1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Convertible 4.6L DOHC V8, 5-Speed Manual, Red over Black Why This Car Is Special The 1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Convertible sits at the top of the SN95 Mustang lineup, and for good reason. Ford's Special Vehicle Team built the Cobra as a distinct product from the standard GT, not just a trim level upgrade. The 4.6-liter DOHC 32-valve V8 in the Cobra shared its basic displacement with the GT's engine but was an entirely different motor hand-assembled at Ford's Romeo, Michigan engine plant, with four-valve heads and a specific intake and exhaust architecture that produced 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque from the factory. That engine carried the same Cobra-emblazoned cam covers that enthusiasts have come to recognize at a glance. The convertible body style adds a layer of scarcity to an already low-volume car. SVT kept Cobra production numbers well below the mainstream Mustang GT, and the open-top variant was rarer still. This particular car red exterior over a black leather interior with a black convertible top is one of the more visually direct combinations Ford offered on the Cobra, and it photographs exactly the way it looks in person. A note worth knowing about the 1999 Cobra: Ford issued a Technical Service Bulletin early in the model year after discovering that some 1999 Cobra engines were not making their rated 320 horsepower due to intake manifold runner issues. Ford addressed this through a recall and engine replacement program. This is a well-documented chapter in Cobra history, and any serious buyer should confirm which side of that correction their car falls on. It is worth asking about directly. This example has been modestly modified with enthusiast-grade bolt-ons a Spectre cold air intake and a dual exhaust setup that complement the engine without replacing any of the core drivetrain components. The Tremec T45 5-speed manual transmission remains in place, which is exactly where it should be on a car like this. Features - SVT 4.6L DOHC 32-Valve V8 - Tremec T45 5-Speed Manual Transmission - Spectre Cold Air Intake - Dual Exhaust - Chrome 5-Spoke Wheels - Black Power Convertible Top - Black Leather Bucket Seats - Power Steering - Power Brakes - Power Windows - Tachometer - Cobra Steering Wheel - Center Console - Fog Lights Mechanical The heart of the 1999 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Convertible is its hand-assembled 4.6-liter DOHC V8. Unlike the two-valve engine found in the GT, the Cobra's four-valve motor was built by hand at the Romeo plant, with each engine signed by its assembler. The block and heads are all-aluminum, which kept weight reasonable and allowed the engine to rev more freely than the iron-block pushrod engines of earlier Mustang performance variants. Ford rated this engine at 320 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, making the 1999 Cobra the most powerful naturally aspirated production Mustang available at the time before the Terminator supercharged Cobra arrived for 2003. The Tremec T45 5-speed manual transmission backs the engine. It was the standard gearbox for SVT Cobra models during this era and is well-regarded for its mechanical directness. The gear throws are deliberate, and the overall feel suits the character of the DOHC engine. The Spectre cold air intake visible in the engine bay is a recognized aftermarket upgrade that draws cooler, denser air from outside the engine compartment rather than recycling warm underhood air. It is a clean installation that does not compromise the engine's core architecture. The dual exhaust system exits cleanly out the rear with a sound that is noticeably more present than the standard setup, without being intrusive at highway speeds. The undercarriage photo shows the exhaust routing clearly, and it presents as a well-executed system. The SVT Cobra also came with a unique suspension tune compared to the GT. It used larger front and rear stabilizer bars, revised spring and shock rates, a
