Finding any solid SVT Cobra for bargain money is getting harder every year, and this 1999 Mustang Cobra convertible that just popped up on craiglist in Charlotte checks a lot of the right boxes for the right buyer. Priced at $3,500, this is a genuine SVT-badged Cobra being sold by a family member, not a flipper, and the history shared in the listing gives it a personal backstory that matters.
According to the seller, this Cobra has been in their family for a long time and spent most of its life as a Maryland car before being moved to North Carolina a few years ago. After the move, it was driven a couple of times and then parked. It’s now been sitting for roughly three years, which means it isn’t currently being used as a daily driver. Before it was parked, however, the Mustang reportedly ran and drove fine.
Power comes from the factory 4.6L DOHC V8, paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, which places this squarely in the first-year SN95 Cobra category. The seller states it still has all the original SVT features from the factory, though they admit they don’t know a great deal about these specific cars. Even so, it’s clearly being presented honestly as a Cobra that simply hasn’t been driven recently.
The overall condition is described as good for its age, with both the interior and exterior noted as being decent with normal wear you’d expect from a car that’s seen use over the years. Since it’s been sitting, the seller is upfront that it will need basic recommissioning—things like a battery, fresh fluids, and a general inspection before it’s ready to be driven again. That’s all very typical for a car that’s been parked for a few years.
From a value standpoint alone, a real SN95 Cobra convertible with a manual transmission at this price point is rarely seen anymore, especially one that hasn’t been wrecked, parted out, or heavily modified according to the listing. For someone familiar with modular Cobras, this could be a very approachable project with strong upside potential. For someone wanting to get into the SVT world without spending big money upfront, it’s an appealing entry point.
The seller is letting it go simply due to lack of time and space, not because of any known mechanical failure. That alone tends to separate genuine opportunity listings from problem cars people are trying to dump.
With values on clean, original Cobras continuing to climb, this parked family-owned 1999 SVT Cobra convertible could be one of those rare chances where the next owner gets in before the market does.
Would you revive this parked Cobra as a driver—or keep it stock and preserve it as a future collectible?
The SVT Cobras are interesting, well-executed, desirable cars. This one obviously is filthy and neglected. The photography isn’t great, but maybe underneath it isn’t bad. Perhaps that is why, given the minimal asking price, the ad is already gone. I’m guessing someone quickly swooped in and snatched it. If I’m not mistaken it has the cool 2003 model 10th Anniversary wheels (or repros?).
Someone absolutely agreed with you, Elizabeth. It’s already gone. If it’s really as it appears the buyer got an incredible bargain here!
If rodents 🐁 🪤 🐀 didn’t get to the interior, I agree w you guys, worth a flier for $3500 💁♂️
It’s outside in the weather it has rodents in it for sure
Only low mileage SVT Cobra’s of this particular generation are getting the money. It took me almost two years to sell my practically mint ’99 convertible, with 98k on it. I barely broke even. That said, if the rats didn’t chew up the electricals in this one? Someone got a good deal.
Sorry Folks, The ad has been deleted on CL. A clear sign it’s been sold. Call U-Haul and cancel that trailer reservation, I did.
That was a decent price for the caliper of car that they are. I have a 97 SVT Cobra coupe dressed in the Pacific Green exterior and Saddle colored leather interior. Has 66K original and in well above average condition. I plan on keeping as long as the health holds up.
That’s a crying shame. Hopefully the new owner will show it some love.
This seems like a cheap price and they just wanted it gone fast. After sitting for about three years and why it was parked. It will probably need a battery, tires and a fuel pump and a fuel clean out to start. i have seen this type of deal before. Cleaning it up is another project.