Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

1993

The 1993 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra was launched during the 1992 Chicago Auto Show. It was the premier vehicle of Ford's newly established SVT division, designed to showcase SVT's four hallmarks of Performance, Substance, Exclusivity and Value. The exterior of the 1993 SVT Cobra does not represent a radical departure from the year's GT model: However, there are subtle differences, as explained below.

The true redesign and upgrade occurred beneath the bodywork: The powertrain was driven by a 302 CID V8 (5.0L) motor, producing 235 hp (175 kW) and 280 ft·lbs (380 N·m) of torque. According to Road & Track, this could send a Cobra through the 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds at a trap speed of 98 mph (158 km/h). Acceleration from zero to 60 mph (97 km/h) took 5.9 seconds. The drivetrain received an upgraded transmission, rear disc brakes, and for the first time on a factory Mustang, 17" unidirectional wheels. The suspension was not neglected, either: Cobra models received a softer, more compliant ride compared to the GT model. This was accomplished with model-specific springs and sway bars.

Engine

The 1993 SVT Cobra's short block (cylinder block, crankshaft, rods, and pistons) was carried over from the GT model. To this, Ford SVT engineers added the following performance items:

Drivetrain

With the increased engine output of the new Mustang SVT Cobra, the Borg-Warner World Class T-5 transmission needed an internal upgrade, which allowed it to yield a higher torque capacity compared to the standard World Class T-5. This upgrade consisted of custom gearing 1–3 (which were reduced 10% and hardened), 4th/5th (just hardened) gear was the same as standard T-5s found in the LX/GTs. The holding capacity of the Cobra's clutch was increased by way of a higher clamping force pressure plate using the same 10 inch diameter as the GT/LX.

Suspension

Exterior Styling

The Cobra featured a more subdued styling than the GT.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1993 Cobra was available in four exterior paint choices, as shown in the table below. Interior color choices were Opal Gray cloth, Black cloth, and Opal Gray leather.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the engine code (in bold) is the only unique code that differentiates the SVT Cobra from other Mustangs for the 1993 model year. Notice that the SVT Cobra and Mustang GT hatchback shared the same code for the body style/model number. Also, the street-spec Cobra and the race-ready Cobra R shared the same codes for body style, model number, and engine.

1993 Cobra R

The 1993 Cobra R was the first of three Cobra R models produced, and it was an extremely exclusive vehicle. As the "R" designation in its name stood for "Race", the car did not have a radio, speakers, wiring and antenna, air conditioner, foglights, sound deadener, rear seat, rear safety belts, rear carpeting, and roll-up cargo cover, among other items. There were no power options; the car had power steering, roll-up windows, manual door locks, and manual-adjustable mirrors. Also, manually-adjustable Opal Gray cloth bucket seats from the Mustang LX were lighter than the GT/Cobra sport seats, and a piece of thin gray carpeting secured by Velcro covered the bare hatch and rear seat area. The deletion of all this equipment shed some 450 pounds, but it was somewhat offset by the necessary addition of heavy-duty hardware to enable the car to handle the rigors of competition.

To stiffen the chassis, a strut tower brace was installed to tie the cowl together, and a pair of V-braces (used on all 1983–1993 Mustang convertibles) attached in an X-pattern tied the subframes together. The Cobra R featured Eibach springs that were a bit too stiff for the street, but perfect on a racetrack. The Cobra R also benefitted from the adjustable Koni shocks and struts, helping to cement the car's reputation as a serious driving machine.

The car also featured massive 13" Kelsey-Hayes vented rotors in front and 10.5" vented rotors in back. According to Neil W. Ressler, the executive director of vehicle engineering for Ford Motor Company at the time and one of the founding fathers of SVT, the 1993 Cobra R's brakes "were the most expensive brakes ever fitted to a [production] Mustang. I bought the brakes for the R model out of my engineering budget. I wanted big brakes, and we didn't have them. The program couldn't afford it. Unbeknownst to the higher-ups at Ford, I spent like $2,100 per car to buy those big brakes. But the last thing I wanted was a fast car that didn't stop. We ended up putting good brakes on all those [Cobra R] vehicles."

The same 5.0L V8 from the street-spec Cobra was used in the race-ready Cobra R. However, the radiator was unique to the Cobra R, and a purge tank was installed for improved cooling. A power steering cooler (located behind the left foglight bezel) and an engine oil cooler were standard.

The Cobra R wheels were actually the optional 17" x 8" five-lug wheels from the soon-to-be-released 1994 Mustang GT, but they were painted gloss black with a chrome lug cover. The wheels were wrapped with Goodyear Gatorbacks, which were the standard Cobra tires. To give the car better front-end geometry, lower control arms from the 1994 Mustang were fitted.

Contrary to SVT's stated wishes, many of these Cobra R models were purchased by private collectors and never actually driven, but several competed successfully in the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) Firestone Grand Sport Series and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) World Challenge Class B Series. Of the three Cobra R models produced, the 1993 model had the benefit of being the lightest and the smallest.

Only 107 of these Cobra R models were produced, and all were painted in Vibrant Red Clearcoat. According to Ford's official announcement on April 7, 1993, the Cobra R was produced to take the Fox-bodied Mustang out in grand style, a "best of the last" model. According to SVT, each one could go 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and do a top speed of 140 mph. With the 1993 SVT Cobra, the 1993 SVT Cobra R, and the 1993 SVT F-150 Lightning combined for a freshman effort, Ford's Special Vehicle Team appeared to be off to a good start in producing some of the most instantly collectible Fords from this time period.

1994

Ford introduced the newly-redesigned 1994 Mustang in December 1993. It was the first major redesign since the Fox-bodied Mustang bowed for 1979. Known as Fox-4 (because it was based on the Fox platform as a 1994 model), the new 1994 Mustang was a vast improvement over the outgoing 1993 model. The new car's ride, handling, styling, ergonomics, and standard and optional equipment were all a major step forward from the previous model. As nice as the new 1994 Mustang was, it still left Ford enthusiasts yearning for more power. The Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 and Pontiac Firebird Formula and Trans Am, all redesigned for 1993, came standard with 275 hp (205 kW). The 1994 Mustang GT engine only put out 215 hp (160 kW). Thus, a new SVT Cobra model was needed to bridge that performance gap.

The 1994 Cobra was introduced midway through the model year with the same beefed-up engine from the 1993 Cobra. With its GT-40 cast-iron heads and lower intake and its Cobra-specific upper intake, power increased incrementally to 240 hp (180 kW). However, the actual output of the Cobra's GT-40 enhanced engine was probably higher. Ford claimed a modest 6.3 seconds to hit 60 mph and a top speed of 140 mph. Muscle Mustangs & Fast Fords magazine tested a 1994 Cobra coupe and ran 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the quarter mile in 13.87 seconds at 99.49 mph.

Initially, the 1994 SVT Cobra was only available as a coupe, but the first factory-produced SVT Cobra convertible was the 1994 Indy 500 Pace Car Replica. On the same day that the new 1994 Cobra coupe was launched, SVT announced that it would be building a Cobra convertible (the first factory-produced "Cobra" convertible since the 1970 Shelby models) and that this new convertible had been selected to pace the 1994 Indianapolis 500 (see the next section). The new Cobra convertible, or Indy 500 Pace Car Replica, was made available later in the 1994 model year.

SVT Cobra versus Mustang GT

If the 1993 Cobra and Cobra R laid the groundwork for super performance, then the 1994 Cobra began the tradition of offering refinements and subtle touches that made the car stand apart from its lesser Mustang brethren. Every subsequent model year, SVT's hallmarks of performance, substance, exclusivity, and value were met and exceeded, and the 1994 Cobra started this pattern of raising the bar over each previous model year.

According to Jim Campisano's finely-written book Powered by SVT: Celebrating a Decade of Ford Performance, below is a list of items that set the 1994 SVT Cobra apart from the run-of-the-mill 1994 Mustang GT:

Body and Appearance Components

Engine and Chassis

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1994 Cobra was available in three exterior paint colors, as shown in the table below. Interior color choices were Black cloth, Saddle cloth, Black leather, and Saddle leather. On the 1994 Cobra convertible (see the next section about the 1994 Indy 500 Pace Car Replica), the vinyl top was only available in saddle, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular Mustang convertibles.

NOTE: In the table below, paint colors marked with an asterisk (*) were non-clearcoat paints.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the engine code (in bold) is the only unique code that differentiates the SVT Cobra from other Mustangs for the 1994 model year. Notice that the SVT Cobra and Mustang GT shared the same codes for the body style/model number.

1994 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

1994 Indy 500 Pace Car Replica

The Ford Mustang turned 30 years old in 1994 and was met with corporate-sponsored enthusiasm. As a demonstration of this renewed enthusiasm, a trio of SVT Cobra convertibles served as pace cars for the 78th Indianapolis 500 race on May 29, 1994. The three cars were modified by Jack Roush at his shop in Allen Park, Michigan, for heavy-duty pacing on race day. The pace cars were installed with heavy-duty four-speed automatic transmissions, 15-gallon racing fuel cells, heavier rear springs (to accommodate the weight of television camera equipment), a Halon fire-extinguisher system, a rollbar with 50,000-watt strobe lights built in, and special lights in the rear spoiler. Parnelli Jones, a seven-time Indy 500 competitor who won the 1963 race, drove the official pace car at the event.

To commemorate the special occasion, SVT produced 1,000 Indy 500 Pace Car Replicas for the buying public. All 1,000 cars were painted Rio Red and fitted with Saddle leather interiors and matching Saddle vinyl tops. These special editions had the Indy 500 winged-tire logo emblazoned as a chrome cloisonné badge on the decklid and embroidered on the front seatbacks. A set of "Official Pace Car" decals came with each special-edition Cobra. These decals were not installed at the factory; rather, they were shipped inside the trunk and left to the buyer's discretion to install them. There was one very small difference between the decals worn by the three official pace cars and the replicas' decals. The tire logo on the official decals was white, and on the replica decals, it was gray.

The 1994 SVT Mustang Cobra was only the third Ford Mustang chosen for official pace car duties at the Indianapolis 500 race. The other two Mustangs that served as official Indy 500 pace cars were the very first Mustang in 1964 and the newly-redesigned Fox-bodied Mustang in 1979.

1995

The 1995 Cobra was essentially a carryover of the 1994 model. The chrome SVT badge on the decklid was new for all SVT vehicles this year. A new vertical spat was added to the leading edge of each rocker panel extension to prevent rock damage to the lower body.

The Cobra convertible returned this year for a limited production run of 1,003 units, and all were painted Black and fitted with Saddle leather interiors and Black convertible tops. Newly available for the 1995 Cobra convertible was a removable hardtop option. This was a one-year-only option due to its $1,825 price and 90 pounds of additional weight; thus, only 499 of the 1,003 Cobra convertibles built this year had this option. Removing or installing the hardtop was a two-person job, and this hardtop could not easily fit any other Mustang or Cobra convertible from this vintage due to the latching mechanisms of the fiberglass top and the dome light wiring. Included with this option, a convenient carrier that rolled on four casters allowed for easier storage of the hardtop when it was not being used. This hardtop option was originally supposed to be an available option for the all-new 1994 Mustang convertible, but it was delayed due to supply problems and quality-control concerns. This hardtop option was also available on the 1995 Mustang GT convertible.

The biggest news for 1995 was the return of the street-legal, race-ready SVT Cobra R (see the next section).

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1995 Cobra was available in the same three exterior paint colors from 1994, as shown in the table below. Interior color choices were the same as in 1994: Black cloth, Saddle cloth, Black leather, and Saddle leather. On the 1995 Cobra convertible, the vinyl top was only available in black, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular Mustang convertibles.

NOTE: In the table below, paint colors marked with an asterisk (*) were non-clearcoat paints.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the engine codes (in bold) are the only unique codes that differentiate the SVT Cobra from other Mustangs for the 1995 model year. Notice that the SVT Cobra and Mustang GT shared the same codes for the body style/model number.

1995 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

1995 Cobra R

In the wake of the '93 R’s unexpected success, SVT engineers developed a more powerful R-model based on the 1995 Cobra. Top priority became addressing customer requests for a larger, more powerful engine and more fuel capacity. In response to those requests, SVT replaced the Cobra’s 5.0 L V8 with an SVT modified version of Ford’s 5.8 liter Windsor V8, re-engineered to produce 300 horsepower (220 kW) and installed a 22 gallon fuel cell. To handle the torque of the more powerful engine, a Tremec 3550 5-speed manual transmission was installed. See also 5-speed T-5 manual. Again, weight-savings was targeted, so there was no back seat, radio, power windows/seats or air-conditioning—not even fog lights, which were omitted to provide ducts for getting cool air onto the front disk brakes. Heavy-duty progressive-rate springs, thicker stabilizer bars and a front strut tower brace helped improve handling on the racetrack. Only 250 vehicles were built, available only in white with saddle cloth interior, each with a unique center-tiered fiberglass hood tall enough to clear the engine and induction system.

As with the '93R, only owners of a valid racing license were able to obtain one of these cars.

1996

For 1996, Ford finally retired the aging 5.0L V8 in the Mustang GT and SVT Cobra, replacing it with a new aluminum 4.6L DOHC modular unit that was smoother and had slightly better fuel economy. Starting with the 1996 model year, every Cobra engine was hand-assembled by two-person teams at the Ford Romeo Engine Plant in Romeo, Michigan, a practice that continued through the remainder of SVT Cobra production. Each engine had a label (later, a metal plaque on the 2003–2004 Cobra engines) bearing the names and signatures of the two engine builders. The Romeo engine, as it was called, produced 305 hp (227 kW) and 300 lb·ft (410 N·m) of torque, enabling the new Cobra to go 0-60 mph in 5.9 seconds and do the quarter mile in 13.99 seconds at 101.6 mph. However, Car and Driver magazine was able to hit 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.00 seconds at 102 mph during a comparison test in their December 1995 issue. The 1996 Cobra engine redlined at 6,800 rpm, with fuel shut-off occurring at 7,000 rpm.

Ford's modular V8 first debuted in the all-new 1992 Ford Crown Victoria as a single-overhead-cam (SOHC) setup, and then the engine really displayed its power potential with 32 valves, dual overhead cams (DOHC), and 285 hp (213 kW) in the all-new 1993 Lincoln Mark VIII.

The modular engine's aluminum block was cast in Italy by Teksid, a firm that produces parts for Ferrari and Formula One racers. SVT fitted the 1996 Cobra with the Borg Warner T-45 5-speed manual transmission, which was also used in the Mustang GT. (It should be noted that Tremec bought the production rights for the T-45 in late 1998, although the unit remained unchanged in terms of strength.)

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1996 Cobra was available in four exterior paint colors, as shown in the table below. Interior color choices were the same as before: Black cloth, Saddle cloth, Black leather, and Saddle leather. On Cobra convertibles, the vinyl top was available in black, saddle, or white, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular Mustang convertibles.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 1996 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 1996 Mustangs.

1996 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

1996 Mystic Cobra

To promote the technological advances and mechanical achievements of its new modular engine, Ford introduced the Mystic Cobra for 1996, which featured high-tech, color-shifting paint formulated by BASF. Utilizing color-shifting ChromaFlair pigments from Flex Products, the Mystic paint shifted from green to amber to gold to purple depending on the angle and the availability of light. The research and development process for this paint took three years to complete. Only available on the Cobra coupe, the Mystic paint option cost only $815 at the time, and the 1996 Mystic Cobra was the first production vehicle to wear a color-shifting factory paint job. Only 1,999 Mystic Cobras were produced, and of these, 1,990 had black leather interiors and nine had black cloth interiors. Since the paint continues to have special proprietary uses, any remaining quantities are tightly controlled and thus require a VIN verification through a complying Ford body shop to obtain the special paint in order to repaint any damaged areas.

1997

The 1997 Cobra was basically a carryover of the 1996 model. Only an astute observer noticed that the honeycomb grille from before was now absent to allow more airflow into the larger radiator included across the entire Mustang lineup, and the 1997 Cobra had a larger diameter fan. Also new was a parallel-flow air conditioning condenser that was exclusive to the SVT Cobra. The rear spoiler was now optional, as it had been standard on all previous models.

Paint and Interior Trim

The only other major changes for 1997 was in the color palette. The 1997 Cobra was available in four exterior colors, as shown in the table below. The interior choices were the same as what was offered in 1996: Black cloth, Saddle cloth, Black leather, and Saddle leather. On Cobra convertibles, the vinyl top was again available in black, saddle, or white, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular Mustang convertibles.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 1997 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 1997 Mustangs.

1997 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

1998

The 1998 Cobra continued to remain virtually unchanged from previous model years. One noticeable change was the wheels, which were the same cast-aluminum units used on the 1995 Cobra R. Only this time, the wheel cutouts were painted gray, and the wheels measured 17" x 8", instead of 17" x 9" on the 1995 Cobra R. The wheels continued to be wrapped in the same BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires from before. Other minor changes included a redesigned console in which the dashboard-mounted digital clock pod was deleted, and the clock function was then integrated into the radio's digital display. Also, the standard premium sound system now included a single-disc CD player.

This was also the last year of the return-style fuel system, as it was replaced with a newer returnless system for 1999.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1998 Cobra was available in five exterior colors, as shown in the table below. Chrome Yellow was added midyear on the 1998 Cobra. The interior choices were the same as before: Black cloth, Saddle cloth, Black leather, and Saddle leather. However, the leather pattern changed. On Cobra convertibles, the vinyl top was again available in black, saddle, or white, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular Mustang convertibles.

NOTE: In the table below, paint colors marked with an asterisk (*) were available at midyear.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 1998 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 1998 Mustangs.

1998 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

1999

For the 1999 model year, Ford restyled the fourth-generation Mustang utilizing Ford's "New Edge" design language. The facelifted car featured newly redesigned body panels that followed Ford's new worldwide styling direction. Thus, the interior was basically a carryover from the 1994–1998 Mustangs, and most of the parts were interchangeable. All 1999–2004 SVT Cobras featured independent rear suspension, unique to only the Cobra. A new returnless fuel system was used which helped Ford meet tightening emission standards.

The new 1999 Cobra had an upgraded 4.6L DOHC V8 engine rated at 320 hp (239 kW) and 317 lb·ft (430 N·m) of torque. However, when the new 1999 Cobras were put through their paces by their new owners, it was revealed that 0-60 mph times were slower than a comparably-equipped 1998 model, and dyno tests suggested that the advertised power output was closer to 285 hp (213 kW), even though Ford claimed that the engine was outputting 15 hp more than the 1998 Cobra engine. Due to this outcry, on August 6, 1999, Ford halted the sales of all unsold 1999 Cobras on dealership lots and recalled all 1999 Cobras that had been sold. Ford replaced the intake manifold, certain computer components, and the exhaust system from the catalytic converters to the tailpipes in order to achieve a "true" 320 hp at the crankshaft.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 1999 Cobra was available in four exterior paint colors, as shown in the table below. Interior color choices were limited to two offerings: Dark Charcoal and Medium Parchment. The standard leather seats were the same optional leather units used in the 1999 Mustang GT, but without the embroidered running pony logo on the front seatbacks. Cloth seats were no longer offered on the Cobra, as they were never popular with buyers in previous model years. On Cobra convertibles, the vinyl top was available in black, parchment, or white, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular 1999 Mustang convertibles.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 1999 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 1999 Mustangs.

1999 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

2000 Cobra R

For 2000, the SVT Cobra R returned for a limited production run of 300 units. As the standard 2000 Cobra was cancelled due to problems with the 1999 Cobras, the Cobra R was SVT's sole high-performance Mustang for the 2000 model year. The new Cobra R came standard with a 5.4L DOHC V8 engine (with a 6500 rpm redline) that was rated at 385 hp (287 kW) and 385 lb·ft (522 N·m) of torque. However, independent dyno tests have shown that the Cobra R produced rear-wheel output that nearly matched both of those numbers, suggesting the engine may have been underrated. The cast iron block was based on the 5.4L block that Ford used in its trucks at the time. The cylinder heads were later used in the 2005–2006 Ford GT, albeit slightly modified. Some sources claimed that the Australian Ford Falcon GT's engine was very similar to the Cobra R's mill. As with previous Cobra R models, the 2000 model was designed to be a race-ready, high-performance vehicle in a perfectly street-legal package; as such, it lacked many of the creature comforts that the standard Cobra enjoyed. This model had no radio/audio equipment, no air conditioning, no cruise control, and no rear seat. Each of the 300 units produced featured a Performance Red exterior and a Dark Charcoal interior with cloth Recaro bucket seats.

The 2000 Cobra R had several distinguishing visual and performance features that set it apart from the standard 1999 or 2001 Cobra. The "power dome" hood, for instance, was taller than the standard Cobra hood, and it had gills that could be cut out to help reduce engine compartment temperatures. The rear spoiler was tall and wide, providing much needed downforce at track speeds. The Cobra R was equipped with Eibach springs that lowered the car 1.5 inches in front and 1.0 inch out back. This model also used Bilstein shocks and struts, Brembo 4-piston front calipers acting on 13-inch rotors cooled by large ducts, along with a race-style fuel cell that was clearly protruding under the Mustang V6-style rear bumper. The front fascia was adorned with a low-riding, removable splitter. The wheels were also uniquely styled, silver-painted, five-spoke, 18-inch (460 mm) x 9.5-inch (240 mm) alloys wrapped in aggressive BF Goodrich G-Force KD tires. The hand-built SVT engine employed special DOHC cylinder heads, a "trumpet-style" intake manifold, aggressive camshafts, short tube headers connected to Cobra catalysts, a Bassani X-pipe, and a unique Borla dual side-exiting exhaust system, which was necessitated by the large fuel cell. This model also featured 3.55 gears, a Gerodisc hydro-mechanical differential with speed and torque sensitivity, and a Tremec T-56 6-speed manual transmission that was closely geared for drag racing or road course usage. Despite these close ratios, the 2000 Cobra R also enjoyed a 177 mph (282 km/h) top speed.

A number of well-known makers of aftermarket performance parts for the Mustang were involved in this project, including Recaro, Brembo, McLeod, Eibach, BF Goodrich, Tremec, Borla, Dana, Federal Mogul, and K&N (among others).

The following is a list of parts on the 2000 Cobra R that differ from the standard 1999 Cobra:

Exterior

Interior

Drivetrain

A Quick Word on the 2000 SVT Cobra that never was...

Because of the 1999 Cobra performance debacle, the standard 2000 SVT Cobra was pulled from production, only to return in 2001 rated at a true 320 hp. The production run of the 2000 SVT Cobra R (see below) went ahead without issue. Ford still printed brochures for the 2000 Cobra, with a print date of December 1999, four months after the 2000 model was officially cancelled. The reason for this was because these brochures talked about the upcoming 2000 Cobra R.

According to the 2000 Cobra brochure, if the 2000 Cobra had been produced, it would have been available in six exterior paint colors: Crystal White Clearcoat, Ebony (Black) Clearcoat, Laser Red Tinted Clearcoat, Medium Atlantic Blue Clearcoat Metallic, Silver Clearcoat Metallic, and (most notable) Mystic Gold. Apparently, Mystic Gold was supposed to be available in limited numbers late in the model year. After the 1996 Mystic Cobra, the 2000 Mystic Gold Cobra would have been the second time that a color-shifting paint was used on the Cobra. It was said that the Mystic Gold paint had a color shift from burnt orange to gold to yellow to pale green. Unfortunately, Ford made some changes to the painting process for the 2001 model year, and the Mystic Gold paint was incompatible with the new process. Thus, the 2000 Mystic Gold Cobra never saw the light of day, but a photograph of a prototype painted Mystic Gold will forever be memorialized in the 2000 Cobra brochure.

Aside from paint colors, the standard 2000 SVT Cobra was pretty much a carryover of the 1999 model. Even the interior was supposed to be the same as in 1999. Only two color choices, Dark Charcoal and Medium Parchment, were supposed to be offered again.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 2000 Cobra R was only available in one exterior paint color, as shown in the table below. The sole interior color choice was Dark Charcoal. The standard cloth Recaro bucket seats had a stylized red "R" with an intertwined Cobra logo embroidered on the front seatbacks.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra R for the 2000 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra R from other 2000 Mustangs.

2000 SVT Cobra R Base Price

The price below is in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

2001

While the 2001 Cobra shared almost all the same components of the 1999 Cobra, some changes were made including:

With the above list of changes, the 2001 Cobra was able to go 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and do the quarter mile in 13.8 seconds at 102 mph. The cars were electronically limited to a top speed of 150 mph.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 2001 Cobra was available in eight exterior paint colors, as shown in the table below. There were only two interior color choices: Dark Charcoal (the interior environment was Dark Charcoal, and the seats had Dark Charcoal leather bolsters with Medium Graphite alcantara inserts) or Medium Parchment (the interior environment was Medium Parchment, but the seats had Chocolate Brown leather bolsters with Medium Parchment alcantara inserts). In keeping with SVT's attention to detail, the Cobra emblem on the front seatbacks was embroidered in a somewhat darker color than the suede inserts to provide a subtle contrast. On Cobra convertibles, the vinyl top was available in black, parchment, or white, and this convertible top was the same one used on regular 2001 Mustang convertibles.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 2001 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 2001 Mustangs.

2001 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

2002

Although many enthusiasts believe there were no 2002 Cobras, approximately 100 vehicles were partially built in the USA and shipped to Australia for right-hand-drive conversion and final assembly by Ford Tickford Experience (FTE). The vehicles were based on the 2001-spec SVT Cobra. Other changes included additional driving lights in the lower front fascia to meet Australian lighting specifications, and the steering wheel was moved to the right side of the car. This was part of a A$4 million program by Ford Australia to combat the rival Holden Monaro, which eventually formed the basis of the reborn 2004–2006 Pontiac GTO in the U.S.

For more information about the Australian 2002 Cobras, see 2002 Mustang Cobra.

2003

Debuting in the spring of 2002, the 2003 Cobra came with a supercharged, 32-valve DOHC, 4.6-liter V8 engine rated at 390 hp (291 kW) and 390 lb·ft (530 N·m) of torque. Code-named "Terminator" by the SVT development crew led by John Coletti, numerous improvements were made to the powertrain and driveline to handle the power increase from the previous model's set-up. A cast-iron block was used, instead of the previous Teksid aluminum unit, with stronger internals including forged Zolner pistons and Manley H-beam connecting rods that were modified with a wrist pin oiling hole by the SVT engineers. These upgrades were critical in order to support the 8 psi (0.55 bar) of boost delivered from the stock Eaton M-112 roots-type supercharger. Other improvements included the use of a lightweight aluminum flywheel connected to a Tremec T-56 six-speed transmission, 3.55:1 rear axle ratio, and stronger 31-spline halfshafts with revised upper and lower control arms. These modifications enabled the Cobra to go 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and do the quarter mile in 12.67 seconds at 110.11 mph. Although electronically-governed to a top speed of 153 mph, a factory-stock Terminator Cobra can reach a top speed of just under 180 mph if the governor is removed.

The 2003 Cobra boasted visual and functional improvements designed by Camilo Pardo, the chief designer of the 2005–2006 Ford GT supercar. These exterior differences included a new front fascia with an integrated spoiler and front brake air ducts, a new rear fascia with a black insert which visually integrated the exhaust pipes, a composite hood with dual functional air scoops, newly designed side scoops, and foldable sideview mirrors painted in the matching body color. The side skirts were designed specifically for the Terminator Cobra body kit, featuring a smooth body line from the door to the bottom of the car. As a visual departure from the 1999–2002 Cobras, which featured the Canadian Mustang taillights with separate amber turn signals, the 2003–2004 Cobras used standard red Mustang taillights with integrated turn signals. SVT also introduced new five-spoke 17" x 9" rims, available in standard machined-faced aluminum with metallic argent-painted pockets or optional chrome. Finally, the Terminator Cobra sported a new decklid spoiler with an integrated LED brake light, as opposed to the wing-type spoiler seen on previous Cobras and the standard Mustang V6 and GT models. It was optional to delete the spoiler, and the brake light was then integrated into the decklid using conventional bulbs.

Paint and Interior Trim

By the end of the model year, the 2003 Cobra was offered in ten exterior paint colors, but initially, it was available in seven colors. Early 2003 Cobras built between May and September 2002 were produced concurrently with the 2002 Mustang V6 and GT models. Since Satin Silver and Mineral Grey were 2002 colors, they were replaced with Silver Metallic and Dark Shadow Grey Metallic, respectively, at the start of regular 2003 Mustang production on September 29, 2002. Redfire Metallic replaced Torch Red only because it was a new color for the 2003 model year; however, Torch Red would make a comeback at the end of the model year on the 10th Anniversary Edition (see the next section). All 2003 Cobras had Dark Charcoal interiors. The seats were upholstered with Dark Charcoal Nudo leather bolsters and suede inserts in either Medium Graphite (light gray) or Medium Parchment (tan). The Cobra emblem on the front seatbacks was embroidered in a color that matched the suede inserts; however, on the 10th Anniversary Edition, this same emblem was embroidered in dark charcoal-colored thread to contrast with the special red leather inserts. On Cobra convertibles, the canvas convertible top was either black or parchment depending on the color of the chosen suede seat inserts, and on 10th Anniversary Edition convertibles, the canvas convertible top was only available in black.

NOTE: In the table below, paint colors marked with an asterisk (*) were available at the start of regular 2003 Mustang production on September 29, 2002.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 2003 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 2003 Mustangs.

2003 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

2003 10th Anniversary Edition

For 2003, SVT offered a limited-edition 10th Anniversary Cobra to celebrate ten years since the introduction of the first SVT Mustang Cobra in 1993. The car featured unique seven-spoke, dark argent-painted, 17" alloy wheels; Dark Charcoal interior with Colorado Red leather inserts on the seats; red inserts in the door panels; red-painted brake calipers; and special 10th Anniversary badges on the decklid and floormats. Also included was special carbon fiber-patterned leather wrapped around the shifter; emergency brake handle; and on the steering wheel at the 10, 2, and 6 o'clock positions. The Anniversary model was the first Cobra to feature a steering wheel with grip humps at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. SVT produced 2,003 (same number as the model year) units of the Anniversary model at the end of the model year during June and July 2003, totaling 1,003 coupes and 1,000 convertibles. The 10th Anniversary models were only available in three exterior colors: Black (775 models), Torch Red (734 models), and Silver Metallic (494 models). The 10th Anniversary Edition package (order code 375A) was a $1,495 option.

2004

The 2004 Cobra was a carryover of the 2003 Cobra but with a few minor updates, including a slightly updated exhaust system and rumors of a 20+ horsepower increase over the 2003 model. The addition of a newly integrated shift light negated the $1,000 gas guzzler tax that was charged on the 2003 models. One notable new option across the entire Ford lineup was the available Sirius satellite radio; the distinguishing feature between the 2003 and 2004 factory sound systems was the "SAT" button on the 2004 system.

The 2004 Cobra was produced between November 2003 and March 2004. It was a short model year for the 2004 Terminator Cobra, as well as the entire 2004 Mustang lineup, due to a number of reasons. The 2004 Mustangs and Cobras were the last Mustangs to be built at Ford's historic Dearborn Assembly Plant in Dearborn, Michigan, and Ford Motor Company had made the decision to end Mustang production there rather than updating the plant for the 2005 models. Thus, 2004 production was scheduled to wrap up by May 2004. Another reason was the hype over the all-new 2005 Mustang, which meant that Ford needed to start production as soon as possible at the newly updated Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan, then known as AutoAlliance International.

Paint and Interior Trim

The 2004 Cobra was available in eight exterior paint colors, as shown in the table below. Zinc Yellow was replaced by Screaming Yellow across the Mustang lineup for 2004; however, Sonic Blue Metallic and Dark Shadow Grey Metallic were still available on regular 2004 Mustangs. The seats were upholstered with Dark Charcoal Nudo leather bolsters and suede inserts in either Dark Charcoal or Medium Graphite. Medium Parchment suede inserts were no longer offered. The Cobra emblem on the front seatbacks was embroidered in a medium graphite-colored thread regardless of the color of the suede seat inserts; however, on the Mystichrome Cobra (see the next section), this same emblem was embroidered in dark charcoal-colored thread to contrast with the special Mystichrome leather inserts. On all 2004 Cobra convertibles, the canvas convertible top was only available in black, regardless of the color and material of the seat inserts.

Deciphering the VIN Codes

In the table below, the codes in bold are unique to the SVT Cobra for the 2004 model year, and these codes differentiate the SVT Cobra from other 2004 Mustangs.

2004 SVT Cobra Base Prices

All prices below are in United States dollars when the vehicles were sold new at a Ford dealership before any available options were added.

2004 Mystichrome Cobra

The limited-edition 2004 Mystichrome Cobra debuted at the 2003 New York International Auto Show alongside the 2004 40th Anniversary Mustang GT and V6 models. According to SVT's press release, the Mystichrome Cobra was produced to help commemorate the Mustang's 40th anniversary year. SVT had recognized the importance of this milestone, and shortly after the success of the 1996 Mystic Cobra, SVT worked with Ford's product planners and outside vendors to build the ultimate special edition Cobra. DuPont was commissioned to work on an improved formulation of color-shifting paint that would be easier to use and match. The resulting Mystichrome paint, sold to BASF who finally supplied the paint to Ford, contained ChromaFlair pigments that rendered a shift from a bright topaz green to cobalt blue, then to royal purple, and finally to a deep onyx black. A high amount of metallic aluminum flakes were added to give the Mystichrome paint some sparkle. The paint is called "2004 Ford Mustang Cobra MystiChrome Metallic" and cost, at the time, about $150 per pint. As the Mystichrome paint is still very expensive, any kind of exterior damage to the car is financially problematic. If a damaged Mystichrome Cobra requires repainting at a reputable Ford dealer's body shop, a Ford employee from Dearborn headquarters is required to bring the paint in person and supervise the usage of the special paint. The damaged car must be verified that it is a factory-built Mystichrome Cobra. Once the body shop is finished using the Mystichrome paint, all unused paint must be put back in the can and sealed, and the supervising Ford employee returns to Dearborn with the unused paint.

SVT worked with Garden State Tanning to produce the Mystichrome leather found on the car's seat inserts and the steering wheel at the 10, 2, and 6 o'clock positions. The production process for the Mystichrome leather included tanning and dying the leather jet black, spraying the Mystichrome paint directly onto the leather, and sealing it with a clear layer to protect and prevent damage to the Mystichrome-painted leather. Like the 2003 10th Anniversary Cobra, the Mystichrome Cobra featured a steering wheel with grip humps at the 10 and 2 o'clock positions. The Mystichrome Cobra came standard with the five-spoke 17" chrome wheels.

The Mystichrome Cobra was produced between December 2003 and January 2004. A total of 1,010 Mystichrome Cobras were produced, 515 coupes and 495 convertibles. The Mystichrome Appearance Package (order code 68M), as it was officially called by Ford, was only a $3,650 option.

A definitive history of the Terminator Cobra and John Coletti's SVT operations was captured in the non-fiction book Iron Fist, Lead Foot by Frank Moriarty.