When you see a no reserve auction, it’s super tempting to daydream about the potential for landing the bargain of a lifetime. With a few exceptions, it doesn’t seem to happen that often – the market still pushes good cars to higher prices regardless of whether there’s a reserve safety net. This 1993 Ford Mustang Cobra is a car that has been selling for reliably strong numbers over the last year, and this no reserve listing here on eBay is over $20,000 for a car that supposedly needs a paint job.
It’s hard to see the imperfections from afar, and this Cobra reminds me of my 1995 Audi S6 Avant: it, too, is black and presents very well under certain lighting conditions. However, when you get up close to it, you see the unfortunate effects of years of being parked outdoors in an area known for plenty of sun and moisture exposure. Regardless, you could still happily drive this Cobra with its current paint job and likely feel very little shame for doing so.
The Cobra is a driver, but mileage is low at just 44,200. Now, that being said, the Cobra seems a touch more tired than other cars with similar mileage. The gray leather has some age to it, and combined with the paint issues, the next owner might feel like they’re grappling with a variety of cosmetic challenges to sort out that go beyond the exterior. Still, these are easily remedied with upholstery kits and a proper detailing, which the cockpit clearly needs. The good news is the seller has clearly prioritized mechanical repairs and improvements, with a long list of recent fixes.
From new window regulators to an upgraded engine computer to Bilstein shocks, the Cobra has been thoroughly refreshed in all aspects. The suspension has clearly received the most attention, but there’s also an upgraded exhaust currently installed and 4.10 gears. There’s also a Dakota digital dash and revamped audio system, too. Overall, this Cobra looks like a very fun driver with lots of heavy lifting already done – and all of it offered with the temptation of no reserve.
A Ford stroker 331 puts out 420 or more. And 4:10 gears you really be hauling the mail! Yes this is a driver’s car. But it can get you in trouble real fast if you don’t know what you’re doing! I would love to own this… but at my age I would have a hard time getting in and out of it! 😂I noticed the trunk lock looks busted.. I would just leave things alone including the paint. Just drive and enjoy it. Winter will be here before we know it. Then it could be a good winter project for paint. Good luck to the next owner.
4.10 gears ⚙️ deliver the mail bear 🐻
Jeff, how did you miss the engine upgrade? That, and not the suspension, is the big modification/upgrade. This car is putting down some power.
This is the kind of car I like, this one is meant to be driven, and driven with some enthusiasm. The question is, how much do these modifications ding vale over a stock example, as those are the ones bringing big bucks. I reckon the paint will be the biggest ding in the end.
This isn’t a garden variety LX 5.0 or even a almost as plentiful GT, but a limited production, one year only Fox body Cobra. This is not a vehicle I recommend doing a non-original engine swap on. Find a tired LX 5.0 that Ford produced by the hundreds of thousands, not on a limited production collectible like this. The last thing a prospective buyer wants to see is some homegrown engine swap with little to no documentation (hose diagrams on a napkin?) and a transplant that looks like it was done with a chainsaw and bandaids.
I agree with other posters. These Cobras in low mileage, original condition bring mega bucks. So what we have here is one which needs paint (it’s 30 years old, so if it hasn’t had good care that’s not unexpected), and which has had extensive upgrades and modifications. It’s hard for the “go fast” crowd to realize, but all these mods probably did nothing for the value, it probably diminished it. That said, for someone who wants to go hard and fast and doesn’t care about looks, it would be desirable.
Nice engine upgrade, but unfortunately brings the value down on a limited production car like this.
All the Orange Peel on the trunk looks like it’s already been painted at least once. As far as all the mods. Just Proves That It’s NOT A Trailer Queen. She was driven like she was made to be. Never understood having a car JUST TO LOOK AT IT. Drive It Like You Stole It.
I’d guess it’s 144k… just by looking at everything, unless it was beat it’s whole life
I agree, 144k is much more believable. I had a ’93 Cobra that I daily drove for 10 years and racked up 100k miles over that time, and it looked MUCH cleaner than this car!