1965 Shelby Cobra Replica

Description

There are several different types of Cobra replicas out there: those that merely look like a Cobra and are cheap to build, those that virtually exact reproductions, and those like this Backdraft Racing Cobra, a take-no-prisoners tribute to the original that looks pretty authentic but has the moves of a modern sports car.

It's hard to build a more attractive 2-seat sports car than the venerable Cobra, and the guys at Backdraft Racing have done a great job replicating the timeless shape. Sinuous curves, bulging fenders, and that big air intake up front still look awesome. The body is fiberglass, of course, but that only means that it's durable and easy to maintain, unlike those fragile aluminum skins that dent if you just look at them too hard. Coated in shiny Titanium Gray paint with black racing stripes, it has a predatory vibe that the bright colors seem to miss, and only the very foolish would tangle with this snake on the street. And thanks to quality workmanship, you can see how well the doors fit, how neatly the trunk lines up with the rear fenders, and the shiny paint that was rubbed and buffed to a brilliant finish. It's tough to find a flawless car, but this example is about as close as they get. All the famous Cobra design cues are there, from the jacking stubs in place of bumpers to the chrome roll bar to the flip-up gas cap on the rear fender, all designed for the track.

Curvy bucket seats look right and grab you and hold you in place during aggressive driving, one notable upgrade over the original. Actually, they did a lot of work inside this Backdraft Racing replica to give it that authentic feel, ranging from the wood-rimmed Shelby steering wheel to the forward-canted shifter for the 5-speed manual transmission underneath. Racing-style shoulder harnesses are available for both driver and passenger, but this is also a civilized car, so it has carpets, Backdraft-logo floor mats, and correct Plexiglas sun visors and wind wings. Big VDO analog gauges fill the instrument panel with information, and while they're not the reverse-rotation Smiths units in the originals, they're likely more reliable and accurate. You'll also note that the trunk includes the hardware for the adjustable air ride suspension system that lifts the front end over speed bumps. If by chance speed bumps aren't a worry where you live, and you want to put it back to the default Backdraft front suspension, the front coils are also inside the trunk, ready for an easy swap. Cool, right?

For power, it's hard to beat a burly small block V8, and the 351 cubic inch V8 keeps this Cobra Ford Blue throughout. With finned valve coves and a Cobra air cleaner, it has a vintage performance look. Holley supplied the induction while long-tube headers and side pipes (with cool heat shields) deliver a stirring soundtrack that sounds like the front stretch at Daytona. Plenty of chrome and polished aluminum under the hood makes it look well finished and everything works like it should to make this Cobra easy to drive. The chassis is fabricated rectangular tubing for durability, with custom suspensions fore and aft to make this Cobra as agile as it is fast. 4-wheel discs, rack-and-pinion steering, and professional assembly make this a supercar that you can drive every day if you choose. You'll notice the staggered stance on this one is about as aggressive, and impressive, as it gets, finished off with Retro Halibrand-style wheels wearing 245/45/17 front and a very wide 315/35/17 rear Goodyear rubber out back. Talk about grip!!

Performance is king with this Backdraft Cobra, but the looks ain't too shabby either. With only 2190 miles on the build, this is one that is so fresh you can still smell the paint. Call today!