The 2001 Mustang SVT Cobra marked the return of Ford’s performance model, which had been paused the previous year. Updates addressed earlier concerns about power output, while styling changes gave the car a sharper look. Features like revised headlights, unique badging, and optional chrome wheels helped set it apart from other Mustangs of the same era.
Under the hood, the Cobra delivered on its advertised horsepower and carried improvements to its drivetrain and suspension. Inside, the model gained redesigned seats, updated controls, and small refinements that reflected the new model year. With limited production numbers and distinct details, the 2001 Cobra stood out as both a performance car and a collectible.
Key Takeaways
- The model returned with updates that solved earlier performance issues
- Exterior and interior changes gave it a distinct look and feel
- Production numbers and options made it a unique offering for its year
2001 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Overview
Return After the 2000 Hiatus
The 2001 SVT Cobra marked the model’s comeback after Ford canceled the 2000 version, aside from the Cobra R. The return included fixes to the horsepower issues that surfaced in 1999. Updates featured darker headlights, a carryover hood from 1999, and a front bumper with round fog lights. The independent rear suspension carried over but gained a 31-spline differential with upgraded half-shafts. Ford also introduced the Tremec TR-3650 5-speed transmission, replacing the older T-45.
Build Numbers and Paint Choices
Ford built 7,251 Cobras in 2001:
- Coupes: 3,867
- Convertibles: 3,384
Color breakdown:
| Color | Coupes | Convertibles |
|---|---|---|
| Zinc Yellow | 347 | 316 |
| Laser Red | 556 | 548 |
| Performance Red | 226 | 130 |
| True Blue | 316 | 292 |
| Mineral Gray | 514 | 382 |
| Black | 979 | 942 |
| Silver | 556 | 431 |
| White | 373 | 343 |
Electric Green, offered in 1999, did not return for 2001.
SVT Verification Letter
Each 2001 Cobra came with a signed letter confirming its authenticity as an SVT model. The document included the VIN and details verifying the car’s production. Buyers who had placed orders for the canceled 2000 Cobra were still able to purchase the 2001 model at the same locked-in price.
Exterior Design and Features
Front Lighting and Grille
The 2001 model introduced darker headlamp housings, which gave the front end a sharper look. The grille area kept its unique “Cobra delete” panel with no honeycomb insert, paired with the familiar round fog lamps in the bumper.
Hood and Body Panels
The hood design carried over from the 1999 version, featuring a raised cowl that could clear larger components like certain superchargers. While some critics compared it to the bulkier GT hood scoop, it remained functional and sleek. Side scoops stayed the same as earlier Cobras and matched those found on V6 models instead of the updated GT design.
Wheels and Braking Setup
Buyers could choose between standard or chrome-finished wheels. The braking system included 13-inch front rotors with dual-piston calipers marked “Cobra” and 11.65-inch rear rotors. This setup allowed the car to stop from 60 mph in about 108 feet.
| Component | Size / Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front Brakes | 13 in. dual-piston caliper | Cobra lettering included |
| Rear Brakes | 11.65 in. | Single piston |
| Wheel Options | Standard or chrome finish | Similar to 1999 design |
Rear Lighting and Emblems
At the back, the car received export-style taillights with amber turn signals, a detail that later became an SVT trademark. These lights have since become rare and valuable. The rear badge now displayed only “SVT,” dropping the “Cobra” text used in earlier years. The bumper featured raised Cobra lettering, while the spoiler design matched what was also available on GT and V6 trims.
Convertible Details
Convertible versions gained a new tonneau cover with a dip in the center to improve rear visibility. Other exterior elements, such as the bumper design, matched the coupe but carried over the embossed Cobra name for distinction.
Performance and Engineering
Motor Details
The 2001 Cobra carried over much of the same setup from 1999 but with small changes. It used a 4.6L DOHC V8 with a revised front timing cover, new pulley layout, and updated belt routing. Intake and exhaust improvements from the 1999 upgrades were included, supporting the rated 320 horsepower figure.
Power Rating Confirmation
Questions about actual output led to dyno testing by Car and Driver. Two different Cobras both recorded 272 rear-wheel horsepower. Factoring in about a 17% drivetrain loss, the results matched the advertised 320 horsepower. The independent rear suspension did create a bit more mechanical drag, but the numbers still supported Ford’s claim.
Aluminum Block Options
Two different aluminum blocks appeared in these cars:
- Teksid block – made in Italy, heat-treated, stronger, and often preferred for high-power builds.
- WAP block – produced at the Windsor plant, still capable of handling up to 1,000 horsepower before rod failure becomes the limiting factor.
Both blocks were reliable, but enthusiasts often sought the Teksid version for added strength.
Rear Suspension Design
The independent rear suspension carried over from 1999 with improvements. It now used a 31-spline differential and slightly stronger half-shafts. Stock gearing remained at 3.27, which some drivers felt was too mild, but it reflected Ford’s decision at the time.
Gearbox Revisions
All 2001 Cobras received the Tremec TR-3650 5-speed manual, replacing the older T-45. This transmission also appeared mid-year in GT models and the Bullitt Mustang. The update provided smoother shifting and improved durability compared to the outgoing unit.
Interior Details and Comfort
Seats and Trim
The 2001 Cobra featured redesigned seats that stood out from earlier models. Each seat included suede inserts down the center, paired with leather on the outer edges. The headrests carried the Cobra snake emblem, giving them a distinct look. Buyers could choose between a full black interior or a two-tone option with brown accents.
Console and Switch Layout
Inside the cabin, small but noticeable updates appeared. The cup holders were repositioned, now offering two spots in a more convenient location. A leather boot covered the parking brake for a cleaner finish. The center stack included three dedicated buttons for defrost, traction control, and fog lights, placed directly beneath the climate vents. Below that sat a single-DIN stereo slot with an available in-dash six-disc CD changer.
Sound System and Instrument Panel
The Cobra kept its 160 mph speedometer and 6,800 rpm redline tachometer, both presented with white faces. A key change for 2001 was the backlighting color, which switched from teal-blue to a brighter green. This gave the gauges a different nighttime appearance while maintaining easy readability. The audio setup, combined with the updated control layout, provided a more modern feel compared to the earlier design.
Model Year Changes and Comparisons
Updates from 1999 and 2000 Versions
The 2001 Cobra returned after being absent in 2000, with several updates compared to the 1999 model. The headlights were now tinted, a change applied across all Mustangs that year. The hood design carried over from 1999, featuring a raised cowl that could fit larger upgrades like superchargers.
The front end kept the grille insert without the honeycomb pattern and the same bumper with round fog lights. Side scoops remained unchanged from earlier years, even though other 2001 Mustangs received a new, more aggressive style. Wheels looked similar to the 1999 design but now came with an optional chrome finish.
At the rear, the Cobra featured export-style taillights with amber turn signals, which have since become rare and expensive. The SVT badge dropped the “Cobra” text, creating a cleaner look. The bumper now had “Cobra” lettering molded in, and a new wing option was available. Convertibles also gained a redesigned cover for better visibility.
Mechanically, the independent rear suspension was updated with a 31-spline differential and stronger half-shafts, while the gear ratio stayed at 3.27. Under the hood, the car achieved the advertised 320 horsepower, confirmed through independent testing. The block used in most cars came from the Windsor plant, though some still carried the stronger Teksid block from 1999. A new Tremec TR-3650 transmission replaced the older T45.
Inside, the seats were redesigned with suede inserts and a Cobra logo, while the dashboard layout was updated with new button placement and a larger stereo unit. The gauges now glowed green instead of teal.
Components in Common with Other Mustang Models
Several parts of the 2001 Cobra were shared with other Mustangs:
- Hood: Later appeared on some 2003–2004 V6 models.
- Seats: Same design as the 2001 Mustang Bullitt GT, though those were fully leather.
- Transmission: The TR-3650 also went into mid-year 2001 GTs and all Bullitt models.
- Rear bumper shell: Same as the Mustang GT, but with Cobra lettering.
Cost and Ordering Information
Ford built 7,251 total units of the 2001 Cobra:
| Body Style | Units Produced |
|---|---|
| Coupe | 3,867 |
| Convertible | 3,384 |
Color breakdown included:
- Zinc Yellow: 347 coupes, 316 convertibles
- Laser Red: 556 coupes, 548 convertibles
- Performance Red: 226 coupes, 130 convertibles
- True Blue: 316 coupes, 292 convertibles
- Mineral Gray: 514 coupes, 382 convertibles
- Black: 979 coupes, 942 convertibles
- Silver: 556 coupes, 431 convertibles
- White: 373 coupes, 343 convertibles
Electric Green, offered in 1999, did not return in 2001. Each car included a certificate of authenticity tied to its VIN. Customers who had ordered a cancelled 2000 Cobra were allowed to purchase a 2001 model at the original 2000 price.
