Are New Edge Cobra Models An Underrated Bargain?
New Edge Cobra with only 3,000 miles on the odometer sold for a surprisingly low price. Is now the time to buy one?
There’s a chance that the outlandish price of Cobra R models and even Terminators these days has us a bit jaded. However, the pre-terminator New Edge Cobra mustangs are still a blast to drive. Sure, there’s no supercharger whine and they come with a substantially less potent drivetrain, but they’re still great cars. What you do still get is a 4.6-liter modular V8, an available five-speed manual transmission, and the elusive independent rear suspension setup that truly makes these Mustangs much more than straight-line heroes.
So, when we saw this gorgeous Laser Red example appear on Bring A Trailer with only 3,000 miles on it, we thought we’d surely be in for a huge number. After all, we’ve seen desirable Honda and Acura models surpass the $100,000 mark courtesy of low mileage and showroom condition. So, when this beautiful pony car sold for just $23,250, we were a bit surprised. That’s got us wondering if now is the time to buy one in this condition!
Will the New Edge Cobra Be the Next to Climb in Value?
Though the 4.6-liter V8 under the hood of the 2001 SVT Cobra doesn’t pack the supercharged Terminator punch, it’s still got plenty of oomph. With 320 horsepower on tap and an accompanying 317 pound-feet of torque, it’s no slouch. When new, MotorWeek reported a 0-60 sprint in 5.3 seconds. That may not sound like a lot now, but this was nearly 25 years ago!
That power is fed through a five-speed manual transmission to the rear axle where a Traction-Lok limited slip differential puts it to the ground. As mentioned above, the New Edge Cobra was the first Mustang to leave the factory with independent rear suspension. So, these cars make great autocross or road course weekenders. That’s especially true with a little bit of aftermarket and fine tuning. Again, it’s 25 years old. That IRS setup is a bit outdated at this point. That said, it’s a lot easier to set a Cobra up for grip than it is a standard solid-axle GT from the same era!
It’s hard to imagine a world where a car with this little mileage doesn’t eventually ascend in value. In a world where even Mustang II models are now gaining some appreciation, it’s only a matter of time before this modern classic turns into, well, just a classic. As is the case with anything, there’ll be millennials with fat wallets ready to buy a pristine piece of nostalgia. For a mere $23,000 right now, you could be the person cashing out on the nostalgia.
A bit of a side note, here. There’s a chance the photos on the listing could have played a part in it not quite collecting as much money as we may have thought. Here’s a pro tip for anyone selling a car of this caliber: hire a real photographer. You won’t regret it.
Photos: Bring A Trailer
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