What's the deal with this Cobra?!?!?!
 

Hi all. I am actually a Probe GT owner, but I have a once in a lifetime opportunity to grab an 01 Cobra Convertible with 20k miles for a steal, and I think I have to pounce on it. The seller sent me some pics, but there are tons of discrepancies from my newbie standpoint. From what you can tell here, what's the deal with this car? It doesn't say SVT or COBRA on the rear, it has an aftermarket looking hood, and bullet wheels. It kinda looks to have the 03-04 front end also Also, he claims it has the ROUSH stage 2 Bilstein suspension. He is around 70 years old, and bought it when it around 03 from the owner of a ROUSH and SALEEN dealer in my area, so who knows what kind of tinkering they did to the car for the boss. Before I go look at it, I wanted the opinion of you experts :) Here are the pics... http://imageevent.com/rscummings/cobra?n=0

Thanks in advance for your feedback!

Need pictures of the engine. Does not look like a 2001 Cobra. Rear bumper should say Cobra, rear turn signals should be amber (yellow), not red, and front bumper is an 03/04 Cobra front bumper. Side scoops are not 01 Cobra either. Seems very fishy. I doubt that FULL Roush Suspension is set up to look like a 4x4 the way the pictures show...

Edit*, definitely not a Cobra. Looks like STOCK GT interior and seats. 01 Cobras have black leather/grey suede interior...

Does not look like a 01. I would ask for the vin. The 8th letter of the vin has to be a V. If it isn't then it is not a real 01 cobra. V code= all 1996-2001 cobra's. 10th vin number should be a 1. This is for 2001 model year

Wow, thanks for the rapid responses! I will definitely continue to look into this. I have already asked for better pics including interior and engine, and I will get the VIN too.

get the vin and find out...that doesnt look like a cobra check the motor and u can tell easily...but still check the vin and if he bought it from that dealer contact them and see if they remember and what they say they did to it

It's a GT. Check the brakes, tail lights and interior. All GT issue, not Cobra.

Ok, when I confronted him about the issues, he said he now sees on the paperwork that it's a GT, and say he had no intent to deceive. I believe him. I'm sad this didn't work out though.

How much was he selling it for?

Has he given engine pics/descriptions? Do you know if there's been any engine work to go along with the Cobra bumper/badges? While it's not a real Cobra, perhaps it's been upgraded and is still a good deal as you mentioned...

It certainly looks nice. I love Laser Red.

the only thing thats cobra about that mustang is the front bumper and the replacement emblems...