99.99% of the time, people buy cars to just drive 'em. Virtually all new cars eventually become daily drivers, very few are cherished weekend toys. Once in a blue moon, a car is purchased for different, personal or special reasons.
2,202 Original Miles:
1996 Ford Mustang Cobra
SVT 5-Speed Convertible!
Please wait a few moments while our high-resolution photos load.
Mouse Over the Photos to Enlarge.
Some of these special cars are pure show cars, others are rolling investments. The 1996 Ford Mustang Cobra SVT Convertible proudly shown here ticks both boxes.
Sold new right here in sunny Southern California on May 24, 1996 at Lee Webb's Ford of Garden Grove to an elderly Gentleman from Yorba Linda, Calif., this SVT Cobra is #1318 out of 2510 produced for the model year. It has remained in the Golden State every since.
The original owner enjoyed owning the best of the best of one of the rarest Mustangs on the planet. Comsidering it his pride and joy, he kept the car in a climate-controlled underground garage and only used it once in a while to travel a few miles to the Huntington Beach "Donut Derelicts" event, to keep the juices flowing. When he suddenly passed on in 2017 after 22 years of ownership, the pristine 'Stang became part of his estate. The heirs didn't share the passion of owning a car whose sole purpose was to show it, so eventually it was offered for sale and we got lucky by being in the right place at the right time.
The customized Show Card, which is part of this sale, reveals how rare and special this particular car is.
Every factory book, manual, brochure, and letter available accompanies this car.
We've recently splurged for a Deluxe Marti Report, which decodes the door tag and notes that this car was one of 962 manufactured with the E9 paint code.
The window sticker lists initial delivery to Lee Webb's Ford of Garden Grove, California, colors and equipment, and a total MSRP of $29,540. SVT certificate is included, too.
Let's take a closer look at the car now.
The heart of a Cobra! Inside the show-ready engine bay rests the numbers matching 4.6-liter DOHC V8.
The motor features dual overhead camshafts and variable intake runners. It is factory rated at 305hp and 300 lb/ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. This high-tech engine enjoys a stellar reputation and is truly a masterpiece of FORD engineering prowess.
Ford advertised a 0 to 60 time of 5.9 seconds and high-13 second quarter mile times for the '96 SVT Mustang. Drivetrain is completely stock and unmodified. We performed a smog check, fluid change and A/C service in preparation for the sale.
Details from the engine bay confirm the car's ultra-low mileage. Everything is showroom fresh.
The SVT has a power convertible top, which works flawlessly. It is 100% original, has never been wet, and when in the lowered position, it's protected by the factory tonneau cover.
Every nook and cranny passes inspection with flying colors. There is no wear, no dirt, no aging process to note.
The car's exterior is finished in the highly desirable Laser Red (E9) color. Paint finish is 100% factory original with no discernible wear or damage present.
Special, taller SVT hood is equipped with twin air intakes. Dual exhaust outlets, revised bumpers, side skirts, tail lights, and a rear spoiler were added by the factory. Additional equipment includes front fog lights, tinted glass, power door locks, windows and mirrors.
Cobra-specific 17-inch cast aluminum wheels with charcoal inserts wear ZR-rated B.F. Goodrich Comp T/A tires in the size 245/45-17. The rims show no signs of ever having been "curbed" and look like they were manufactured yesterday, not 25 years ago. Amazing!
The handling suspension features variable-rate springs and gas-pressurized dampers, aa well as ABS-enhanced 4-wheel disc brakes.
Inside, the leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer and an 8,000rpm tachometer, as well as a full set of analog gauges for fuel level, battery voltage, oil pressure, and coolant temperature.
The six-digit odometer indicates 2,201 miles, the original and total mileage this car has traveled in the past 25 years, supported and guaranteed - of course - by a clean and clear CARFAX report!
The cabin features bucket seats with power-adjustable lumbar support that are trimmed in supple Saddle leather, along with matching carpeting as well as two-tone dashboard and door panels.
Additional amenities include cruise control, air conditioning, all the usual power accessories, and the Preferred Equipment Package with an anti-theft system, Mach 460 sound system, and AM/FM stereo with CD player.
All the lights work, of course. Quite obviously, there are no rock chips, dings, dents or rust bubbles to note.
Trunk has never been used, except to store a soft, custom-fitted car cover, which will be included in this sale.
Just as pristinely preserved as the remainder of the car, the trunk will pass muster with the most critical and observant car show judge.
Power is sent to the rear wheels through a five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip Traction Lok differential with a 3.27:1 ratio.
Undercarriage looks mind-blowing!
As incredible as it sounds, we are convinced that this car has never been driven while the roads were wet. Even the small, neon-green paper labels are still intact, attached to the rocker panels!
More details from the undercarriage. Words simply can't describe the level of cleanliness.
A 25-year-old, virginal beauty!
Another highlight: open the door and you'll still be greeted by the proverbial new car smell. How this is possible after 25 years, we don't know, but we guarantee that it's true!
Naturally, the car starts, runs, drives, and handles extremely well, just like a brand new Cobra.
The SVT Cobra is one seriously fast convertible. We can't imagine wanting for more power on public roads.
Here is a fully equipped, limited edition, museum-quality car that comes with full factory documentation to boost. Ideally, it should go into a muscle car collection or be owned by a Sunday-driver-type enthusiast, to retain its incredible state of preservation.
Please, make sure to check out the driving video below.
Thank you for your interest. Feel free to contact us anytime to make an appointment to view this amazing collector automobile.
Link to video on YouTube
Addendum:
We sold this Ford Mustang in September of 2021 to Northern California.
Back to Californiaclassix' Hall of Fame or Home.