1993 Ford Mustang Sales Rebound Cobra Hatchback
As the economy began to perk up in 1993, so did Mustang sales, rebounding to an impressive 114,228. This was in spite of the fact that the Stang remained virtually unchanged. The market was becoming more competitive as the Camaro/Firebird offered a 275 horsepower version of the Corvette’s 5.7 liter V-8. However, Ford has an ace up its sleeve in the form of a hot little number called the Cobra hatchback.
The Cobra hatchback, developed by Dearborn’s SVT (Special Vehicle Team), offered a powerful Cobra 302 that had a higher output of 235 horsepower. This beauty had special big port “GT40″ heads, revised cam, tuned runner intake manifold and other measures designed to bring on the return of the muscle car – or at least a distant, contemporary cousin. With 245/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagle performance radials and a five speed manual gearbox that channeled a stout 285 pound feet of torque, this car could not be touched by the competition.
The Cobra R is a rare, coveted collectible with only 107 copies. The “R” stood for racing indication that it was for track use only. The street legal Cobra got a larger front braking system, suspension turning, wider wheels and tires, competition cooling system and additional structural reinforcements. The Cobra R was a sleek little filly with no back seat, AC, or most of the power accessories. This made it lighter on the track, though not too great for the road. Nevertheless, even at a sticker price of $25,692, Ford sold every single Cobra R. The numbers speak for themselves.
