1998 Ford Mustang Cobra Convertible
In the never ending and often comical rivalry between Chevy and Ford devotees, Mustangs get a bad rap and are often ascribed the name "Mustank," "Rustang" or "Moosewang". In the hierarchy of Mustangs however, Cobras are buffered by their association with one the most legendary names in the automotive world, Carroll Shelby. Add a convertible top and a 5-speed manual, and you're practically immune from mocking. At least from those in the know.
For consignment, a 1998 Cobra with a titled verified 38,209 actual miles. It's obvious that this car has never been someone's daily driver and instead set aside for good times. A few modifications to the car but otherwise mostly stock, with new brakes and rotors fore and aft, new shocks and struts, and clean with fresh fluids, ready to impress Chevy people everywhere. The car will come with the original build sheet and SVT documentation and is 1 of 343 assembled in Laser Red. Oh and as an added bonus, our consignor had the car Pennsylvania safety and emissions inspected in February of this year.
Exterior
Laser Red Metallic blankets the Cobra and we had a hard time finding any imperfections in the paint, proof that this car has been pampered. Per the consignor, this is one of 343 made in 1998 with the exterior color mated with the black leather interior. The round fog lights and coiled cobra in the grille let you know you have a snake on your back. The hood has two gaping intake scoops, menacing and open like the pits of a pit viper. The front fenders feature the Cobra emblem as well and the rear quarter panels have aggressive faux vents in front of the rear tires. 17-inch Cobra five-spoke wheels provide plenty of ventilation for the brakes and a Saleen rear spoiler adds a few degrees of coolness. For the purists out there, original spoiler comes with the car as well. The embossed Cobra text on the rear valance has been painted white to let the Chevy guys know what just passed them. The black canvas top and rear glass window are in excellent condition.
Interior
Standard GT door panels start the Vader-esque interior. Designed simply with black molded plastic they contain minimal buttons and speakers sculpted into the door card. We turn to the front bucket seats, wrapped in black leather with decent bolstering and padding and some tuck and roll on the inserts. The driver's seat shows a bit of softening of the seat bolster, which of course is the point of entry and exit. The passenger seat and rear seats are firm and nearly flawless. Cobra is embossed on the leather wrapped steering wheel airbag center which has thumb buttons for cruise control. The symmetrical gauge cluster has white faced gauges with orange needles. The center stack is containing basic climate control knobs, an AM/FM/Cassette radio and CD player. The stock shifter is wrapped in a black leather shift boot but is enhanced with Steeda stainless steel shifter bushings. The low pile black carpet, protected by carpeted floor mats, is in great shape as is the trunk lined in gray flannel like material.
Drivetrain
Ford's venerable 4.6 liter DOHC 32 valve V8 hides under the aggressive hood and is rated at 305 horsepower. It has electronic fuel ignition and is tied to a Tremec T45 5-speed manual transmission. The power terminates at the Ford 8.8-inch rear and 3.27 gears with TracLoc. The power disc brakes, both front and rear, have been replaced in the last 100 miles according to the consignor and include slotted rotors. During that period, every fluid that could be changed was.
Undercarriage
Super, super clean underneath which features some new exhaust components from FlowMaster including the mufflers. The exhaust ends with chrome tips angle cut at the end. New Koni adjustable struts are found up front along with coil springs while new Koni adjustable shocks accompany 4-link and coil springs in the back. The underside is dry and clean and has typical light surface rust on uncoated steel pieces such as the driveshaft. No foul there.
Drive-Ability
We've lost count on the number of Mustangs we've had the honor of representing here at Classic Auto Mall, but that doesn't dampen the excitement of having an SVT Cobra in house. Despite its vintage, this car is young in miles and a quick trip around our loop demonstrated that it runs well, feels tight, and stops on a dime. The exhaust note is fantastic if not a bit subdued. This is a toss able and nimble car with plenty of giddy up and grunt. We note that the A/C was blowing warm, but again who really cares when you can drop the top at a flick of a switch.
When the dust settles between Chevy and Ford, one thing will be clear. SVT Cobras have always been cool and always will be. They are Mustangs on steroids with only tasteful exterior hints of what lurks between the strut towers. This is a very fine example with some accoutrements from legendary tuners Steeda and Saleen and is ready for a new, loving home.
1FAFP46V2WF177032
1-USA
F-Ford Motor Company
A-Passenger Car
F-Front Airbags, Manual Belts
P46-Mustang Cobra Coupe
V-4.6 Liter DOHC 305hp V8
2-Check Digit
W-1998
F-Dearborn, MI Assy Plant
177032-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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