When Ford Racing unveiled their new Cobra Jet race car in 2008 and again in 2009, Mustang enthusiast Bill Barnes wanted one.  In Bills mind, the red, white and blue graphics, cowl hood and drag race stance made it the ultimate S197 Mustang that rekindled the historical significance of the 1968 models.

Unfortunately for Bill, the limited production race cars sold out before he had a chance to order one. Determined to own a Cobra Jet in some form or fashion, Bill set out on a mission to built a street legal clone with parts made available from Ford Racing and other aftermarket manufacturers.

Bill started his CJ clone project with a base 2011 Mustang GT with the new 5.0L engine. Being a Ford employee, he had heard great things about the new Mustang engine and timed his new Mustang purchase to acquire the latest performance engine from Ford.  Just over a month ago the new car was delivered at Bill Brown Ford in Livonia, Michigan and Bill was “off to the races” with the Cobra Jet clone project.

The first Cobra Jet item installed was the red, white and blue Cobra Jet graphics kit followed by a Cobra Jet cowl induction hood and front grille. For the performance updates, Bill worked with Blue Collar Performance in Westland, Michigan to build a street and strip Mustang that was both show and go. For rear suspension updates, a CHE Performance rear system was installed along with Ford Racing Cobra Jet shocks and springs.  While the suspension is built for the strip, Bill says the car is comfortable to drive around the unforgiving roads of Southeast Michigan.

To improve acceleration, Bill installed a Detroit Locker with a 3.73 rear gear and a Circle D Specialties 6R80 pro series stage III  torque converter. To handle the hard launches at the strip, a Shaftmaster 3.5 inch aluminum one-piece driveshaft was added. To mimic the Cobra Jet stance, Bill selected Mickey Thompson 295/55R15 ET street radial for the rear and Sportsman S/R 26x6x15 tires for the front.  Race Star Industries 15×10 rear and 15×3.75 front wheels give the car that NHRA Stocker look.

While at a recent trip to Milan Dragway, Bill ran a personal best 12.74 et at 113 mph, not bad for a street legal CJ clone that can drive home without investing in a truck and trailer. Future plans include a few months in storage for the rough Michigan winters but come spring, Bill will have the CJ out on the streets for all Mustang fans to enjoy.