Factory New Superformance Cobra Roush 408R 5 Speed

Working at RK Motors Charlotte is often an educational experience. And among the many things we learn is what cars are the most popular, what companies create the best components and what shops put out the best work. So, how do we use our gained knowledge to create a build which embodies all of those preeminent traits?

• STEP 1: begin with one of the most popular cars of all time: the 1965 Cobra. You just can't go wrong with a lightweight and curvaceous roadster that combines whiplash inducing acceleration with track ready handling.

• STEP 2: contact Superformance and purchase a high quality MK III rolling chassis. Out of the EIGHT top notch Cobras we sold in 2011, our $120K SEMA featured Superformance MK III was definitely the nicest. (Find it here: http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/inventory/1965-Shelby-Superformance-Cobra/132689) Not to mention, their MK III is the ONLY Shelby licensed Cobra replica on the market.

• STEP 3: commission someone to build the car. With the exceptional quality and attention to detail of our $115K Superformance GT40 MK II fresh on the mind (Find it here: http://www.rkmotorscharlotte.com/inventory/1966-Ford-Superformance-GT40-MK-II/132793) Olthoff Racing in Mt. Ulla, North Carolina seemed like the perfect choice.

So, if you're looking for what might be the ultimate turn-key build of one of the most popular cars in the hobby, this Shelby licensed Superformance MK III Cobra was made for you!

Wearing a virtually flawless Superformance MK III body, this awesome 48 mile 1965 Cobra utilizes high quality hand laminated fiberglass construction techniques to create a rock solid roadster with a noise-free driving experience. The cars stiffly reinforced body panels feature the smooth surfaces and typically tight panel gaps that we've come to expect from a top notch Cobra replica; and its excellent fit and finish is a testament to both the OEM quality of Superformance and the true talents of Olthoff Racing. Not many cars strike a perfect balance of outrageous looks, serious performance and excellent attention to detail, but this Cobra's combination of contemporary build techniques, timeless Royal Blue Metallic paint and traditional white racing stripes creates an irresistible curve carver which will keep onlookers marveling for hours on end.

And speaking of attention to details, they are often the downfall of an otherwise excellent build. Not so with this Cobra as every aspect of the design enhances the cars overall style and appeal. Up front, like-new chrome trimmed headlights sit above bullet-style parking lights and polished stainless steel over riders. At the sides of those over riders, mesh filled vertical grilles border a massive radiator opening; and at the top of those over riders, a smooth fiberglass hood props a small scoop between traditional rivets and brand new locking hood latches. At the top of the car, a chrome driver's side roll bar sits behind a new Superformance glass windshield which is trimmed in chrome, bordered by a full set of visors and wings, and cleared by two stainless windshield wipers. And at the sides of the car, silver ceramic coated side pipes sit below functional finned aluminum air extractors, a stainless bullet-style racing mirror and a traditional Monza style fuel filler cap. At the back of the car, chrome trimmed tail lights sit at the sides of two more factory fresh stainless steel over riders. And a chrome tag light hangs above a lockable trunk handle and a perfectly centered “Superformance” emblem.

Great looks are only part of this slick MK III Cobra's excellent appeal; it also does a very good job of going fast and making a lot of noise! Tilt open the tailored fiberglass hood and you'll find a brand new $13,500 Roush Performance 408R that was machined, balanced and assembled to a dyno-proven 407 horsepower. At the top of the motor, a billet Roush air cleaner holds a reusable filter element above a coated Holley 770 4-barrel carburetor which is piped fuel via braided lines, billet filters and a chrome mechanical pump. Below that carburetor, an Edelbrock aluminum intake sits next to polished Roush AFR 185 heads which wear both high performance roller rockers and great looking Roush billet valve covers. Below those heads, a hydraulic cam, forged pistons, forged H-beam connecting rods and a forged 4340 crank transform 93 octane pump gas into a beautiful small block symphony that's roared through silver ceramic coated headers. And at the front of the engine, an MSD billet distributor sends spark through billet loomed 9mm Roush Performance plug wires. Cooling is provided by an aluminum radiator which is equipped with two high speed electric fans and sends water into a polished water pump and a chrome overflow tank via Goodyear hoses. And lubrication is provided by a Roush/Canton eight quart front sump oil pan which circulates its contents through braided hoses and an externally mounted oil cooler. As with any expertly built Cobra, the entire engine bay is detailed and ready for show from its aluminum pulleys and Roush branded brackets to its Chrome alternator and chrome engine bolts. The result is a sweet small block engine that looks right at home centered between a fully finished fiberglass hood, a lightweight aluminum firewall and gloss black inner fenders.

One of the best things about buying any high quality replica is the modern hardware underneath. Fully sorted and completely detailed, this brand new Cobra's Superformance heavy duty TIG welded frame and fully independent suspension are ready to take on the toughest track you can find. Behind the engine, a durable 5008 spec Tremec TKO 600 5-speed manual transmission sends power to a new limited slip rear end which is stuffed with stout 3.45 gears. At the corners of the car, Wilwood power four-wheel disc brakes combine with Bilstein custom crafted coil over shocks to provide better stopping and increased grip. And at the ends of the car, the double A-arm front and double A-arm rear suspensions have been outfitted with thick sway bars which improve both ride and handling. Power flows to the ground through 15 inch pin drive Halibrand style wheels which wear 245/60 front and 295/50 rear BF Goodrich Radial T/As that look good and perform great. And everything from the cars wiring to its 17 gallon Superformance stainless steel fuel tank is brand new. With an exceptionally high power to weight ratio, completely modern components and a purpose built frame, this MK III Cobra is a turn-key road course warrior which is an absolute blast to drive and could probably out handle any old school Shelby.

Cobra interiors have always been simple, and even though this car ratchets up its appeal with a few custom touches, its purist nature still shines like a fresh coat of wax on its pearl blue fenders. The black leather bucket seats are firm, look as good as new and feature original style latch-lock seatbelts for increased safety. In front of those seats, the blue and white topped dash, which is covered in straight and tight vinyl trim, holds a full assortment of Smiths and Lucas gauges between a chrome Superformance rearview mirror, an optional Superformance locking glove box and switches for a standard issue heater. At the sides of the seats, traditional fiberglass Cobra doors have been fitted with leather map pockets, leather hinge covers and chrome door handles. And at the bottom of the seats, like-new black carpet frames original style foot pedals, an original style emergency brake handle and an original style shifter. In front of the driver, a Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel is capped by a Superformance horn button; and behind the driver, a fully finished trunk includes a moderate recess which creates a surprisingly large amount of storage space.

Documentation included with this awesome Superformance Cobra consists of an owner's manual and paperwork for the Roush Performance 408R engine.

With its excellent body, five digit engine and fully sorted track ready build, this bad ass Cobra provides an unmatched driving experience that's wrapped in spectacular good looks. It's the latest in a string of high quality, high profile Cobras we've offered which look just as good as the real deal and benefit from modern technology and 21st century build techniques. If you've been patiently waiting for a new, top notch Cobra that'll light your fire and scare your passenger to the point of second guessing their ride home, this is your car!