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The big change for 1996 was the abandonment of the 5.0-liter V8 in favor of Ford's 4.6-liter, SOHC V8 in the GT. Rated at the same 215 horsepower as the outgoing 5.0, the 4.6 opened a new chapter in Mustang history as the good old small-block Ford V8 was left behind after serving in the Mustang for 31 of the previous 32 model years. In addition, the 3.8-liter V6 was rerated to 150 horsepower. Transmission choices remained the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.
A special run of 250 Cobra R models were also produced for '95 powered by a 5.8-liter version of the Ford small-block V8 making 300 horsepower. The lack of a rear seat, radio or air conditioning didn't keep enthusiasts from snapping them up instantly. |
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Bowing to enthusiasts' demand, all Mustangs got new taillights for '96 that were divided vertically into three segments as tradition dictated. Otherwise, except for revised front fender badges on the GT announcing the 4.6 engine, styling was unchanged.
Also new for '96 was a heavily revised version of the SVT Cobra that now featured an all-aluminum, DOHC, 32-valve version of the 4.6-liter engine. To accommodate the tall engine, the hood sported a new bulge but otherwise the car looked quite similar to the '95. But with a full 305 horsepower available, it performed much better. This was, after all, the most powerful V8 in a Mustang since the Boss 351 back in '71. Cobra production expanded to 7,496 coupes and 2,510 convertibles during '96.
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| PRODUCTION NUMBERS
Standard Coupe - 61,187
GT Coupe - 31,624
Cobra Coupe - 7,496
Standard Convertible - 15,246
GT Convertible - 18,917
Cobra Convertible - 2,510
| VIN NUMBERS - 1FALP47V6TF000001
1FA - Ford Motor Company
L - Active Belts and Airbags
P - Passenger car
47 - Body Code (40=Standard Coupe, 42=GT Coupe, 44=Standard Convertible, 45=GT Convertible, 46=Cobra Convertible, 47=Cobra Coupe
V - Engine Code
6 - Variable digits
T - 1996 ("T" stands for 1996)
F - Assembly Plant (F=Dearborn)
000001 - Consecutive unit number |
BASE PRICES
Standard Coupe - $15,180
GT - $17,610
Cobra - $23,495
Standard Convertible - $21,060
GT Convertible - $23,495
Cobra Convertible - $27,580
| ENGINES/ENGINE CODES
4 - 3.8L V-6 with 150hp
W - 4.6L V-8 with 215hp
V - 4.6L V-8 with 305hp (COBRA)
| FACTORY OPTIONS
Package 1:
- Power Windows, Locks, and Decklid Release
Package 2:
- Speed Control, AM/FM Radio with cassette, premium sound system
Package 3:
- Sport Seats, rear spoiler, leather-wrapped steering whell, fog lamps
- Rear Window Defroster
- Mach 460 Sound System
- CD Player
- Leather Seats
- Power driver's seat
- Front floor mats
- Anti-lock Brakes
(Not all Options are included)
| EXTERIOR COLORS/COLOR CODE
Bright Tangerine - GM
Deep Violet - JU
Moonlight Blue - KM
MYSTIC - LF (Cobra only)
Deep Forest Green - NA
Pacific Green - PS
Black - UA
Opal Frost- WJ
Crystal White - ZR
Rio Red - E8
Laser Red - E9
| INTERIOR COLORS
Saddle
Opal Gray
Black
White | |
