1965 Shelby Cobra

1965 Ford ERA Cobra Convertible Replicars-kits or ready made-are nothing new, of course. Unfortunately, most of them are the progeny of opportunistic manufacturers with more chutzpah than good taste, who cater to the nostalgic tendencies of back yard tinkerers or slightly askew car nuts. The ERA,(427SC), however, isn't that kind of replicar at all. Given the Cobra's legendary status, it's not surprising that it's one of a handful of Cobra kits currently available-and it may be the best. Car and Driver, October 1983  For consignment, a 1965 Ford ERA Cobra convertible with a title verified 2,003 miles. This one was built in Connecticut and comes with a convertible top and side curtains with sliding windows. In the world of automotive badassery, this is the king and likely on more wish lists than any other car in America. Exterior Looking very much like a ground hugging pit viper, this Cobra hunkers down over the 15-inch Halibrand Knock Off replicas like a sinister ambush predator, here coated in a two stage coat of Toreador Red with smooth coverage and notably, no stripes. The widebody reflects light at every angle, and the panels are capped by a hood scoop in front, a gas cap on the right rear pontoon fender, and epic, straked fender vents on the sides. Those vents are sandwiched between the 427 badge and the side pipes, while chrome makes an appearance on the tubular bumper in back and bumperettes front and rear, along with the roll bar behind the driver. Wind wings accompany the windshield, and a single side mirror clings to the driver's side. Our staggered width tires have an early 2020 date code. The only imperfection on the exterior we find is a scuff on the edge of a wheel opening.   Interior A nice deviation from the typical black, the interior palette is primarily tan, beginning on the door panels with pockets over a carpeted insert. The bomber style bucket seats wear stitched tan leather and other than some minor compression on the driver's seat, they are in excellent condition, separated by the typically wide and square transmission hump housing the front leaning shifter. A 16 three arm Moto-Lita wood rimmed steering wheel fronts the black dash with an array of Smiths gauges and toggle switches. Tan carpet covers the floor and center hump and is augmented by black ERA fitted mats that tie the clean interior together. Even the trunk is finished, here too wearing a coat of tan carpet and the trunk lid lined in black vinyl.   Drivetrain The owner opted for a 428ci V8 with Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum heads and dual Holley 4-barrel carburetors. Finned Cobra valve covers cap off a clean engine bay and of course, headers are on board to start the symphony's horn section. A Toploader 4-speed manual is bolted behind and routes power to the Jaguar rear with 3.54 gears. The car runs on a 12 volt system, but if you were expecting air conditioning and power brakes, you get a demerit on your car enthusiast's points card.  Undercarriage The underside is an angular work of art with tubular frame, aluminum panels and a myriad of colored components. Disc brakes are front and back as are coil overs on two side independent suspension. The headers head sideways, immediately sending the pipe under the door. No rust of any kind and only a thin film of residual oil on the pan draws our eyes from the mechanical perfection.  Drive-Ability Part of the visceral experience are those side pipes terminating in line with the occupants, meaning that incredible, adrenaline inducing sound is right there, and reacts to throttle blips with ease. Find us a tunnel! Meanwhile, our butts practically skim the ground as this powerful snake slithers throughout our test loop with obvious power on hand, incredible handling, and a fun factor only a Cobra can create. All functions built and provided work as they should, and we return this to the snake den for what will likely be a short stay. While Classic Auto Mall represents