Factory Built Race Weapon

Photos by Chris Sorgsepp, Daniel Beckinsale & Ford Racing (USA)

The Super Cobra Jet Mustang’s heritage runs deep in the drag racing community, with the limited run racer making a first impression at the 1968 NHRA Winternationals that was never quite forgotten.

With only 50 made in the first place, the original ‘68s are understandably hard to come by and have become iconic in the American muscle car scene.

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Ford decided to revive the Super Cobra Jet name in another limited run of 50 and bring back with it the spirit of factory-fettled ferocity.

This 2008 model was so successful that Ford saw fit to bring back the beast in 2010, a well guarded secret that Joe managed to get his hands on early thanks to some friends on the inside.

“I have a couple of friends who work for Carroll Shelby in Las Vegas,” says Joe. “They told me that they had been doing testing on a new Super Cobra Jet model and that it would be announced at SEMA. Needless to say, I got myself on a plane to Vegas!”

“I saw the silver one on display at SEMA and put in an order straight away,” he continues. “It took them about 4 months to build all 50, with mine being one of 16 auto ones. Once I got my hands on it, the car went straight to L.A. and into a container to begin its journey down under.”

The 4 month build process was carried out in a small production line with a few dedicated workers putting each one together by hand.

It’s crazy to think that a car running well into the single figures down the drag strip and loaded with all of these go fast goodies was built on a fairly traditional production line.

These images provided by Ford Racing (USA) give a rare look behind the scenes and demonstrates the effort that went into each of these 50 fine examples of factory engineering.

Once the ‘Stang had landed on our shores, Joe didn’t hesitate to see what the strip-only ‘Stang could do. “I took it out to Heathcote and it ran a 9.5@149mph straight off the trailer!” Laughing Joe says, “I’ve only had 3 passes so far in it and there is more in it for sure. It will run into the 8s, I just have to learn how to drive it.”

Joe is no stranger to the drag strip so we can’t imagine that will take him too long. He has had a string of tough cars in the past including a tough XU1 Torana that he raced regularly and when asked how it compared to the Mustang; he told us that the difference was huge.

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“The XU1 is a handful where as the Mustang is just made for the track,” says Joe. “I hopped straight in it and everything was there; the 9-inch, transbraked auto, blown V8 etc.

“What my mates are doing in their garages right now Ford did for me and did properly for the 1/4 mile,” he continues. “They have given me great support and service while I have owned it as well. It’s unbelievable that you can buy something like this completely turn-key that is comfortable, with power windows and ready to race!”

The factory specs are indeed impressive but after attending the recent Envy Imports dyno day, Joe discovered that they aren’t quite accurate; although this wasn’t exactly a bad thing!

Ford quotes the power output of the supercharged 5.4L Modular V8 as roughly 480hp so when the screen showed an amazing 589kw to make it the outright winner of the day, Joe wasn’t the only one shocked.

There is no denying that the Super Cobra Jet is the ultimate factory-produced drag car and to be able to see one hit the strip in Australia is a great privilege indeed. Joe assures us that he will be out at the track very soon and has his sights set firmly on an 8-second pass so stay tuned!

To check out the incredible range of late-model complied and converted American muscle cars available for sale in Oz, visit www.downundermuscle.com.au.