A multiple-award winner with choice racing-purposed factory options, this 1969 Ford Fairlane is an exceptionally rare but well-known example with a unique history hinted at by the bright “COBRA” emblems on the grille, fenders and decklid, and Red “428” emblems on the front fenders. Ordered from Swendson Ford in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 11, 1968, it was delivered on December 4, 1968 with Ford’s 428 CI Cobra Jet engine, a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission and 4.30:1 Traction-Lok rear end. This is a crucial detail, because ordering the Traction-Lok triggered upgrades in engine components including stronger pistons, wrist pins, crankshaft, connecting rods, flywheel, flex plate and harmonic balancer. While Ford would not officially offer the so-called Drag Pak option comprising the upgrade to Super Cobra Jet specifications until February 20, 1969, the components—including a remote oil cooler—were already available as a package, the perfect combination for this car’s future as a drag racer. In keeping with that mission, the original owner specified the standard bench seat interior, adding only tinted glass and a vinyl roof, even declining a radio. Once prepared, the Cobra was raced for five years until its retirement in 1973, after which it was placed in long term storage. Its third owner purchased the car in 2008, immediately commencing an all-encompassing nut-and-bolt rotisserie restoration that began with fresh new Raven Black paint and continued to completion in thoroughly detailed, show-winning concours condition. The Cobra’s straight, solid sheet metal and exceptionally low odometer reading attest to its early life as a weekend warrior; today they add immeasurably to the car’s value. It has drawn both looks and accolades at numerous world-class car shows, including: the Muscle Car and Corvette Nationals; Concours d’ Elegance of America; Hilton Head Island Concours d’Elegance; Meadowbrook Concours d’Elegance; Edsel and Eleanor Ford House Eyes on Design; and the Lake Mirror and Boca Raton Concours d’Elegance in Florida. It was Certified Gold by the Fairlane Club of America in June 2010, the highest FCOA honor at the time, and appeared in feature articles in the July 2011 issue of Auto Enthusiast and January 2012 Hemmings Muscle Machines. This Super Cobra Jet Fairlane’s unique option list, documented racing and owner history, low mileage and concours presentation add up to a rare and highly desirable piece of Ford muscle car history.
