1965 Shelby Cobra Replica

Description

At the intersection of street rods and race cars, you'll find this 1965 Shelby Cobra replica. Beautifully crafted and full of tricks like a rod, but with a thundering small block V8, a 5-speed gearbox, and a traditional look, it's still got the look that commands respect on the street.

The Classic Roadsters Cobra kit takes a few liberties with the original Cobra's specs, all in the name of comfort. With four more inches in the wheelbase, two extra inches in width, and doors that are six inches longer than the stocker, it's far, far easier to get comfortable inside. But the changes are not immediately apparent unless there's a stock Cobra nearby, and honestly, at this point does it even matter? With that brilliant Guardsman Blue paint, someone might mistake it for an original, but then again, isn't that kind of the point? It does look fantastic and with Wimbledon White stripes, a proper chrome roll bar behind the driver's head, and a set of side pipes, it's definitely got plenty of Cobra DNA running through its veins. Finish quality is quite good and while it's got some signs of use, it's still the kind of car that shows up and demands attention everywhere it goes.

The street rod twist becomes more apparent inside. Low-back buckets look authentic but offer more bolstering for comfort and support, and it's impossible to not want to slide behind the wheel and run it through the gears. A fat leather-wrapped wheel on a tilt steering column makes no pretense of looking correct, and the padded dash offers a full array of white-faced gauges from VDO. All the switchgear is simple, just the way the originals were, although the surroundings are probably a lot plusher here. Unlike many Cobra replicas, this one offers a heater and a Pioneer AM/FM/CD head unit in the dash, so you have some enjoyment other than the thrum of the side pipes on long trips. The trunk includes a simple tan carpet insert and there's a folding top for emergencies.

Horsepower is a non-issue thanks to a built 351 Windsor V8 that belts out plenty of horsepower and torque. In a lightweight Cobra, performance is impressive and the sound is even better. Dressed in full Cobra regalia, the engine bay is purposeful and functional, with good service access. It looks quite fresh overall and there's plenty of evidence of having been driven, but also lovingly maintained. The engine springs to life easily thanks to a Holley carburetor on a Weiand intake manifold and long-tube headers wrapped in thermal tape manage the exhaust. A Mustang II front suspension with coil-overs and rack-and-pinion steering make it corner like it's on rails, while a robust 8.8-inch rear axle hangs on Mustang-style trailing arms. Polished Torque Thrust wheels are a traditional look that seems appropriate for this Cobra and the tires are right-sized 255/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear BFGoodrich T/A radials.

This Cobra was clearly built with love and has been driven enough to be properly sorted but far from used up. If you like the combination of wicked performance and street rod showmanship, then this is the 2-seater for you. Call today!