1965 Shelby Cobra

Description

SUMMARY

• Ordered as a complete car minus engine from Venom Custom Fabrications
• 358 cubic inch Roush Yates D3 V8
• Tremec 5-speed manual transmission
• Jig-made ladder-style chassis
• Independent BMW-style suspension
• 92-inch wheelbase for increased driver comfort
• Rack-and-pinion steering
• 4-wheel power disc brakes
• 15-inch Halibrand-style wheels
• Side pipe exhaust

----------

If you're a car enthusiast, you know all about the iconic empire built by Shelby's legendary Cobra. From six-figure originals to fiberglass replicas, the word “Cobra” can represent anything from a sinuous boulevard cruiser to a hardcore track star. With that in mind, every dynasty has a Sultan, and, for the Cobra, that Sultan is a classic like this outrageous Roush Yates-powered roadster. A professionally built, turnkey stormer, this track-ready beast combines killer looks and excellent build quality with a level of performance that's tailor-made for highly skilled drivers. If you're searching for a quick twist on an old favorite, forget about project cars pieced together from leftovers. And forget about sloppy replica builds that shame their fabled predecessors. Call your friends at RK Motors Charlotte and pick up this razor-sharp snake. But be warned: this isn't the kind of car that's comfortable pulling 10 MPH passes at the local Dairy Queen.

BODYWORK/TRIM

Starting life at Venom Custom Fabrications, this super slick roadster wears virtually flawless fiberglass that mixes great fit with a noise-free driving experience. Stiffly reinforced body panels feature the smooth surfaces and typically tight gaps we've come to expect from top-notch aftermarket suppliers. The car's excellent finish is a testament to both OEM quality and the true talent and vision of its current owner. And, while few classics strike a perfect balance of outrageous looks, serious performance and excellent attention to detail, this Cobra's timeless black and gold pigment creates a simply irresistible curve carver!

Speaking of details, they're often the downfall of an otherwise excellent build. Not so with this roadster, as every aspect of its design enhances Shelby's innate style and appeal. At the front of the car, familiar bumperettes reflect chrome-trimmed headlights, bullet-style parking lamps and a classy Shelby emblem. Behind that emblem, a scooped hood flows to stainless-trimmed glass that's seated between small wipers, tinted visors and clear wind wings. Below those wings, a bullet-style racing mirror complements finned air extractors, polished and shielded side pipes, and a requisite Monza fuel filler. And at the back of the car, chrome-trimmed taillights illuminate a chrome roll bar, a second Shelby emblem, two more bumperettes and a lockable trunk handle.

ENGINE

Twist this Cobra's chrome hood locks and you'll find a NASCAR-spec, Roush Yates-built D3 Ford 358 that, in 2011, twisted 750 dyno-proven horsepower into 543 lb./ft. of torque! And, if you know anything about NASCAR, you know about the brutal V8 wizardry that's quite literally propelled both Jack Roush and Robert Yates to extreme success. The beast feeds thanks to a big 4-barrel carburetor that rides between Earl's fluid lines, a Mr. Gasket pressure gauge and a K&N X-Stream air filter. Beneath that carb, an aluminum Edelbrock intake feeds Roush Yates heads, which are sandwiched between aluminum valve covers and wrapped, long-tube headers. At the front of that intake, a Crane distributor sequences fire through thick Champion Power Boost plug wires. Charge for that fire is provided a complete MSD HVC ignition system. Spark for that charge is provided by a small alternator, which, along with a massive water pump, spins on fresh V-belts. Lubrication comes courtesy of Peterson dry-sump components. A heavy duty aluminum radiator makes good use of a giant puller fan and polished overflow tank. There's a complete NOS nitrous system, in case you want to turn 'scary' into 'insane'. And the car's minimalist aluminum engine bay is nice and clean, featuring a painted hood, mirrored inner fenders and pertinent chassis identification.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

One of the best things about buying a high quality replica is the modern hardware underneath. MIG welded, TIG welded and completely powder-coated, this Shelby's Jig-made, ladder-style chassis and independent, BMW-style suspension are fully sorted and ready to hit the toughest track you can find. Behind the engine, a rugged Tremec 5-speed jerks a 4.25-inch Quarter Master Race Clutch, which is fed by a small Tilton fluid reservoir. All that jerking eventually makes its way to a modern rear end that's stuffed with stout, tire-chirping gears. Those gears are countered by power-assisted calipers, which squeeze four drilled and slotted discs. At the front of the car, fluid rack-and-pinion steering makes low speed parking almost as easy as high speed sweeps. Power meets the pavement through attractive Halibrand-style knock-offs, which twist 235/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 295/50R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And items like a beefy sway bar, Penske racing shocks, braided fluid lines and a passenger-friendly 92-inch wheelbase round out an already impressive track warrior.

INTERIOR

Cobra interiors are usually stalwart and simple, but this roadster's Beige leather cockpit is comfortable and appealing. Well-padded seats are firm, look as good as new and feature heavy duty Simpson harnesses for increased safety. In front of those seats, a color-keyed dash hangs a tight leather façade around a small mirror, a combination of Spek and VDO gauges, and controls for the car's rarely used nitrous system. At the sides of that dash, lightweight doors are dressed in soft inserts, big map pockets and chrome handles. Below those doors, piped carpet floats premium floor mats between a chrome shifter, a chrome fire extinguisher, AC foot pedals and a satin hand brake. In front of the driver, a wood-rimmed steering wheel spins highly polished spokes around an “AC” branded horn button. And behind the passengers, a carpeted trunk hides a large nitrous tank opposite a modern battery.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTATION AND ACCESSORIES

• An Owner's Manual
• A weather-free cockpit cover

With classic looks, a killer engine and a fully sorted chassis, this awesome roadster provides unmatched thrills for an unmatched price. It's the latest in our string of high quality Cobras that look just as good as originals while benefitting from modern technology and 21st century build techniques. Don't miss your opportunity to own a turnkey track star that's just as nice as vintage, and probably WAY more fun to drive, at a fraction of the cost!