The 1993 limited-production Cobra R Model was the last special edition Fox-bodied Mustang offered by the Ford Motor Company and the first "R" model produced by Ford's Special Vehicle Team (SVT). The "R" designation or "R-Code" has been used in select Vehicle Identification Numbers since the 1960s to indicate that the car was equipped with the maximum-performance version of that model's most potent powerplant. To the consumer, the R code means "Race Version" tracing its lineage to the the legendary Shelby-prepared 1965 Mustang GT350R.

Ford wanted a competition version of its Cobra model to help stimulate sales through exposure on the track and the SVT delivered what is essentially the only two-seat race-prepared Fox-bodied Mustang designed to compete in SCCA and IMSA endurance racing. The first thing the Ford team did was remove about 400 lbs of unnecessary equipment including the rear seats with their restraint systems, air conditioning, radio, rear hatch defroster, sound-deadening insulation and body seam sealer. Now they added 250 lbs of performance-enhancing components including braces, struts, larger brakes, larger anti-roll bars and strut tower brace, stiffer springs with Koni shocks, larger capacity radiator, oil cooler and a full sized spare. Outwardly, the only main difference in the R model was the use of 5 lug wheels that were to be used on the '94 GT but in this model the spokes were painted black and the hubs were chromed with the Mustang logo at the center.

With only 107 of these special cars built, they were the rarest and fastest of Fox car series. In true Ford fashion, they were available in any color you wanted... as long as it was Vibrant Red.

GMP's Fox-bodied Mustangs are real eye candy and I love the way they continue to improve and tweak each new model in the series. This model is no exception. First the build quality is just top notch in fit, finish and content. The Vibrant Red finish is flawless, not just on the easily buffed horizontal surfaces, but from stem to stern. There are nice little touches introduced here like magnetic inserts on the doors and pillars to effect a positive closure, interior door locks and even the metal badging shows continued refinement. GMP continually shows their unwillingness to rest on their laurels so that whatever level of quality you expect from their latest release, they always add a little extra something to delight and impress the collector.

This model, like the real car, starts with the basic Cobra (refer to the review for comparison) and faithfully reproduces the internal and external changes that SVT put into and took out of the car. All the bracing and suspension upgrades are there. The hatch window is devoid of defroster gridwork, the radio and air deleted, and the rear seat removed. Unlike the car, however, this model retains the rear carpeting and a rubber blck is placed underneath the carpeting to simulate the full sized spare. The "Tribar" wheels are beautifully modeled and are shod with scuffed ZR45 Goodyear Eagles.

If you have resisted buying these GMP Fox models, you might want to make this one part of your collection. It's a great model with many wonderful features and represents a rare car with a great history as well as an impressive lineage.

-Richard Sufficool