On the Mount Rushmore of historical muscle cars, Carroll Shelby's Cobra is so iconic it might deserve two out of the four available spots. The king of the vaunted 0-100-0 speed test for the better part of three decades, no car has authored more motorized fantasies than the Cobra. Which is why we are proud to present to you this Sterling Grey 1965 Shelby Cobra Backdraft 427, a factory-built tribute that is arguably better (in some respects) than the original.
Pop open the relatively petite doors, and you'll first notice that the interior panel consists of a simple pull-strap and a side pocket, and that's it. The no-frills motif continues with a three-spoke steering wheel featuring a nicely contrasted custom wood-rimmed, while at the same time, a seven-pod AutoMeter gauge cluster takes up the majority of the dashboard. A large 8,000 rpm tachometer is centrally located, while the slightly smaller 180 mph speedometer is offset and reads in reverse, true to the original car's setup. Five smaller auxiliary gauges share space with a big red engine starter button begging to be pushed, while Sabelt racing harnesses keep you strapped into the black leather bucket seats. Don't bother looking for a radio, as all the harmony you need will be coming from those massive side pipes bellowing with authority.
Under that signature front-hinged hood, we find an incredible Roush-built crate engine 427 R V-8 engine. Outfitted with lightweight aluminum heads and a performance cam, this big block is fed by a single Holley four-barrel carburetor covered by a large air cleaner proudly displaying the Roush name. Long tube headers connect to the aforementioned side pipes to efficiently dispel exhaust gases, enabling this motor to produce an incredible 554 horsepower and 529 pound-feet of torque. That massive power is routed through a Tremec TKO600 five-speed manual transmission, operated in traditional Cobra fashion by a forward-mounted gear shift before heading out to a Ford 8.8-inch rear end housing stout 3.55 gears to provide the perfect balance of off-the-line acceleration and reasonable fuel efficiency on the highway.
Roush 427R V8 554 HP & 529 Pound Feet Holley Four Barrel Long Tubes Side Pipes Tremec TKO500 Five Speed 8.8 Inch Rear 3.55 Rear Gears Fully Independent Suspension Coilovers Four Wheel Disc Brakes Knock Off Wheels Nitto Tires Build Book / Owner's Manual Maintenance Records
Unlike the original car, this modern 1965 Shelby Cobra Backdraft 427 features a fully independent suspension with coilovers at all four corners. A set of power disc brakes hides behind the 18-inch wheels, which utilize real knock-off center caps and are shod in low-profile Nitto rubber measuring 245/40R-18 up front and wider 295/40R-18 in the rear. While the original Shebly Cobras are skyrocketing in price well beyond most people's disposable cash income level, this Backdraft 427 offers up everything that made the original car special. It combines it with the benefits of modern technology to make it an even more well-rounded performer than could be had sixty years ago. Don't wait, call today!
*Please note this car is being sold with a clear Texas title and is titled as a 2020 Roadster w/ the Remarks: Replica 1965 Roadster
