As part of an overall upgrade of engines in Mustangs that took place in 1996, the 1996-1998 Cobra SVT got a 4.6-liter V8 engine, too – but one with a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) instead of the single (SOHC) in most trims. The Cobra got a distinctive bulging hood with two vents to arch over the DOHC engine, which didn't fit under a standard Pony hood. The engine cranked out 305 horsepower and 300 ft-lbs of torque, enough to send the Cobra through the quarter-mile in 13.5 seconds and reach 60 mph from a standstill in just 5.0 seconds. A T45 5-speed manual transmission from Borg-Warner gave the sporty shifting that a 'Stang enthusiast relishes. In addition to standard colors, both the 1996 and 1997 Cobras come in a unique color, Mystic, which, like the wing-covers of a tropical beetle, changes hue depending on the direct it's viewed from, including black, blue, emeral, gold, or purple. Mystic was dropped for the 1998 SVT Cobra and replaced with two color choices, Atlantic Blue or Canary Yellow. MSRPs for Coupes ranged from $24,810 (1996) to $25,335 (1997) to $25,710 (1998). Prices for convertibles began at $27,580 in 1996, increased to $28,135 in 1997, and peaked in 1998 at $28,510. Repairing and restoring these “Snakes,” and giving them back some of their original bite, is much easier with the topnotch aftermarket components made today, and offered on American Muscle. Enhancements are also stocked to push the 1996-1998 SVT Cobra past the original envelope and give new life to this classic, fierce American muscle car.