Data for 1996:
1996 Mustang Body Styles:
The 1996 Mustang came as a 2 door coupe or convertible and in a basic V6, GT V8, or high performance SVT Cobra V8 model. Major style changes included vertical barred tail lights and a larger hood cowl for the SVT Cobra's new modular engine. Both the GT and Cobra got this new 4.6L V8 modular engine. A new color named Mystic made its debut in 1996 on the SVT Cobra, a color which changed from purple to green to gold depending on the lighting.1996 Mustang Paint Color Codes:
^ GT only color* Also SVT Cobra color
** Mystic (color shifting blue, purple, green) SVT Cobra only
1996 Mustang Engine Codes:
1996 Mustang VIN Decoder:

Manufacturer: 1FA = Ford Motor Company USA Ford Passenger Car
Safety: L = Driver/Passenger Air Bags
Body:
P40 = Coupe
P42 = Coupe GT
P44 = Convertible
P45 = Convertible GT
P46 = Convertible Cobra
P47 = Coupe Cobra
Engine:
4 = 3.8L 145hp V6
T = 4.6L 215hp V8
V = 4.6L 305hp V8 Cobra
Check Digit: 0-9 or X
Year: T = 1996
Assembler: F = Dearborn, Michigan
Unit Number: 1996 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.