For Mustang enthusiasts, the 2000 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra R is one of the most celebrated and hardcore performance cars to ever leave Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Built with a singular focus on performance, the Cobra R was designed to dominate the track while being legal for the street. With only 300 units produced, Ford implemented a lottery system to determine which dealerships would get an allocation, making this car a rare sight from day one.
This particular 2000 Cobra R, #130 of the 300 produced, is a true collector-grade example that appears to be 100% original. It shows just 1,416 miles and remains in mint, showroom-quality condition. Even the factory plastic seat covers and quality control stickers, dated February 2000, remain intact.
The "R" stands for Race, and Ford made sure nothing got in the way of that purpose. That meant no A/C, no radio, no back seat, and no unnecessary luxuries-just pure, unfiltered performance. The Performance Red Clearcoat paint was the only color available, giving every Cobra R the same aggressive presence.
Adding to its unmistakable look was a massive rear wing, a function-first addition that provided increased downforce and stability at high speeds. The raised hood, unique to the Cobra R, was necessary to clear the upgraded powerplant underneath, while a front aero splitter helped improve aerodynamics and also provides functional cooling to the front brakes.
Under that powerdome hood sits a 5.4L dual overhead cam V8, a significant departure from the standard 4.6L Cobra engine. This naturally aspirated powerhouse churns out 385 horsepower and 385 lb-ft of torque, sending power through a Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission to a Ford 8.8" rear end with 3.55 gears and a limited-slip differential. The Cobra R's side-exit exhaust is one of its most memorable features, consisting of a Bassani X-pipe and Borla mufflers that produce an unmistakably aggressive roar.
Built to dominate on the road course, the Cobra R features a MacPherson Strut front suspension and independent rear suspension, with Bilstein shocks and Eibach springs delivering razor-sharp handling. The car rides on the original-equipped 265/40ZR18 BFGoodrich g-Force KD tires that wrap exclusive 18" alloy wheels. To slow things down, Brembo vented power disc brakes are found at all four corners, featuring 13-inch front rotors and 11.7-inch rears.
Inside, the Cobra R stays true to its race-ready DNA. The Charcoal interior features Recaro bucket seats, built to keep the driver firmly planted during aggressive driving. White-face gauges provide a clear readout of vital information, reinforcing the car's motorsport-inspired cockpit.
Documentation included with the sale of this Cobra R includes: the original window sticker with an MSRP of $54,995, a certificate of authenticity from SVT, a Mustang owner's manual, a Cobra R Owners Guide Supplement, SVT literature with technical specifications, two keys, a Welcome Letter from Ford Performance Group, marketing material of the three iterations of the Cobra R, and cooling hoses for the front brake ducts.
With an original MSRP of around $55,000 (equivalent to nearly $100,000 in 2025 dollars), the 2000 Cobra R was an elite, no-compromise machine. Today, it remains one of the most sought-after Mustangs, thanks to its limited production, hardcore performance, and raw driving experience. This example, with incredibly low miles and showroom-level preservation, represents one of the finest surviving 2000 Cobra Rs, a true time capsule of Ford's performance heritage.
Key Highlights
#130 of 300 2000 Cobra Rs produced
Highly original, un-modified
1,416 actual miles
5.4L DOHC V8
Tremec T56 6-speed manual transmission
Ford 8.8" rear end with 3.55 gears
Limited-slip differential
SVT independent rear suspension
High performance side exit exhaust
Recaro bucket seats
Original-equipped BF Goodrich g-Force KD tires
Exclusive 18" alloy wheels
Brake cooling ducts
Power four-wheel Brembo brakes
Power rack-and-pinion steering
Original window sticker, Certificate of Authenticity, SVT literature, and more
