1998 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Coupe

Available now is this stunning 1998 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra coupe dressed in all yellow sitting on custom Gspec wheels by Enkei. This Cobra has just over 75,000 original miles and is in overall excellent condition and includes a Marti Report. The manual is firm and precise and works with a somewhat stiff, long-throw clutch. This 4.6-liter, 32-valve dual-overhead-camshaft SVT Cobra V-8 generates a neck-snapping 300 foot-pounds of torque is a thing of beauty. It produces 305-horsepower and whisks the SVT Cobra from 0 to 60 m.p.h. in 5.7 seconds. Top speed is 152-m.p.h.--if you can find a race track.

The most horsepower from a regular Mustang is 225 in the GT V-8 model. And the GT V-8 isn't hand-assembled, as is the SVT Cobra V-8; it gets a metal plate engraved with signatures of the two-person team who built it.

Nobody buys a car like the SVT Cobra for high fuel economy, but this Mustang delivers a decent 17 m.p.g. in the city and 26 on highways. The V-8 loafs at about 2,000 r.p.m. at 65 m.p.h. in fifth gear, although a downshift to fourth is needed for a fast 65-75 m.p.h. passing maneuver.

There's more to the SVT Cobra than the special engine. For instance, the Special Vehicle Team modifies the regular Mustang suspension for better handling and adds massive disc brakes and big, high-performance tires. There are unique gauges that are easily scanned, custom fog lights, Cobra fender emblems and an SVT badge on the trunk. There's also a traditional performance car dual-exhaust-pipe setup that emits a delightfully sporty sound.

Steering is quick with good road feel, and handling is excellent. The ride is comfortable, despite a fairly short wheelbase and rather firm suspension. Braking is outstanding, although the pedal feels somewhat stiff.

As with all Mustangs, the racy looking SVT Cobra has just average front room for two tall occupants--and a 6-footer will find the driver's seat doesn't slide back far enough from the pedals. The backseat is strictly for kids. Although small, the usefully shaped trunk will swallow a fair amount of soft luggage for weekend getaways.

The SVT Mustang Cobra is one of those cars that makes owners look for excuses to take such trips.