From its inception, the Ford Cobra was a racing line that featured a hood scoop for dramatic effect and racing stripes, plus functional rear spoilers. The original Cobra was homage to the classic Shelby Mustangs. To help build the brand, the ’76 included a cobra emblem on its front fenders.

The ’77 and ’78 Cobras offered small style changes and slightly improved the engine, along with other options. The ’78 model was the “King Cobra” which included a large cobra decal on the hood with an optional V8. This helped the car boost Mustang’s popularity so that a new line could be introduced in ’79.

Nearly 18,000 Cobras were produced with the third-generation 1979 Mustang. They came with a completely redesigned interior to comfortably seat four, but also kept up engine options through a full Windsor V8. Improvements to the Cobra stayed fairly consistent with overall Mustang upgrades through 1981.

Cobras in the early 1980’s were actually modeled after the Mustang’s 1979 pace car. They featured dual sport mirrors, bright tailpipe extensions and a powerful engine. Cobra lettering was available on the body, as well as the rear quarter windows and it kept alive the tradition of a roughly $100 Cobra hood graphic upgrade. These models offered special racing packages that would also make it more aerodynamic.

Drag racing fans were happy when Ford released the 2017 Cobra an enhanced and elaborate version based on the 2013 Cobra.

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