matter how well repaired, a total loss car’s structure will never react the same in an accident and thus is a gamble where crash safety is concerned. And with the likelihood a car like this could be driven, um, “enthusiastically,” that has to factor in to the final price. Beautiful car regardless, looks very well done cosmetically inside and out for car shows (as proven by show trophies).
In many cases, airbag deployment automatically totals the car.
Unfortunately, not anymore. Four deployed in my CT6 last year and insurance insisted the car be repaired. Body damage was minimal
Beautiful Cobra! I’ve got a ’99 convert. These are awesome cars. Good luck with the sale.
Surprised by the undercarriage photos, 21K miles? My ’96 GT with 185K (never driven in winter, or much rain) seemingly to me looks better. It’s a nice car. Is the hook for the milage the “Mileage: 21,056 Shown”.
i bought the car in 99. its been my show car ever since it was done.
Not as quick as those SSP Pontiac Birds or the juiced up Camaro, but a real drivers car in a smaller pkg here from Ford. Always loved the cozy interiors on this era, and the cool bent gear shift.
Undercarriage looks rough
I’m from California, is the engine completely stock and unmolested? If I buy this car, it must pass out California smog rules.
I’ve just bought one of these although it’s a 1994 with the last of the 302 Windsor motors, I had a mechanic go over it and we found it has a performance chip in it and he was very surprised how hard it goes compared to an unmodified one. It looks like someone has poured a can of spaghetti on the engine, the tuned length extractors/headers are a marvel in such a tight space. Ride is harsh but it’s a GT so I won’t be expecting a floating ride and it corners like it’s on rails. This one is RHD and I think it was built in the US for the Japanese market as the instructions for the seatbelts and airbags on the sunvisors is in Japanese, they left the hood release on the left side so I have to walk around to the other side to open the hood but no big deal.