It happened in 1969, when Ford wanted a stripped-down model to go against the Plymouth Road Runner. Based on the Fairlane 500, the Cobra featured a sportier suspension, a standard four-speed manual gearbox and a darkened front grille for a meaner look.
But the highlight was the V8 engine under the hood. Also wearing a “Cobra” tag, the 428-cubic-inch (7.0-liter) engine was shared with the Ford Mustang. Yes, it’s the iconic Cobra Jet rated at 335 horsepower and 440 pound-feet (597 Nm) of torque.
Equipped with the updated 428-cubic-inch V8 for the 1970 model year, the Cobra remained in production until 1971. Although Ford never kept records of the Cobra’s production, it is believed that only 3,786 were built in 1969.
The impressive Royal Maroon example you see here is one of them. And it’s also one of only 1,324 units equipped with the optional automatic transmission. Not only rare, but this Snake it is also the result of an impressive restoration. One that makes it look as new as it did when it rolled off the assembly line in 1969.
Redone in the correct factory color, the Cobra also sports a redone black vinyl interior for a totally original combo. Discerning collectors will likely notice that the wheels were finished in brown rather than black, but other than that, this Cobra is as authentic as it gets.
Things get even better under the hood, as the 428 Cobra Jet V8 is of the number matching variety. Rebuilt by Morris Automotive Machine of Maryland, the plant still uses its original Holley carburetor and distributor. Both were rebuilt, as was the C-6 Cruise-O-Matic three-speed automatic.
Completed in 2021, the restoration is as recent as it gets and the seller claims the car has been driven less than 100 miles since then. While the odometer shows 4,640 miles, the car’s actual mileage is unknown. But that’s not the only mystery surrounding this Cobra.
This Cobra Jet powered Ford has been used as a drag car in the past. We don’t know for how long and under what name, but the seller says it “may have been part of the Holman-Moody fleet”. On the other hand, there’s no documentation to back up this claim, so the Cobra’s drag racing days are pretty much a mystery.
Either way, this impressive muscle car comes with plenty of documentation, a Marti report, and a factory build sheet. It is being auctioned by MS Classic Cars through Hemmings Auctions, where bids reached US $ 60,000 with seven days to go. The reserved price was not reached and is probably close to US$ 100,000.
