Big fastbacks from the 1960s tend to be stylistically polarizing; for example, look at opinions on the AMC Marlin and the first-generation Dodge Charger and tell me that their appeal is universal. On the other hand, the intermediate Ford Fairlane, Torino, and Cobra SportsRoofs of the 1968-69 era seem to escape the criticism that the Marlin and the Charger are forced to endure. With that being said, I think that the Cobra in particular is undervalued as a prime muscle car. This Gulfstream Aqua example brought to us by Barn Finds reader Curvette fits into an unenviable niche in collector cars; it’s way too rough to be a driver, but it’s too nice to sell for peanuts. It’s on eBay in Oxford, North Carolina for your perusal; the top bid is currently $10,000, but the “Buy It Now” price is getting up there at $25,000.
One of a couple reasons why this Cobra isn’t a “get it back on the road” project is this: a tree fell on the car and damaged the quarter, roof, and rear glass. The seller says that it’s an “easy fix for a seasoned body man,” but it’s still not going to just buff out.
And there are some question marks under the hood, too. The engine is an R-Code 428 Cobra Jet Ram air, which is verified by a Marti Report, but although it runs, it has low oil pressure. The CJ is backed by a C6 automatic and a 3.50:1-geared open differential in the 9″ rear. The seller says that the car is complete except for the heat shield, s-tube, and original carburetor (which is probably somewhat tough to find and expensive for those going the concours restoration route).
The interior is in presentable shape; the black vinyl buckets are factory original and the Cobra came with a tachometer, not always a given on cars equipped with automatics.
Being an original North Carolina car, the car is in better structural shape that it would be if it had come from many other states, but it’s going to need some rust repair, including lower quarter/trunk floor “drops,” passenger front inner apron and battery box, and passenger side torque box. The seller includes some pictures of the bad parts, which are not that bad if you’ve ever seen a truly rusty Ford.
So, we have a valuable (but still somewhat undervalued compared to its GM and Mopar contemporaries) Ford muscle car that needs a restoration that will probably cost as much as the initial purchase price (or more). On the other hand, you might get out of a restored Cobra what you put in, and if you’re restoring it for the love of a big Ford fastback with some NASCAR heritage, all the better.
Stomp the go pedal on the highway and pass anything with ease ✨️ Factory tachometer option was a welcome add-on. Always nice to know what the motor is doing.
Everything but a gas station.
Good analysis Aaron. Overall I like these Cobras, but I wouldn’t call them a favorite. I don’t think they are polarizing; I’d say they occupy a middle position in the world of muscle cars, for desirability and price.
That said, the lead photo looks pretty good (even with the pedestrian whitewalls and dog dishes). As does the interior. I do like the color. But the rest of the photos show plenty of needs…. rust underneath, and too bad about the tree. I hope it gets restored.
My uncle has a white one with red interior that he bought brand new when he made it back from Vietnam. 390 and a 4-speed. I think he got it for $3000 even. It was the first brand new car bought by any member of the large, blue collar family. I pray that I’m the one that ends up with it when the inevitable occurs as he’s got three kids that live far away and have little interest.
My sister had a 67 Fairlane fastback like this. But I was under the impression that for 68 on these were re-badged as a Torino. This particular example would be a Torino Cobra-Jet. Or Torino GT Cobra-Jet. Or the Torino Talladega if it had the slope nose (and a 429…).
Talladegas had a 428 CJ not a 429 which didn’t show up until 70 .
big money car when done but will take big money to get it there. looks complete and a good candidate to redo
I’m really diggin the white walls and dog dish wheels.
Get it running & road worthy and drive it! But not at that price. Probably worth it being a ‘cobra’ but not for me. Classic ford rust though seems salvageable and if you can do it yourself you are ahead of the game. The tree work doesn’t help. Motor needs rebuild too, a top end at the least. And an automatic, ugh. Not seeing any money being made in the long run on a restoration. That first bid would be a good buy-in for me, but I like the coupes better.
could be nice
Wasn’t the sports roof the sedan?