[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 70 Cobra 429

Thanks Glenn, to answer your question, they were their own model, separate to the Torino and Fairlane in 69 and some of that crept into the early build 70's. They're obviously not the same as say a Shelby Cobra but Ford considered them Cobra's, hence the early advertising referring to them as such. Heck, if Ford wanted to release a 4 cyl Cortina and call it a Cobra, it's a Cobra, its just a different Cobra.

There were more subtle differences between the Torino and the Cobra, I believe the fender extensions are different for one but yeah, overall there doesn't appear to be much different between Cobra and Torino except trim and the Cobra Jet 429.

Its possibly just semantics and a curiosity but if Ford considered them Cobras, at least initially, then is that what they are?

The Torino "Cobra" was a sub trim model offering only and not a separate automobile. The body (in 1969 and again in 1970) panels (2dr) were interchangeable between sub models. Grills and trim were different, but hood, trunk, doors, fenders, roof, bumpers, glass, and quarter panels were all interchangeable.

Bill S.
Retired bodyshop owner