1996 Mustang Cobra with Only 5,000 Miles Priced Nearly Like a New EcoBoost | Carscoops

      It will be challenging to find another Ford Mustang from this era that is as immaculate as this one.

      6 hours ago

      by Brad Anderson

      A pristine 1996 Mustang Cobra with only 5,445 miles is up for sale at $29,500.

      The car is powered by a naturally aspirated 4.6L V8 producing 305 hp and 300 lb-ft of torque.

      It comes with aftermarket wheels and a Magnaflow exhaust, though the original parts are also included.

      If you ask ten different automotive enthusiasts to pick their preferred Ford Mustang generation, you’re likely to receive ten distinct answers. Personal choice often hinges on nostalgia; the Mustang that makes the most impression during one’s youth tends to be the favored model. For some, this could mean a 1996 Cobra like this one, an immaculate time capsule representing the pinnacle of ’90s pony car excellence.

      Unlike the majority of Mustangs from its time, this 29-year-old Cobra hasn't lived a life of high-mileage stoplight drag races. Instead, it has been meticulously preserved, showcasing a mere 5,445 miles (8,762 km) on the odometer, virtually still within its break-in phase.

      Typically, a low-mileage find like this would be featured through a prominent auction house or a well-known online marketplace. However, this particular Cobra is listed in a more traditional venue: Craigslist, in Madison, Virginia.

      According to the owner, they acquired the Cobra from a Mustang enthusiast, and its condition is described as nearly new. Cobra models from this generation are equipped with a 4.6-liter naturally aspirated V8 that delivers an impressive 305 hp and 300 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque. While the new Mustang Dark Horse boasts 200 more hp than this, 305 hp is still substantial, especially without the electronic aids present in modern cars. The power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.

      This example is finished in a simple gloss black and looks the part. It currently features aftermarket wheels, but the original wheels and tires are part of the sale. It has also been fitted with a Magnaflow exhaust to enhance V8 airflow.

      While the vehicle appears well-maintained, the listing lacks detailed information. There’s no mention of its complete ownership history or whether it has undergone any significant servicing throughout the years, which is important to consider for a car that has been stationary for more time than it has been driven. The interior, while notably clean, does display some pronounced creases in the seats, indicative that leather can age even if the car itself does not.

      As for the asking price? It stands at $29,500, according to the listing. That’s nearly equivalent to a brand-new, four-cylinder EcoBoost Mustang ($31,920), but this ’96 Cobra provides something the new model cannot: a direct connection to a past era of Ford performance when 305 horsepower was still considered impressive.

      Photos: Craigslist