One of the shorter running, perhaps less acclaimed platforms served as Ford’s response to the Fox body: the SN95. It was stiffer, heavier and took several styling cues from the 1964 model. While many have their issues with the ’94 SN95, every enthusiast should agree that the return of the pony to the grille after a 16 year hiatus was a step forward.
The 1994 SN95 included MachPherson Struts with Lower A-Arms and the essential live axle in the rear. The vented discs in the front and solid discs in the rear, both with vacuum assist, aided in its defined braking system. Pounding out 215hp and 285lb-ft of torque, another essential part of the SN95 was that it kept the 5.0 liter V8 engine that had been so popular with the Fox bodies. And for 17 grand, the new SN95 was a jump from the Fox models but still incredibly affordable for the passive enthusiast. But the new design—the most aerodynamic Mustang body yet—was a heartbreaking for many Fox lovers.
A Cobra model was also offered in 1994, bringing 240 horses to the table. Just as they took styling cues from the 1964 model, so too did they take similar marketing strategies by releasing 1,000 “Indy 500 Pace Car” edition Cobra convertibles.
In 1995, two more trim options were offered in the form of a GTS model and a Cobra R. The GTS was basically a stripped-down GT without the badging but including the same power package. The Cobra R was considered the fastest Mustang Ford had released to date, since SVT engineers were under pressure to outdo the ’93 Cobra R’s. With a completely redesigned naturally aspirated 5.8L engine this time around, they certainly accomplished that feat, and a professional driver’s license was required to purchase one of the 250 street legal race cars.
1996 was a sad year for fans of the big engine—it was the end of the 5.0L era, which had lasted since the days of the Mustang II. But that didn’t omit a significant power increase with the new Dual Overhead Cam 4.6L—from 240hp with the 5.0 to 305hp with the 4.6. Even the V6 received a boost up to 150hp. Paint was also an interesting variable for 1996, as the Cobra was offered in Laser Red, Black, Crystal White and Mystic. In addition, 829 bright Tangerine GTs were created.
In 1997, sales sagged to the lowest levels since 1992, around 108,000. This could be accounted from the lack of new available options for the ’97, since the only additions were a new alarm system for the GTs and a new standard fabric.
1998 took a hint from the previous year’s sales, and thus, was the final year for the SN95. Of course, enthusiasts heeded the announcement and bought up ‘98s like crazy, bumping sales to 176,000. The boost from 215 to 225 horsepower probably helped in the sales increase. Besides that, all that had been modified from the year before was the deleted dash clock.
As 1999 approached, Ford marketing strategists wondered if their prized ponies would be the defining muscle car in the new millennium. As talk of the New Edge Mustang surfaced, enthusiasm was once again rallied up and Ford hoped for the best.
Have any additions or corrections? Let us know by commenting below. Also, check out previous Stang 101 articles on prior platforms for the Ford Mustang.
Stangs 101: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” - Ford’s SN95
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