Most of the car's nuts and...
Most of the car's nuts and bolts have been bagged and tagged, which should help quite a bit. I also have most of the engine accessories and miscellaneous components, though I expect I'll be looking for a few more when it comes time for assembly.
I've always loved the '93 Cobras-the Teal ones in particular. I figured I would have to build my own, as I couldn't afford one otherwise, but somehow I managed to chalk up two marks on my side of the scoreboard.
Now that I have finished up with some other magazine project cars, I have the time and resources to resurrect this snake to its former glory. While editor Evan Smith would have it restored to factory original condition, I would be too tempted to sell it for profit if that were the case. I've always driven and enjoyed all of my rides, and doing so with an all-original Cobra with 1,331 miles on it would just be stupid.
That said, we've decided to look at it as a brand-new car and modify it as much as we have our '97 Cobra project car, Superfly. We intend to improve all areas of performance within the platform while keeping it perfectly comfortable to drive anywhere. Think a step or two beyond the Cobra R, except with a radio and A/C.
A few more of the original...
A few more of the original parts that I procured include the radiator, the overflow bottle, and the fan shroud, along with the 8.8 housing, inner fenderwells, and the transmission crossmember.
From here to the finish line we'll bring you monthly installments detailing how we slung a new suspension underneath it and rebuilt the dismantled 8.8. We also have to slap on some good stoppers and a performance wheel and tire package-though we haven't decided whether to keep it stock looking or go with something more modern.
After that, we need to assemble a suitable powerplant that meets today's performance standards, back it up with a stout but smooth-shifting gearbox, and take care of some detail items on the ponycar.
Stay tuned for this snake's...
Stay tuned for this snake's return to Mustang high performance.
Once all is said and done, we plan on driving the wheels off of it, hitting the dragstrip, and hopefully some autocross and open track events.
In beginning a project car, giving it a name is always a tough decision, and with a Cobra, it's easy to fall into using one of the numerous cliches, such as Snake Bite, Twice Bitten, Dr. Hiss, or Venomous. Having made off with the Cobra for next to nothing, we're going to evade all the tacky snake references and call this project Stolen Goods.
Deals and Steals
As we previously mentioned, having the funding to jump on a deal is extremely helpful when bargaining for price. Sometimes though you can happen across individuals who just need to get out of a project, or who haven't given any thought to selling their ride but your timely offer just makes the decision for them.
My brother purchased the LX coupe pictured here for a mere $400. At first glance, one may wonder who would pay $50 for it, but the car was complete aside from the motor and trans when he bought it. He's just been in the middle of some bodywork. The deal also included another LX hatchback that had an 8.8 with 3.55 gears in it. Also part of the deal was a six-point roll bar that was still in its shipping packaging.
With the $400 sounding a bit better now, my brother also planned to swap out the drivetrain and wiring harnesses from his 1991 GT, whose body looked like it went 12 rounds with Mike Tyson. The main point is, if you're willing to do some of the work yourself, or can get it done cheaper than somebody else, unfinished projects may be something for you to consider, as deals can often be had quite easily.