1997 Ford Mustang

Cobra Coupe

4.6L 4 valve

Manual

1FALP47V8VF136727

Clear

Gasoline

Up for sale from my small collection is this gorgeous 1997 Mustang Cobra. Please take time to read this lengthy write up so you can really understand the history of this car and why I this may be the perfect car for you. First, I am not a dealer or someone who buys cars to flip them. I am a 60 year old healthcare executive who has been fortunate to have an income and a tolerant wife who lets me indulge my interest in cars. I have a small collection of cars that interest me and I generally will turn over one car every 2-3 years to open the garage for something else that I see or have always wanted to own. Its a hobby for me and I generally spend way more time detailing than I do driving. It's still a great hobby. I came across this Cobra three years ago after looking for a later model mustang convertible for my wife. The detail described in the posting ( ebay) was extensive and the photos were very well done. It was enough to intrigue me so I began asking some questions. What I discovered was a car that was owned by 2 previous owners ( to me) and both of these were Ford fanatics and true Mustang guys. I had not owned a Mustang before, but knew that the SN95 Cobras were extremely fun cars to own and drive and had the venerable 4.6L 4 valve motors that were hand assembled and signed by the team who put the motor together. The details in the posting talked about his neurotic efforts to maintain a highly original car, including months spent looking for a battery that was identical to the original Motorcraft battery used in 97. The second owner did not drive the car in the rain ever (neither have I) so as to keep the undercarriage and engine bay pristine. I routinely detail the engine compartment for that reason. He did disclose that the car was left outside one day following a wash and dry ,while he went to Home Depot. A freak storm came through very quickly and it began to hail just as he returned home. He quickly moving the car into the garage, but three very shallow hail dings were the result on the roof panel. I appreciated his honesty and attempts to photo them. They simply did not show in any photo. I had resigned myself to the fact that I would have them removed by a dent wizard, but upon reciept of the car elected to leave them as is as they are simply easy to live with. A future buyer may elect to remove them, but I am extremely picky and was perfectly fine with them. Just want everyone to know. I decided to purchase the car and had it shipped via enclosed transport ( I always use Passport transport and they do a fantastic job). When it arrived, I was very pleased to see a car that was every bit as nice as described. Absolutely gorgeous. I spent weeks doing my own version of detailing, including clay, Poly Wax and extensive attention paid to the very nice leather. I always use Obenauf's leather treatment to establish a soft and supple leather and then maintain with a quality leather care product weekly. The car is Pacific Green with a Saddle leather interior. Most of the Cobras were either Black, Red or White and a smaller number were made in other color choices. This is a very nice green with very nice metallic hues. It works very well with the saddle leather. If you have looked at SN95 Cobras or GT's, you will know that the driver bolsters are commonly very worn or commonly worse. Usually, the pics attempt to avoid them, as they are usually in very bad shape. This car has only the very slightest wear possible, with an exceptionally preserved leather interior and care taken when getting in and out of the car. It makes a big difference. The interior photos tell that story. I did notice that the color in several photos varies from light tan to a more saddle color. Not sure why, but the darker tone is more accurate to the color. I also purchased some black Cobra mats, including a mat for the trunk. I have the factory original saddle carpets which are still very nice. In terms of performance upgrades, I elected to only do a few - mostly items that were considered mainstream and very important for driving pleasure and durability. The first was to install an MGW shifter. This is a top off the line aftermarket shifter and works exceptionally well. Second was a C&L cold air intake which matches the motor as though it was a factory installed item. Third was an American Thunder Flowmaster cat back exhaust with chrome tail pipes. Excellent sound and no drone. Last was a BAMA Tuner to balance out the impact o the performance changes and insure that everything is running correctly. This tuner has multiple performance level settings, but I run level one - the tamest of those. It's certainly plenty of power and keeps the car very drivable. The stock tune is saved in the device should an owner want to go back to straight stock. I have kept all parts that were changed out ( intake, shifter), so a complete change to stock is very easy. These parts will go with the car. The car runs extremely well and is bullet-proof. Exterior mods were limited to only one - a staggered set of chrome Saleen wheels fitted with Nitto tires. These are the 18 inch diameter set and are a very nice upgrade. I've always loved the Saleen Mustangs and really wanted this look for my Cobra. These tires and rims have less than 3000 miles on them. The original rims and very nice tires go with the car as well and are in perfect shape. Even the center caps are perfect. I have a photo included but ran out of space to take a pic of each. They are all extremely nice and the tires are very good as well. The car has 51339 miles and has been driven sparingly under my ownership. Never in rain and stored winters in my garage which is carefully monitored. I use Royal Purple products and Ford Racing filters only. Tires are nitrogen filled. I did change the front rotors and pads due to a tiny squeal that developed two years ago. They are perfect now. This car is a head turner everywhere I go and compliments abound. It is simply a very well preserved Cobra. Uses no oil, drives smooth as silk, sounds awesome and is extremely comfortable to drive. Just a great car. There are lots of really bad cars on the internet, probably the vast majority. I have bought almost a dozen cars via internet auction and have managed to find mostly great cars. Just takes a careful eye and some attention to the story being told by the seller. Only one disappointment in all that time, so pretty good luck overall. The point of telling you all these details is to let you know that this is not a misrepresented car. It is everything I have described and more. You will not be disappointed with it and will be purchasing one of the finest Cobras in the country , I do believe that. There is trust that needs to exist to spend hard earned money on auction cars, but I want you to know I am sharing the same honesty that others have shared with me in prior purchases. It matters and it usually results in a great transaction. I pride myself in my honesty and my love of cars. I hope that shows. Thanks for taking time to read this. Bid with confidence on this beautiful Mustang Cobra. It's a fantastic car. I will work with the winning bidder to safely get the car to whatever transport service you elect to use. There is a large lot very near my house that can be used by the hauler for easy in and out. Many thanks.