I sometimes think that life is mocking me. That is because I have long dreamed of parking a Teal Metallic 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra in my garage. However, short of a lottery win or an unexpected bequest from a long-lost relative, that is unlikely to happen. Therefore, the fact that our featured car is the second that I have written about in under a week seems somewhat cruel. This Cobra presents exceptionally well, and with only 27,000 miles under its belt, the seller’s use of the word “mint” to describe its condition doesn’t appear exaggerated. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Barney for spotting this gem listed here on Craigslist in Fresno, California. The seller set their price at $62,400 for a classic needing nothing but a new home.
Ford released the SVT Cobra as a last hurrah for the Fox-Body Mustang, producing 4,993 examples that buyers snapped up very quickly. They have become a staple of the classic scene, and it is easy to see why. Even in its final days, the styling looked surprisingly fresh. The attention lavished on the Cobra by SVT gave the Mustang performance befitting the iconic badge. The seller states that the Teal Metallic paint cloaking this Cobra is the rarest paint shade, and they are right…sort of. Technically, there were actually four paint shades if you separate the two variants of Vibrant Red. Only nine of those received a clearcoat, making that the rarest. However, with 1,355 buyers selecting Teal, it is the rarest of the “standard” colors. The seller describes this car as being in mint condition, and arguing with that assessment is seemingly impossible. If the car is 100% original, the lack of stone chips on the front bumper and spoiler is a significant victory. That is the most prone area, and I can spot no problems in the close-up shot. The panels are laser-straight, and the underside shots confirm that it is rust-free and as clean as you could hope for in any classic of this vintage. The distinctive body additions are in excellent condition, and the unique 17″ wheels are flawless.
Opal Gray leather trim was easily the most popular of the three options available to Cobra buyers, with 2,888 customers ticking that box on the Order Form. However, only 802 of those were combined with the Teal Metallic paint. Once again, there is nothing inside this classic warranting criticism. The seat covers have the typical wrinkles associated with gracefully aging leather, but no wear or other problems. The rest of the interior is spotless, and there are no aftermarket additions. The Cobra features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, power lumbar support, and the optional AM/FM radio/CD player.
Much has been written about the motor powering the ’93 SVT Cobra, and Ford’s quoted power and torque figures have been questioned. SVT took the 5.0-liter V8 used in the GT and made quite a few changes. These included fitting GT40 cylinder heads, an upgraded exhaust for better breathing, a more efficient intake, a more aggressive camshaft, and tweaks to the fuel injection and engine management systems. GT buyers received 205hp and 275 ft/lbs of torque, but the Sales Brochure states that those figures climb to 235hp and 280 ft/lbs for the Cobra. The consensus is that Ford understated the Cobra’s figures, which virtually any person with automotive experience would expect to be higher following the upgrades. The power feeds to a Traction-Lok rear end via a heavy-duty five-speed T-5 manual transmission. SVT didn’t stop once the V8 was bolted in, because the suspension features a selection of Tokico components, and the four-wheel power disc brakes are ventilated for greater efficiency. Potential buyers should consider this Cobra a turnkey proposition. There is no mention of verifying evidence for the mileage claim. Still, since the sale includes crucial documentation like the Certificate of Authenticity and the original Window Sticker, there might be something there to remove any potential doubts.
It is interesting that this 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra should appear now, because it offers an opportunity to compare it with the Cobra we featured last week. It allows us to compare apples with apples, because both feature identical factory equipment and options. This car has 27,000 miles on the clock and an asking price of $62,400. The other had clocked 36,000 miles and was $70,000. Coincidentally, both were spotted by Barney, who obviously has a sharp eye for these classics. That begs the question: Do you think that this Cobra is a more realistic proposition, or is it too rich for your blood?
Good write-up Adam. I enjoyed how you did the compare/contrast between the two Teal Cobras. Like you, I would be glad to own…. either one.
Thank you so much for that, Bob_in_TN. The fact that two identical cars appeared within a week provided the ideal opportunity for comparison. I really would love to own either, but apart from budgetary considerations, I would have to work out how to break the news to my wife. I pushed my luck with my old race car, so I believe it would be wise not to do it again.
Until I read the write-up, I thought it was the same car!
Not a Ford guy here but it is clean right done to the motorcraft battery.
“Whatever the consumer is willing to pay.” A nice clean SVT Cobra. That will still have its lunch eaten by a 12 year old Mustang GT, for less than half the price.
One appreciates, the other depreciates.
I have to agree with Big C. Do we buy our cars to drive, or to invest? I invest in boring mutual funds, but I drive great cars that I can afford that will not adversley hinder my other needs in life. I am pleased that you can buy a great Stang for reasonable money. I wish the investor class would get out of the hobby and move onto something else…… anything else!
All Mustangs depreciate to varying degrees but at some point the needle starts to move the other way and they being to appreciate. Nice Fox bodies use to be a dime a dozen and were overpriced but now nice ones are bringing respectable money and we’re starting to see the same thing with clean unmolested New Edges.
That could likely be said about nearly every make and model when compared to a something similar with 30 years of additional development.
Steve R
I always look for Steve’s comments. He always keeps it real.
I think a more realistic comparison is what else 60K can buy, You can certainly buy a brand new Mustang that will outrun this, or you could buy a classic that the SVT will kill in a race.
It really boils down to personal choice. There may be someone out there that has been waiting for this exact car to come up and could give a lick what else could beat it.
B/F does it again features a car not even on my Radar, and now I want one!
My ’94 SVT Cobra seems boring by comparison. But it has enough miles and imperfections that I don’t worry about driving it.
Great color and with Sheby legacy, it is sure to draw interest. But I have never cared much for this era Mustang.
Being retired, and broke, I can afford to be picky.
I well know that feeling.
I think that this would be a nice ride for someone who cherishes the Fox body Mustangs. If you are looking for an investment, maybe not. You can buy a lot of newer performance cars that will easily leave one of these in it’s dust, for a lot less money. Those newer better performing cars will also appreciate in value. I feel the seller has used up the investment value on this one.
I remember in 2015 I was looking for a teal “93 Cobra or a black on black clean notchback. I ended up buying a 1991 black on black notch only because that car came up first. I still have the car today. Sometimes I think about that Cobra that got away. What a beautiful side shot photo. Great write up.
I guess its a toss up.2 and 1/2 years ago my son paid 50k for a 2014 Shelby GT 500 conv.the last year for the 662 hp, 6-speed manual,all original down to the tires.Only 7,500 miles.It was on a showroom floor at a Ford dealer .