By the 1990s, Ford was determined to demonstrate to the world it had rediscovered its performance credentials. The Fox-body Mustang sold in significant numbers, but the company craved more. Therefore, it handed 4,993 Mustangs to its Special Vehicle Team (SVT) for transformation into the Cobra variant. Available in a unique selection of colors, it offered performance buyers hadn’t experienced from a Mustang since the early 1970s. This Cobra presents superbly and needs nothing but a new home. It would suit a meticulous owner envisaging a life of shows and Cars & Coffee appearances. It is listed here on eBay in Pasco, Washington. Bidding currently sits below the reserve at $30,000.

Ford produced the SVT Cobra in three paint shades, although it is possible to argue that the figure was four due to the inclusion of two versions of Vibrant Red. My favorite is the Teal that graces this car’s panels, which 1,355 buyers selected. The paint on this car presents in as-new condition, supporting the seller’s claim that this is a show-quality vehicle. There are no marks or blemishes, with the same being true of the panels. It looks like the car spends its life in this dry garage when it isn’t prowling our roads, making the lack of visible corrosion or rust unsurprising. The photos aren’t as detailed as I’d like, but they show no evidence of physical damage to the aerodynamic additions. The front bumper and spoiler are prone to stone chips, and if this area is clean, that is a bonus. The original 17″ alloy wheels are spotless, and there are no visible glass issues.

Of the 1,355 buyers who selected Teal paint, 802 teamed this with Opal Gray leather interior trim. As with the exterior, there is little to criticize inside this Ford. If I were to mark it harshly, I noticed that the door pockets have begun sagging slightly. This is a common issue, but it is easily rectified to return them to their original appearance. The leather has the character creases we expect in a material of this type, but otherwise, it appears faultless. There is no evidence of abuse, plastic cracking, or any other problems that can afflict cars from the 1990s. The new owner will slip behind the wheel of a vehicle that features air conditioning, power windows, power locks, a power driver’s seat, power mirrors, and a leather-wrapped wheel.

You need to dig below the surface to expose what sets a ’93 SVT Cobra apart from mere mortals. It features the company’s fuel-injected 5.0-liter V8, bolted to a five-speed manual transmission. SVT weaved its brand of magic over the engine, adding a host of performance parts that included GT40 cylinder heads, a unique roller camshaft, an improved intake, and a host of more minor upgrades. These changes pushed power to an “official” 230hp, although many believe the figure was probably higher. The company didn’t limit the enhancements to the engine, adding a Traction-Lok rear end, Tokico shocks, and upgraded springs. The difference these upgrades made became apparent when the stopwatch clicked. A regular 1993 Mustang GT could cover the ¼-mile in 15.4 seconds before winding its way to a claimed 137mph. The SVT Cobra improved those figures to 14.5 seconds and a claimed 150mph. The top speed figure was a moot point because not only was it illegal to test the claim on public roads, but contemporary road tests revealed that aerodynamic drag saw the Cobra fall a couple of mph short of the official figure. Still, it was a fast production car by most standards. The seller doesn’t supply specific information on how this classic runs or drives, but the visual indications are positive. They are approachable and should be willing to answer any questions on the subject.

For potential buyers, this 1993 Mustang SVT Cobra ticks the more important boxes for those seeking a genuine classic. It is original and unmolested, and its overall condition is almost impossible to fault. It is a relatively rare beast, and values continue climbing at an extraordinary rate. I don’t believe the current bid is close to the reserve, and it will probably need to head to around $50,000 before that happens. It means that these classics are moving beyond the reach of the average enthusiast, so if you have the available funds and wish to park one in your garage, now could be the time to act before it’s too late.