This Superformance MKIII represents one of the premier factory-constructed recreations of a 1965 Shelby Cobra carrying chassis # SP00300. The Cobra features factory installed Jet coated side pipes, a chrome rollbar, a black dash with a full complement of gauges, and Halibrand style ‘pin-drive” wheels. It is powered by a 351 c.i. Ford Windsor V8 paired with a Tremec 5-speed 3350 transmission and Ford 3.73 / 1 rear end. Finished in black over black bucket seats in German specification leather. This Cobra replica is offered with a clear California title in the seller’s name and registered under California’s SPCNS (Special Construction) so it is exempt from smog inspections in the state.
The exterior features chrome bumpers with over-riders, factory hood scoop, fender vents, dual Jet coated side pipe exhausts, chrome-rimmed headlamps, chrome tubular rollbar behind the driver seat, driver and passenger chrome bullet mirrors, “427” emblems, and side “wing windows.” Wheels are Halibrand-Style with three spoke knock-off spinners, and staggered Cobra GT tires, 275/60/15 rear, 255/60/15 front. Brakes are ventilated discs all around and a cable-operated hand brake actuating the rear brakes.
The interior is fitted with authentic style leather bucket seats that are finished in leather with fully carpeted floor, center console, sides and rear firewall. Seats are fitted with 3” lap belts and harnesses and a “crotch” belt. Original style instruments including speedometer, tachometer, oil pressure, fuel (all manufactured by Smith’s of England), coolant temperature (Stewart Warner gauge), and voltage (Lucas gauge) are fitted to the dash along with a period style 3-spoke wooden steering wheel with a Cobra horn button, AC logo pedals, and chrome shift lever. A chrome fire extinguisher is mounted between the seats. Sound is provided by an under-dash JVC AM/FM/CD with speakers mounted behind the seats. The odometer reads 26K miles, which is believed to represent actual miles on the build since it was completed in 1996-1997.
The engine compartment is highly detailed and includes Cobra valve covers, a chrome air cleaner, steel braided lines, an overflow tank, electric radiator fan, and yellow Taylor ignition wires. The 351ci Ford Windsor engine is fitted with a 4bbl. Carburetor and mated to 5-speed Tremec 3350 transmission. Numbers of the engine, transmission and rear end are shown in the extensive photos.
Engine cooling is handled by a high-performance aluminum core radiator with 2 thermostatically controlled electric fans, original specification oil cooler, hand fabricated steel engine louvers, heater with 2-speed fan, original style wiper assemble with 2-speeds and a chrome plated windshield assemble to original specifications.
The underside of the car shows the factory jig-welded ladder frame of heavy wall, 2” x 4” rectangular steel tubing with large diameter outriggers. Factory mounted items included the doors, steering column, and windshield pick-up points. Suspension is fully independent with the front & rear featuring unequal length A-arms. Adjustable shocks are fitted to all 4 corners. Steering is rack and pinion with an original style wooden steering wheel.
The Superformance body is hand laid fiberglass panels with steel tubing reinforcements in all openings. Where the body points carry loads, they are reinforced with steel bars/panels. Body is bonded to the chassis and is completely non stressed. The car is factory painted in base coat and protected by a clear coat of urethane finish.