1965 Backdraft Cobra Roadster

Description

The Cobra roadster remains one of the most recognizable shapes in American performance, with the wide-body Mk III developed around big-block power becoming the definitive expression of the design. Backdraft Racing recreates that familiar profile with a considerably more contemporary foundation beneath it. Manufactured in South Africa by TR-Tec, the Backdraft Roadster uses a purpose-built chassis with independent suspension, rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes, giving the lightweight roadster considerably more modern underpinnings than its 1960s inspiration. This 2015 Backdraft Racing Roadster has traveled just 3,078 miles and is powered by a Roush 427R V8 producing a dyno-documented 553 horsepower and 527 lb-ft of torque, backed by a Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission.

The roadster is finished in deep metallic blue with contrasting white Le Mans stripes, emphasizing the broad fenders, low profile and familiar proportions of the Cobra design. Traditional competition-inspired details include a hood scoop, fender vents, front quick-jack hardware and a chrome driver's roll hoop, while a polished windshield frame and bullet-syle headlights add bright accents against the dark blue finish. Stainless steel headers feed prominent side-exit exhaust pipes with perforated heat shields along each rocker. Staggered 18" knockoff-style wheels feature dark centers and polished rims and are wrapped in Falken Azenis tires measuring 265mm up front and 295mm at the rear.

Power comes from a Roush 427R 427ci V8, a Windsor-based small-block built to deliver the displacement and output traditionally associated with much larger engines. Documentation accompanying the car includes dyno results recording 553 horsepower and 527 lb-ft of torque. The engine has been equipped with Holley electronic fuel injection, while additional visible equipment includes an aluminum intake manifold, MSD ignition components, an aluminum radiator and a polished coolant expansion tank. A Tremec TKO600 5-speed manual transmission sends power rearward. The Backdraft chassis incorporates independent front and rear suspension along with rack-and-pinion steering and power four-wheel disc brakes, providing a substantially more modern chassis configuration beneath the classic roadster body.

Inside, the cockpit retains the sparse, driver-focused layout expected of a Cobra while incorporating Backdraft-specific appointments throughout. Black leather bucket seats feature pleated inserts and embroidered Backdraft logos and are fitted with 4-point racing harnesses. A wood-rimmed 3-spoke steering wheel fronts a collection of traditional round analog instrumentation, while a white shift knob is angled towards the dash in traditional configuration. Black carpeting, a floor-mounted handbrake and embroidered Backdraft Racing floor mats complete the interior.

Showing just 3,078 miles, this Backdraft Roadster brings together the unmistakable character of the Cobra with a drivetrain and chassis capable of delivering performance well beyond its vintage inspiration. The dyno-documented Roush 427R supplies 553 horsepower through a driver-controlled 5-speed manual, while the independent suspension, wide modern tires and Backdraft chassis provide the foundation to put that power to use. Its deep metallic blue and white-striped presentation stays faithful to the car that inspired it, but the experience underneath is distinctly more modern.