1996 Ford Mustang

1996 Ford Mustang Cobra Convertible

Instead of mixing the thoroughbred Cobra V8 among lesser engines at the Romeo, Michigan manufacturing plant, Ford had chosen to assemble the DOHC power plant off-line using a dozen two-member teams. Each team will build one engine start to finish and sign off their creation before sending it on its way. This personalized touch also happens to be a longstanding tradition at Aston Martin, the most exotic nameplate owned by the Ford Motor Company. Now, with true craftsmanship and 305 horsepower snorting under the muscle-Mustang\'s hood, America\'s original pony car enjoys world-class bragging rights.

The midpoint of this iteration of the venerable Mustang and now for consignment, a 1996 Mustang Cobra Convertible with a fresh repaint, interior redo and some upgraded wheels. Well kept, but all the while this car has been driven and enjoyed, so it was no surprise when the consignor came to us with a smile on his face, and regret in his heart, but someone\'s loss is another\'s gain. In other words, this car could have your name on it!

Exterior
A respray of black covers the body panels hood and trunk lid. It is in nice condition, with no rust showing, but does present with a few dings and scratches. Body matching bumpers have inset lights and curved openings to allow airflow to the engine. The rockers have flairs and just in front of the rear wheel well is a small air duct now replacing the hockey stick cove of yore. On the rear is an integrated bumper with COBRA badge and the famous three taillights which have remained since the dawn of the Mustang in 1965. A small spoiler swoops mildly upward and below we see chromed tips peeking out from the bottom. A newer saddle convertible top with a clear glass rear window remains nice and tight above. Shiny polished chrome 17-inch Bullitt wheels right out the Ford Racing catalog are on all 4 corners.

Interior
Utilizing sweeping eyebrow like curves for the dash which plunges with nose like structure into the center console and creates a sweeping look to the interior. Original Cobra gauges steering wheel and shift lever reside here, all very clean and neat. Saddle leather buckets, which have been recovered, show no aging and just a few slight wrinkles in front and a snug 2 plus 2 rear bench, also in leather, resides in the rear. Racing toward the dash between the plush buckets is a saddle tan plastic console complete with cup holders, the power top switch and a white knobbed shifter. This console melts into the waterfall design of black that tops the dash and in this area resides the heater/AC knobs and factory Mach 460 AM/FM/Cassette/CD player. Saddle carpet floods the floors and is protected by black Cobra embroidered floor mats.

Drivetrain
SVT Mustang Cobras are for the first time equipped with Ford\'s 4.6-liter modular V8 engine. The Cobra\'s 4.6-liter dual overhead cam, (DOHC), V8 produces 305 horsepower. This mill has EFI, and a 5-speed manual T45 transmission by Tremec bolted to the back. The Ford 8.8-inch rear with 3.27 gears is equipped with TracLoc.

Undercarriage
Mere surface rust on the usual suspects down below along with silvery floor pans and a solid unibody system. Independent coil springs on front and a 4 link with coil spring rear suspension provide that glued to the track ride and power disc brakes are all around. Dual exhaust snakes down from the engine and heads rearward through a pair of Flowmaster mufflers then ends with polished tips just under the rear bumper.

Drive-Ability
With a twist of the key it started right up, and we were off. My test driver drove, and we were able to break it loose in second gear, so there is plenty of power. The car rides nicely and handles decently. All was operational on our drive and it was fun to stretch this snake\'s legs.

All nicely done, this Cobra has been honed from a Mustang right from the factory and is ready to slither into your heart and garage. It sports the Cobra engine, Cobra badging, a new saddle top and recovered interior, and all remains well with this car.

VIN DECODE
1FALP46V6TF195029
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
L-Manual Belts, Front Airbags
P46-Mustang Cobra Convertible
V-4.6 Liter DOHC V8 305hp
6-Check Digit
T-1996
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
195029-Sequential Unit Number

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