Rick Parker had known Johnny Davis for over 35 years before he heard him mutter the words,“You know my Dad’s got that low-mileage King Cobra and I think he’s going to sell it.”

Photo: Bosscars

Parker shook his head in disbelief. It just so happens that Parker owns Signature Auto Classics in Columbus, Ohio, and also collects muscle Mustangs and Fords.

People love to drop by Parkers shop and Davis was no different and that’s how the King Cobra came up. While a 1978 King Cobra is light in the muscle department, its one badass looking ride. With slats and spoilers and of course the signature big Cobra decal on the hood, It was a car that piqued Parker’s curiosity. In November of 2014, he made the call to Davis to arrange a look at the Mustang.

Photo: Bosscars

In a corner, covered in dust, sat the lonely 78’Mustang. He then laid hands on the the car and the dark midnight blue paint was in great shape. Parker opened the door and was surprised to find that the Chamois vinyl seats and carpet were in killer condition. Under the hood, the 302-2V V-8 looked dead nuts with its little wire ties and brackets. Right then, Parker was in. He was very interested in this car due to its originality, and its limited production run (4,971 units).

Photo: Bosscars

“I have no problem paying a lot more for a better car, because you start chasing console parts and interior trim and sun visors. Nobody makes them. It’s like buying lobster on Friday night. I’d rather pay more and buy the better car,” Parker said. There was little doubt that this Cobra II was definitely a better car. Everything looked and was original. Bud Davis purchased the car in 1979 and had done a great job of driving and preservation, so Rick and Bud started to negotiate but they couldn’t come to a deal on the first visit. I know right? Why does that always happen? Guys have cars stashed away for decades and the minute someone wants to but it, it turns into kings gold. I digress…

Photo: Bosscars

As the months passed and soon winter became the summer of 2015, Parker went back to Johnny’s house and the two of them walked across the street to Bud’s place to hammer out some kind of deal.After all, the car was too good to pass up. This time a deal was struck, and a handshake sealed the deal.

After the car was towed to the shop, Parker began work on the King Cobra, replacing the flat-spotted tires, installing a new fuel pump and doing some basic maintenance things. Sure as heck, the 302 fired right up and ran well. The rest of the car cleaned up nicely and needed absolutely nothing.

Photo: Bosscars

Rick put the car on display in his shop for about a month and the reaction was amazing. He said, “All the people that came in here would say stuff like, Oh, you’re kidding. A King Cobra? That’s a joke. But, before they would leave they would go, Hey, if you ever decide to sell it, would you call me? I really want one of those.”