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Images Source: Mecum Auctions
In April of 1968, Ford introduced the Mustang Cobra Jet, which was a drag-ready race-inspired version of the 428 cubic inch V8 powered Mustang available at the time. The Cobra Jet was Ford’s answer to the competition’s drag-ready cars, and it was exactly as it was advertised, a NHRA legal street car. Skip ahead 40 years later to 2008, and Ford provides fans with another great package for the track the 2008 Ford Mustang FR500CJ.
Inside the Cobra Jet's interior, it's all business. No heating, air conditioning, radio, or mirrors. Only a NHRA 10-second certified roll cage, a five-point racing harness, and a Ford Racing competition gauge pack.
The Cobra Jet was built to pay homage to the 40th anniversary of Ford’s victory at the NHRA Winternationals in 1968, which was won using the original ’68 Cobra Jet. Like the remaining 49 FR500CJ’s for the 2008 model year, this car started life as a stripped V6 car and was built alongside the other Mustang models at Ford’s Flat Rock Assembly Plant in Flat Rock, Michigan although final assembly took place at Roush Industries in Livonia, Michigan.
This prime example of a FR500CJ is #42 of only 50 produced in 2008, with only one previous owner. The car was delivered brand new to Jacky Jones Ford in Cleveland, Georgia where the original owner of the car purchased it. Since then, the owner has only put a mere 0.7 miles on it, and has only upgraded the harness with an RJS Racing unit.
The 2008 Cobra Jet came standard with a 5.4 liter supercharged V8, with the option to upgrade to a Whipple supercharger capable of over 900 horsepower. For these 50 cars, two transmission choices were offered: a 6-speed manual Tremec T56, or a 3-speed automatic. This particular one is equipped with the 6-speed.
If you’re interested in this vehicle for yourself it’s about to roll across the block at Mecum. The car will include the original bill of sale from Jacky Jones Ford, and is will be heading to the auction on September 16th in Dallas, Texas.
