1965 Shelby Cobra

Description

If you want a Cobra that merely looks like the original and tools around town like a regular car, there are plenty of choices. But if you want one that would actually go out on the track and open a can of you know what on cars costing thousands more, then this 1965 Superformance Cobra is probably a better choice. With lightweight 392 power, a 5-speed gearbox, and smart upgrades that deliver on the original car's promise, this is the weapon of choice when you need it to show off cruising, or an unexpected stoplight race.

Superformance is known for their attention to detail, and there's no doubt that the bodies on their Cobras look right. The proportions, the curves, and the detailing all remain faithful to the original. Finished in bright red with white racing stripes, this one has a sporty swagger about it that isn't too outlandish or wild. Fit and finish are excellent throughout, with great gaps that only come from a lot of handwork and fiberglass dust. Black side pipes add an industrial-strength look, while the reproduction taillights, flip-up gas filler cap, '427' badges, fender vents, and 15'' Halibrand knock-offs offer authenticity. While you'll find it impossible to resist taking it out and running it through its paces, I should warn you that it's a really nice build and you'll want to be careful simply because it looks so good, but there is a partial clear bra up front to provide protection from loose road debris.

The interior breaks no new ground but is indeed quite nicely finished. Black leather buckets mimic the originals, although the upholstery around the door openings, and the somewhat plush carpets are a nice step up. Authentic-looking Smiths gauges, including the counter-clockwise speedo, give it 1960s flair and all the secondary controls are managed by toggle switches, as original. The wood-trimmed steeringwheel looks like an original A/C piece. There is no radio, but it does include heat, just in case, as well as a black convertible top with side curtains, and a tonneau cover for emergencies. Even the trunk is nicely upholstered in black carpets and shows that someone cared about making this one stand out from the rest.

For power, a RDI 392 cubic inch V8 provides more than ample acceleration with 450 horsepower and 474 lb/ft of torque. The lighter small block makes handling razor-sharp, and with the featherweight body and 3.73 gears, acceleration is still brutal enough to scare the timid. Wearing a Holley carb, Edelbrock intake manifold, a chrome Ford Racing air cleaner, Ford Racing valve covers, and a chrome expansion tank, it looks suitably vintage, while details like the serpentine belt and a Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission are a bit of new technology that invisibly makes the whole experience better. Rack-and-pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, and a fully independent rear end make it an impressive performer on the street and the track. It's quite nicely finished in basic black underneath, but the hardware is first-rate throughout. As a final touch, 255/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear Yokohama performance radials ensure that 392's power transfers to the pavement.

Accurate, yet still wickedly fast, this 1965 Superformance Cobra is perhaps the ideal combination of Cobra mystique and race-proven performance. Not only is it superbly nice, it's a turn-key package that is ready to hit the road. Call today!