1994 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra

Unique Blend of Performance & Exclusivity In One Nice Package

The 1994 SVT Mustang Cobra body was redesigned along with the entire 1994 Mustang bodyline. The Cobra received its own unique front fascia, round fog lamps (GT had rectangular), rear spoiler, Cobra emblems, and its own 240 hp 5.0L V8 engine.

With the debut of a redesigned Mustang for 1994, SVT added its magic to the SN-95 platform and introduced a new, more potent Cobra. As was the production Mustang, the Cobra Mustang was redesigned for the year of 1994. It came to market mid-way through the 1994 model year. This time the Cobra was available in both coupes and convertibles. The Cobra only came in Crystal White, Black or Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat.

The exterior of the cobra can be identified by the unique hood and rear spoiler, an overall more aggressive look. The Cobra received its own unique front fascia for this reason, to ensure it looked more special than regular base Mustangs. The GT model had rectangular foglamps whereas the Cobra had round foglamps. Also differing between the GT and Cobra was the rear spoiler; the Cobra’s contained a built-in LED stop lamp, while the GT’s was placed inside the decklid. The Cobra also got different wheels and larger tires (vs the 1993 Cobra also). Mounted on a 17×8-inch cast aluminum alloy wheels were P255/45ZR17 Goodyear Eagle GS-C’s.

On the interior, the instrument cluster got a mild modification, where the background is all white with black numbers. The white faced gauges and a “COBRA” embossed steering wheel centre looked cool. Replacing the 150-mph speedometer in the GT was a 160-mph speedometer. All power accessories and AC are standard, there are very few options aside from the radio. Interior colours were limited to black or a luxurious looking saddle.  The shift knob, boot, and parking brake were all wrapped in leather. Options available for the Cobra model were a leather interior, Mach 460 stereo/CD system, and keyless entry.

The engine in the ’94 Cobra stayed the same, but the team at SVT did do some work to make things more interesting. The 5.0-litre V8 got a lighter flywheel, GT40 heads, high-flow exhaust manifolds, higher rate fuel injectors, larger valves and a low-drag accessory drive. Add a more radical cam, modified valve train and rocker arms and the modifications increased horsepower to a respectable 240 hp. The better breathing ability also made the nature of the engine change, becoming a more enjoyable across the entire rev-range, especially at the top end.

Once again the Cobra was only available with a 5-speed manual Borg-Warner transmission with phosphate coated gears for added strength. Power was transmitted to the ground through a Traction-Loc rear axle with a 3.08:1 final drive ratio.

Just like in 1993, the suspension in 1994 Cobra was tuned more for comfort than ultimate performance. Other performance enhancements were made to do that. To improve handling, ride and braking the SVT team added 17×9-inch wheels and they lightened the Cobra suspension at the front end and beefed up in the rear. Brakes were increased significantly using 13.0″ front disc and 11.65 rear ABS power disc brakes. New to the Cobra was the standard Bosch three channel anti-lock braking system that helped the driver keep control of the car under emergency braking situations. The front anti-roll bar was reduced in size; however the rear bar was larger.

With these engine and suspension changes the SVT Cobra was a fast and comfortable performance car that was not only comfortable to drive but also a competent, entertaining car on a twisty back road. The SVT Cobra struck a fine balance between power, handling and comfort that cars costing thousands more would have a hard time matching.

Later in 1994, the first SVT Mustang Cobra Convertible was offered. Featured at the 1994 Indianapolis 500 was the ’94 Mustang. For this event, five convertible Mustangs were prepared by Jack Roush. Only three were actually used on the track, while two were only used for show.  All pace cars had Ford’s four-speed AOD automatic transmission. One thousand replicas of the Pace Cars were built for sale to the public.

Specifications & Performance

Built at: Detroit, Michigan, USA
Engine: 90-degree, OHV Windsor V8
Displacement: 4949 cc / 302 in³
Bore: 101.6 mm / 4.0 in
Stroke: 76.2 mm / 3.0 in
Power: 179.0 kw / 240 bhp @ 4800 rpm
Specific Output: 48.49 bhp per litre
Torque: 386.41 nm / 285 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
Redline: 6250
Front tires: P255/45ZR-17
Rear tires: P255/45ZR-17
Front brakes: Vented Discs w/Power Assist & ABS
Front brake size: x 330 mm / x 13 in
Rear brakes: Vented Discs w/Power Assist & ABS
Rear brake size: x 296 mm / x 11.65 in
Front suspension: Modified MacPherson strut type with separate spring on lower arm, 400 lbs./in. linear-rate coil springs, 25mm stabilizer bar
Rear suspension: Rigid axle, four trailing links, two leading hydraulic links, 160 lbs./in. linear-rate coil springs, 27mm stabilizer bar
1/4-mile @ MPH: 14.1 seconds @ 101 mph
Top speed: ~225.3 kph / 140 mph
0 – 60 mph: ~6.3 seconds

Retail Prices

Cobra Coupe, P42: $20,765
Cobra Convertible, P45: $23,535
Cobra Conv. Indy Pace Car Replica, P45: $26,845

Production Numbers

Total Produced: 6,009
Total Coupe Produced: 5,009
Total Convertible Produced: 1,000 (Indianapolis 500 Pace Car Replicas)

Colors & Numbers

Exterior Colors

Black Clearcoat UA: 1,795 (Coupes)
Rio Red Tinted Clearcoat E8: 2,908 (Coupes), 1,000 (Convertibles)
Crystal White ZF: 1,306 (Coupes)

Exterior & Interior Combos Colors

J4 Black Cloth Interior + Black Exterior: 331
J4 Black Cloth Interior + Rio Red Exterior: 333
J4 Black Cloth Interior + Crystal White Exterior: 268
J2 Black Leather Interior + Black Exterior: 776
J2 Black Leather Interior + Rio Red Exterior: 625
J2 Black Leather Interior + Crystal White Exterior: 473
S2 Saddle Cloth Interior + Black Exterior: 130
S2 Saddle Cloth Interior + Rio Red Exterior: 208
S2 Saddle Cloth Interior + Crystal White Exterior: 123
S4 Saddle Leather Interior + Black Exterior: 558
S4 Saddle Leather Interior + Rio Red Exterior: 742
S4 Saddle Leather Interior + Crystal White Exterior: 442
SF Saddle Leather Interior + (Pace Car) Rio Red Exterior: 1,000

VIN Decoder

The VIN is stamped on the plate which is riveted to the driver’s side of the dash, visible through windshield; the certification label is attached to the rear face of the driver’s door. For full details see our 1994 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra VIN Decoder page.