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1998 Ford Mustang Cobra Coupe
*4.6 Liter 32Valve V8
*Tremec T45 5 Speed Manual Transmission
*Number 503 of 5,174 SVT Cobra Coupes built in 1998 |
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History |
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In the summer of 2002 I was 23 years old, still living at home, working full time in the stockroom of a suburban Chicago housewares store. I wasn't making much money and certainly not using my college degree. Naturally, I decided it was the right time for me to purchase a high-performance machine. Actually, that's a lie. I was looking for a cheap but newer car to drive to work in order to keep miles off of the Cavalier. I didn't want to see any more rock chips or dings get put into the convertible, so I shopped for a new Cavalier Z24 or LS coupe with no luck. No dealers had 5 speeds, and my next car just HAD to be stick shift.
I had always liked Mustangs as a child. My Uncle Don had a 71 Boss 351 when I was very young, and I still remember riding down the street, sitting on my father's lap while he took us for a drive. That healthy 351 still rings in my ears. Then, as a high-schooler I found myself wrenching on FOX-Bodied Stangs at my friend's house. After helping build 2 85's, working on an 86 GT and later an NMRA Pure Stock notchback I felt it was time for me to grab my own pony car. My first attempt failed. |
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At a local dealer one afternoon, I spotted this beautiful Laser Red 98 Cobra sitting in the used lot. It was backed into a spot behind all the Trans Ams and Grand Ams...just sitting there. Lonely. I thought for a moment and stared at its beautiful lines, feeling sorry for it. It had nobody to look after it. Nobody to fill it with 93 octane and take it for long drives in the country. Nobody to wax it monthly with a fresh coat of Meguiar's. I had to look at it. But there's no way I could afford it. (Or was there?) |
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With the help of my father, the stroke of a pen, a tax refund, and some shady financing...it was mine. I was the proud owner of a 1998 Cobra! |
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I took possession of the car on August 6th, 2002 with 48,000 miles on the odometer. The car was in clean condition, with everything but the spare tire jack still in it. It was built in October of 1997 and came with the Mach 460 sound system, black leather seating, all power and convinience items. The modifications performed to the car include an AutoLogic ECM chip, Screamin' Demon Coil Packs and Bassani Off-Road (catless) X-pipe. Part of the purchase included a new OEM H-pipe with converters in case I needed to pass emissions someday, and a front license plate holder. The car never had one installed, and will never have one...poking 4 holes into a perfect bumper would be a crime. |
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More on the Cobra... |
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