Pro-built Contemporary Cobra replica. Arguably the most accurate replica of all. Highly detailed with 1965 427 side-oiler, NOS Toploader 4-speed, many correct and NOS parts. As close as you can get to the real thing!
This is not a homemade car, but a professionally built Cobra that was assembled and finished with an almost fanatical devotion to originality. It’s powered by a 1965 Ford 427 side-oiler, it has an NOS Toploader 4-speed, and even things like the carburetors and oil pan are NOS Ford parts for a real Cobra. It shows just 1244 miles since it was completed, so it remains in exemplary condition. The fiberglass bodywork is smooth, clean, and devoid of cracks or other issues. The bright Candyapple Red paint with Wimbledon White stripes has a brilliant shine and no evidence that it is now nearly 35 years old. Finish quality is worlds better than you would expect of a replica, with excellent gaps and a huge amount of time invested in getting the panels as smooth as possible. There’s simply not a ripple or wave anywhere on the car and its gentle use and careful storage is reflected in every aspect of the car. Up front, you’ll note a low-mounted oil cooler, a set of chrome bumperettes, and Lucas-style parking lights. The hood shows proper rivets holding the support brace and scoop in place. Racing-style mirror and wind wings are NOS pieces purchased from a Ford dealer. And, of course, no Cobra is complete without a flip-up gas cap. You will also find correct Cobra badges, a single chrome roll hoop, and unusual rectangular taillights that were unique to the SC cars.
The buckets are finished in black leather, not vinyl, for a correct look and feel and they really are quite comfortable. The shifter is a Mustang unit that’s flipped backwards for that unique forward-canted look, and the steering wheel, while perhaps a little thicker than 1965, looks quite convincing with its AC horn button (not Cobra) which suggests that details were very important to the builder. Smiths gauges are used in the dash, although they’re not quite exact replicas of the original reverse-rotation units. Toggle switches handle the basics, there’s a pushbutton starter on the left, and nobody even thought about adding a radio or heater. For safety there are 5-point harnesses for both driver and passenger, as well as a fire extinguisher mounted to the forward edge of the transmission tunnel. The carpets, side panels with map pockets, and vinyl dashboard are all in excellent condition with zero signs of use or wear. Even the trunk is neatly finished with a set of matching carpets.
The engine is a 1965 date-coded 427 cubic inch Ford V8, and it is a correct “side oiler” as used in the original Cobras. It was rebuilt by Duffee Motorsports in Phoenix, Arizona and the internals have been upgraded with a full roller valvetrain, MSD ignition system (concealed in the original distributor) and pump-gas-friendly compression ratio. On top there are a pair of correct vintage 600 CFM Holley 4-barrel carburetors on a mid-rise tunnel ram intake, and they’re beautifully tuned so it starts quickly and idles well. Other correct details include NOS “pentroof” valve covers, a Ford expansion tank, and the round air cleaners on top of the carbs. A Ron Davis aluminum radiator is cooled by a massive electric fan with shroud, so it keeps its cool far better than the original setup. Today it runs ice cold and you should have no fears of running this Cobra at speed or sitting in traffic—it doesn’t care. A modern alternator, water pump, and upgraded plug wires help with reliability without notably compromising the original look.
Contemporary also insisted on an original-style round-tube chassis which few replica builders are using today. The front and rear suspension are Jaguar E-Type, which isn’t quite authentic but makes parts and tuning easy and the infinite adjustment of the Jaguar’s torsion bar front suspension is ideal for setting the car up for performance. The transmission is an NOS Toploader 4-speed manual that was sourced from another Ford dealer, and you’ll note that even the oil pan is a correct NOS piece that was acquired at great expense from a vendor in Wisconsin (we have the receipt). The exposed side pipes have racing mufflers built in, so it sounds like a Cobra but doesn’t make your ears bleed, and they’ve been ceramic coated satin black for a brutal, race-ready look. True knock-off Halibrand wheels are the only logical choice, and even the hubs are safety-wired in place. The tires are recent and fill the fenders properly.
Documentation is extensive, from build receipts to photos to Contemporary Classic Motorcars literature and parts lists to period advertising. This is one Cobra replica you can buy with confidence because every nut and bolt in it has a receipt attached and the details are exactly right.
The more we look at this car, the more impressed we are. It’s just gorgeous to look at and even though it takes a practiced eye to spot the small differences between the originals and most replicas, this one nails it. It looks predatory. The authentic parts give it the right feel and performance is electrifying.
Titled as a 1965 Ford.
For more details and photos, please visit www.HarwoodMotors.com
