1967 Shelby Cobra Replica

Description

This 1967 Shelby Cobra replica is about as close as you're going to get to the real thing without spending, oh, about three-quarters of a million bucks. Based on a Shell Valley Classics kit, which is one of the better Cobra reproductions available, it packs a strong-running small block, a picture-perfect paint job, and that undeniable appeal of the most potent roadster ever built.

Just finished by a professional shop in Dallas, this stunning Cobra looks fresh off the showroom floor. There's no mistaking the shape and if there were any liberties taken with the design, you'd need an original next to this one to spot them. The finish quality of the fiberglass is superior to most kits, and thanks to the exceptionally strong methods of construction Shell Valley uses, including Kevlar reinforcements, it's as solid as a rock. Midnight Blue with white pearl stripes is iconic on the sleek little roadster, and without knocking your knuckles on the bodywork, there's just no way to tell if this is a reproduction. There are zero signs that this snake has been driven, with the paint showing extremely well; even the rocker panels and areas behind the rear wheels are devoid of road rash. Other details include front and rear jacking stubs, a real LeMans-style fuel filler, and a roll hoop behind the driver. If you've wanted a Cobra, this one is put together just the way you'd do it yourself.

Inside it's standard Cobra fare, with basic black leather buckets, simple black carpet and minimalist door panels. The whole point is simplicity and distilling the driving experience down to its barest essence, and at that the Cobra excels. Simple VDO gauges keep an eye on the engine and look suitably old school, and there's a Hurst shifter and cue ball knob in the center of the compartment. Yes, it's basic, and that means no A/C, no heater, and no radio, but on the other hand you get exhilarating performance and that old-school performance feel. The wood-rimmed Shelby-style wheel looks gorgeous and telegraphs the front tires' activities directly to your palms and the pedals are arranged so the heel-toe dance is easy. And unlike many replicas, this one offers a very neatly finished trunk with black carpets and a gel cell battery tucked into the corner.

If you want to drive a Cobra regularly, a small block will make it insanely fast without feeling bulky. The 351 cubic inch Ford Windsor V8 is plenty stout, with a wide torque curve and a willingness to rev. But it's also easy around town and very user-friendly thanks to an electronic ignition that lights it up almost instantly. Ceramic-coated headers lead to a set of side pipes that look and sound right and Cobra finned valve covers and a matching air cleaner give it a period performance look that's totally appropriate here. The transmission is a 5-speed manual and the overdrive fifth gear is a welcome addition, making this a car that can genuinely be driven anywhere, anytime. The suspension is a modified A-arm arrangement with coil-overs up front and a 9-inch hanging on trailing arms out back. A heavy-duty frame, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a minimum of frills make this a potent car on or off the track. Gorgeous 17-inch Halibrand-style wheels look pretty authentic but offer a huge performance upgrade in the form of 235/45/17 front and 315/35/17 rear Goodyear radials.

There's no way you could build your own Cobra for less, this one is still new in every way that matters. Why wait? Call today!