Description

As awesome as their performance statics are, a genuine Shelby Cobra isn't a car you're going to want to drive to work every day. Instead, something like this one would be a better choice, as it offers genuine 2-seat roadster fun, Ford V8 power, and a more civilized demeanor that's simply a joy to drive.

Even the dark Emerald Green color is sophisticated and soothing, applied over the curves of a Contemporary Cobra fiberglass body. It's not an exact duplicate, but that's kind of the point-the original wouldn't be this spacious and comfortable for the driver, and it's not like anyone will mistake it for an MG or something anyway. All the sinuous curves are there, from the deeply flared front fenders to the rear quarters that look like the coiled haunches of a big cat, and it certainly looks the part of a very fast car, which is a good thing because it IS a very fast car. Fit and finish are very nice, with good gaps and a shine to the paint that is the result of lots of hand-prep on the bodywork and laborious block sanding to get everything smooth. A few chrome details recall the important parts of the original design, including the front bumper that frames the grille opening, the brightly polished side pipes, and a chrome roll bar behind the driver that's as much an integral part of the structure as a styling statement.

The caramel interior is simply spectacular and softens a lot of the Cobra's rough edges to make it comfortable enough to drive every day. Low-back buckets look original and you'll find that it's easy to settle in and get comfortable, and the rest of the interior was built around them. Matching tan carpets cover the floors and rear bulkhead to help control noise and heat, and even the dash is padded with more of the soft tan upholstery. A fairly authentic-looking wood-rimmed LaCarrera wheel with Cobra center helps with authenticity and the basic white-on-black instruments look right at home in a car designed in the 1960s. An AM/FM/CD stereo with speakers behind the seats works pretty well, although the side pipes will likely provide all the stereo accompaniment you'll ever need. The trunk is also fully upholstered with more tan carpets, even on the battery box.

The 302 cubic inch Ford V8 is plenty powerful enough to be entertaining in the lightweight 2-seater. A chrome Cobra dress-up kit adds an authentic '60s flair and with a big 4-barrel carb on top, there's a wonderful symphony of exhaust note and intake wail that means you'll be dipping into its generous reserves of torque as often as possible. It's backed by a C4 3-speed automatic transmission, which may seem anachronistic in a Cobra, but only until you stomp the loud pedal and find that it's all you can do to focus on the road ahead. Out back, a 9-inch Ford rear end has a set of very streetable gears inside, so it's not tiring to drive long distances and you certainly won't break it. 4-wheel discs are confidence-inspiring and live behind a set of 15-inch Halibrand-look wheels with 235/60/15 front and 275/60/15 rear tires for the perfect stance.

They don't all have to be fire-breathing snakes, and this is one that will probably get a lot more use than those high-strung versions you always see. Have fun and call today!