Currently open for bids on AutoHunter is this 1969 Ford Cobra Hardtop. Based on the Fairlane, the Cobra was created to battle with the Plymouth Road Runner, so it had few standard frills. However, Ford’s trump card was a 428 Cobra Jet, an engine that simply outclassed the 383 Mopar—the strategy being that, for a few dollars more, you’d have a faster car of at least equal value. Plus, the Cobra was available as both a Hardtop and SportsRoof fastback, the latter something that no other manufacturer offered in its class. This Black Jade 1969 Cobra Hardtop features a black vinyl and cloth interior and comes with a Deluxe Marti Report and Canadian registration.
Ford only built 3,786 Cobra Hardtops in 1969, and many were painted in Black Jade. Can you blame ‘em? It’s a gorgeous green that shifts its shade depending on the light. Other features include hood pins, a chrome driver-side remote mirror, and several badges proclaiming the model and engine size. A set of 14-inch steel wheels with Ford “poverty caps” are wrapped in 225/70 BFGoodrich Radial T/As, though if you look at the Marti Report, this car is one of the very few to be equipped with radials when new.
The vinyl and cloth split front bench seat features head restraints, which were mandated into law on January 1, 1969. A rare feature is air conditioning, which was somewhat incongruent with the modus operandi of the Cobra, but it was available as an option. Other features include power steering, a column-mounted automatic shifter, and a factory AM radio with a glovebox-installed Jensen stereo update featuring FM, CD, auxiliary, and SiriusXM capabilities.
The instrument panel consists of a 120-mph speedometer and gauges for the temperature and fuel, plus a clock. The odometer shows 29,567 miles, though the title reads mileage-exempt.
The Cobra was only available with two versions of the 428 Cobra Jet: standard Q-code without ram air and R-code with the air induction system. This one is a Q-code, adding to its Q-ship (pun intended) status. Only 667 Q-code/automatic Cobra Hardtops were built for 1969.
A Ford nine-inch rear axle houses 3.00 gears. Power front disc brakes help put a stop to this Cobra. A dual exhaust system carries spent fuel to the rear.
While Plymouth produced over 80K Road Runners, Ford produced only 14,885 Cobras between two body styles and two Cobra Jet engines. Its relative rarity and superior powertrain make this 1969 Ford Cobra Hardtop a fine choice for your garage. Plus, your tired body would really appreciate the air conditioning, no? Be quick, as bidding for this Blue Oval muscle car ends on Monday, April 21, 2025, at 11:15 a.m. (PDT).
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