1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Coupe (RHD)

Sporting new sheet metal on a heavily revised version of the venerable Fox platform, the new for 1994 Mustang boasted a longer wheelbase and wider track for improved interior space and better handling, had four-wheel disc brakes as standard, dual airbags, a power driver's seat and adjustable steering column. The base engine was a 3.8-litre V6 but more performance oriented buyers opted for the 5-litre V8 and the transmission was either the Borg-Warner T5 manual 'box or the optional four-speed auto. Available in three trim levels - base, GT and Cobra - the new Mustang marked the 30th anniversary of the original and was well received by the press and public alike. For 1996 a new modular 4.6-litre V8 was introduced along with the T45 five-speed manual and 3.27:1 rear axle ratio. The 1997 Cobra was relatively sophisticated machine, each DOHC all-aluminium V8 being hand-assembled and signed by the Special Vehicle Team. With four-valves per cylinder technology and sequential fuel injection, the 4.6-litre V8 developed a healthy 305bhp and drove through a five-speed manual transmission (no auto 'box was offered). Anti-lock brakes were standard and the Cobra rode on wider 245/45ZR17 rubber. Cobra production totalled no more than ten per cent of overall Mustang sales in 1997, with just 7,475 coupes being completed. The Cobra was no mere boulevard cruiser - in 1997 Tommy Kendall crushed the opposition to win the Trans-Am Championship at the wheel of his.