Ford Mustang: 1994-2004

The all-new 1993 Chevy Camaro really got Ford's attention. It was fast, attractive and aggressively priced to take on the Mustang. Although the 1993 Mustang was a competent performer, the styling was getting dated and didn't resemble the classic Mustangs that baby boomers pined for. There was no budget for an all-new car, so the existing chassis would have to do, but on the outside the Mustang was in for some retro restyling.


The nose was reshaped with a shallow grille that sported the running Mustang emblem made famous on the 1965 model. Underneath were more ducts, shades of the oil-cooler ducting on the original GT-350R racing cars. In back was a spoiler, and although the taillights had three segments, they were arranged horizontally, not vertically like on the '65. Side scoops returned, with a fastback top that recaptured the aggressive personality of the first Mustang. And the new convertible was a big improvement over the previous models both in terms of looks and rigidity. The revamped look was widely acclaimed and the Mustang was on its way.

Retro Restyling
The chassis was considerably beefed up to improve rigidity, but the suspension was basically the same as the 1983 model. For the convertible, the frame was appreciably strengthened for less shake. The 302 was now rated at 215 hp (a new, more conservative method of rating horsepower resulted in less impressive numbers even though actual power had increased). The suspension was fine tuned to give big improvements in handling and a Bosch ABS was offered as an option.


Although the new Mustang was a big leap forward over the '93, it was eclipsed by the performance of the Camaro with its 275-hp 350-inch engine. The Special Vehicle Team went to work on a new Cobra that would be able to take on the Z-28. A 240-hp engine was chosen, coupled with larger brakes, softer springs and revalved shocks for improved handling. The Cobra also was given distinctive body trim and, for the first time, a Cobra convertible was offered as well. Picked to be an Indy Pace Car, all '94 Cobra convertibles were Pace Car editions.

Cobra Bites Back
The Cobra R returned in 1995, lightened by dumping the air conditioning, deluxe interior and back seat. Up front the 302 was replaced with a muscular 351 borrowed from the Ford marine division and fitted with special Cobra heads and intake to strike with 300 hp. Only 250 were built, making it an instant collectible. The regular Cobra was largely unchanged from the previous year, except that the convertible had an optional hardtop.