While the 1999 model of the Ford Cobra underwent some changes, it was not until 2001 that the big changes came about. From top to bottom, inside and out, the Ford Cobra got a face-lift.

Formerly a Teksid, the engine block was changed to the Windsor Aluminum Plant, also known as the WAP block. A few 2001 models did receive the Teksid from the factory or as a replacement motor, but most come with the WAP. It should be noted that the WAP is considered to be weaker than the Teksid.

The 2001 also had newer revision cylinder heads, a 3650 tranny replaced the T-45, and the 28 splines in the IRS half shafts and differential were changed to 31 splines.

As far as aesthetics, the Cobra got a new rear bumper that read COBRA instead of the 1999 Cobra’s MUSTANG. The seats were made specifically for Cobra and were a combination of leather and alcantara inserts. The wheels were the same for the 1999 and the 2001, 17×8, but the 2001 model offered the option that same style wheel in a polished version. The spoiler was redesigned and the rear badge on the trunk lid no longer said “SVT Cobra,” it was shortened to simply “SVT.”

The CD player in the 2001 was upgraded to a snazzy 6-disc unit and the color of the odometer digits was changed slightly as well as the color of the instrument cluster lighting. The center console and trim were given a new design and the emergency brake received a leather boot to cover the hole in the console. The headlights were also changed. The chrome background was changed to black, leading to references such as smoked or tinted. These references have nothing to do with the lens, which are clear, but only to the background.

The Ford Cobra Mustang had yet another Cobra R produced in 2000. Only 300 were produced. This timeless classic powerhouse of a car is Ford’s pride and joy in terms of sleek beauty and awesome power.

Since Ford’s 1993 introduction of the Ford Mustang Cobra was so successful, Ford decided to move forward with the production of more Cobras. In 1994, both a coupe and a convertible were produced, but in 1995, Ford offered a Cobra coupe, a Cobra convertible and they brought back the Cobra R. The engine in the 1995 was the same, a carry over from 1993, but with a power boost to 240 horses. The front bumper that featured round fog lights distinguished the Cobra from the Mustang GT, as did the Cobra specific wheels.

The 1995 Cobra R was more powerful than its older brother of 1993 was. It had a more powerful engine, an SVT modified version of the Ford Windsor V8. The re-engineered 5.8-liter kicked out 300 horses. The fuel tank was also modified to a larger Kevlar 20 US gallon version. The tranny also had an overhaul to a tougher Tremec 3550 5 speed manual. As with the earlier Cobra R, the back seat was eliminated and it was very stripped down. There were only 250 Cobra R’s built and they were only available in white with saddle interior.

The 1996, 1997 and 1998 production years for the Ford Cobra were systematically modified to be better, higher performing and more durable. Both the engine and tranny were upgraded offering 305 hp and 300 lb of torque. The Mystic Cobra also appeared in 1996 with color shifting paint that was manufactured by BASF. The paint had a green base, which shifted from green to gold to purple to root beer, depending on the angle at which it was viewed.

In 1993, the Ford Mustang Cobra made its debut. A distant cousin of the Shelby Mustang, the new Cobra was the first vehicle that Ford’s Special Vehicle Team produced. The styling was based on the third generation Ford Mustang that had been built on the Fox platform. 4,993 base Cobras were produced in that first model year. They sported a Windsor 5.0 L under the hood, offering 235 horses with 280 ft lbf torque.

The Cobra R was also produced that year, although only 107 were made. It was inspired by the Mustang Cobra, but was a more pared down version built for the racetrack. It had no rear seats and retained only the barest of essentials like the air conditioning, radio system, speakers, and rear carpeting. Even the noise reduction insulation was eliminated. It was the only Fox body based Mustang to ever be offered as a two seater.

It did have stiffer coil springs, larger brakes, larger anti roll bars, a strut tower brace and Koni shocks which were intended to increase the Ford Mustang Cobra’s performance. Modifications were also made to reduce the car’s operating temperatures as well as increase its durability when it was at race speeds. Such modifications included a larger capacity radiator and oil cooler.

On the outside, the only difference between the standard Cobra and the R Cobra were the wheels. The R’s special five lug wheels, also featured the following production year, 1994, on the Mustang GT, were later known as Tribars. Ford painted them a high gloss black and polished the center caps and wheel lips. The R Cobra was only available in Vibrant Red. Because so few of these cars were produced, they are a very hot item among collectors and enthusiasts. It is one of the fastest, rarest and most sought after collectible of the Fox Body Mustangs.