Classic Cool: SN95 Ford Mustang

Call it an update on a classic standby. That was the story behind the new-for-1994 Mustang.

For the first time since the late ’70s, the Mustang finally had new sheet metal. It still resembled Ford’s iconic pony car, though, thanks to that long-hood, short-deck profile. Meanwhile, its modernized face jibed with the rest of Ford’s current lineup. So did the interior’s dual-cockpit setup.

Underneath, though, was a familiar story: front struts and a live rear axle secured by four control arms. The engines were also holdovers: the Essex V6 in the base car and Ford’s popular 5.0 V8 in the Mustang GT.

The Mustang may have been mostly new for 1994, but the upgrades and special-edition models quickly followed:

1994: Standard Mustang GT not enough to run with Camaros? The optional SVT Cobra added the GT-40 engine and bigger brakes.

1995: Ford revived the Cobra R, producing 250 copies, each powered by a 5.8-liter Windsor. Konis and a fuel cell came standard.

1996: Ford replaced the Mustang GT’s tried-and-true 5.0 with its then-new 4.6-liter Modular V8–still 215 horsepower but a bit smoother in operation. The Cobra received a DOHC Modular V8 rated at 305 horsepower.

1998: Mustang GT output increased to 225 horsepower.

1999: Ford applied its sharply creased New Edge styling to the Mustang while bumping GT output to 260 horsepower. The Cobra also received independent rear suspension and a claimed 320 horsepower–which dynos found to be optimistic, causing Ford to stop Cobra sales and issue a recall.

2000: Ford offered another track-tuned Cobra R, this one powered by a 385-horsepower, 5.4-liter Modular V8.

2001: Ford restarted standard Cobra production while also unveiling the Bullitt. Steve McQueen would have dug the Dark Highland Green paint, lowered stance and five-spoke wheels.

2003: More retro goodness: Ford brought back the Mach 1, complete with shaker hood scoop. 

2004: This was the final year for the SN95-chassis Mustang. Ford offered a 40th Anniversary Edition.

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Maybe it's because I was 10 years old in 1995, but I really obsessively love the SN95. I can't believe I haven't owned one yet. I'm thinking 1995 Cobra R clone, but painted in the most radical purple color you ever saw. Or a 2000 Cobra R clone, but painted in neon freakin' green.

...I need to go search Craigslist for a while...

There was also no '02 cobra, due to the intake manifold recall.

I liked this car only because there where two in my local SCCA autocrosses that were both quick monsters. They looked like fun. Never actually bought one though. 

Classic? Yes I admit it is now old. 

ddavidv said:

SN95 and New Edge are pretty much recognized as separate models.

There is very little love for the early/original SN95; probably the most unloved Mustang since the Mustang II. Super cheap on the used market but some of the engine choices weren't very spectacular.

My blog: http://motorosophy.blogspot.com/

Agreed. These never looked very good to me personally, and the massive number of modular V8 options and the wierd internim period between it and the pushrod 5.0 would make getting performance anything difficult.

But they're great at recieving engine swaps aren't they? Has anyone done a more common DOHC V8, like a Toyota -UZ mill?

In reply to Javelin :

True. But it's a running, driving Cobra. My searching has shown that currently, even V6 automatic convertibles (the trifecta of making me not want them) are $1500 or more. I was hoping to find something for around $500 even if it's in terrible condition and missing the engine.

I think these make excellent challenge cars.  Depending on the area, it's not hard to find one mechanically sound and already with some upgrades for $1500.

I bought my 97 Cobra when it was 5 years old and now its 22 years old. Dangit.

there is TONS out there on these cars and you can restore one, make it into a monster, whatever you want. Just remember that the chassis is a bandaided 1978 Ford Fairmont, so it takes some doing and some compromise to get very high levels of performance out of them. Mine is fairly stock (springs/shocks/sway/exhaust are the biggest mods) and I can still do fairly well at an autocross with it. 

Best car for you is all in what you want out of it.  it boils down to whether or not you want to build the motor. The mod motors are more reliable for track work, but hard to build for power, supercharging is the best option and kits are about $5k. The 5.0 is a builders delight. Tons of head/cam/etc options for them. 

In reply to Tom_Spangler :

Happens with every car model out there. Especially depends on what you want to start with and your end goal.

I have no problem with starting with the base model v6/auto to make my end goal. Biggest problem is the weight in these cars. Even with the availability of carbon noses, fenders, one piece front ends, doors, roofs, decklids, and preformed lexan, if allowed by the rules, they are still "heavy" cars. The best all steel car I know of still was 26-2700#.

I was a mustang man from 82 till 91 and I loved the Mercury roachback, but I could not stand the new body style interior.