Vehicle Description
1965 AC Cobra Superformance Roadster
To have been around the racing circuit in the mid 60's must have
been an amazing experience. And when Carroll Shelby showed up with
these alien looking little roadsters with their blistering speed
and powerful engines, people were impressed but they could not have
known the lasting legacy these cars would have and their ability,
nearly 60 years later, to take the breath away from your average
car enthusiasts. That's magic in a bottle that happens rarely in
the automotive world.
For consignment, a 1965 AC Cobra Superformance roadster.
Superformance has been building licensed factory spec replicas
since 1996 in their Jupiter, Florida facility. This Mark III has a
title verified 5,629 actual miles and packs a punch with 515
horsepower from its built engine. Everyone wants one of these, so
read quickly and then get into gear!
NOTE: This vehicle has no model year listed and also shows "Special
Construction" for the make on the clean and clear Pennsylvania
title. Please research with your country, state, provincial, or
local DMV for proper titling procedures.
Exterior
Their own special hue, Superformance Royal Blue covers the car and
wears the iconic white stripes which emerge from the low lip, hug
the hood, then spill off the trunk lid and onto the rear fascia.
Jacking hooks protrude on the front and rear and polished side
pipes cling to the side like a gunslinger in the wild west with
nickel finished revolvers. The bulging fenders, the side vents,
hood scoop, and wide stance also help define the character of this
car, not to be mistaken for anything else. A gaping grille is
flanked by round headlights on a high rising fender which dips at
the cab, only to rise again in the back. Twin tail lights, one red,
one amber, cap off a car that has no bad angles. 15-inch Halibrand
knock off replicas fill the wheel wells and the raised white
letters on the tires look right at home. All of the polished metal
on the car is in fantastic shape as is the paint.
Interior
Simple vinyl panels cover the inner doors and the vintage style
stitched bucket seatslook brand new and considering entry
occasionally requires sliding your butt down the back, that's a
good thing! The wood rimmed, 3 spoke steering wheel was commonplace
in the 60's, an incredible notion when you compare it with modern
racing steering wheels or even those in our daily cars. A black
backed dash is clean and tidy and houses numerous gauges and
switches in a flawless and efficient presentation. Leaning forward
in true Cobra fashion, the long shifter is floor mounted and
contains a two finger lockout lever. Low pile black carpet covers
the transmission hump, floors and narrow footwells cleanly. It also
lines the trunk. Wind wings are attached to the windshield frame
and will keep some turbulence from entering the cabin.
Drivetrain
The muscle under the skin is a 418ci Windsor V8 putting out an
astounding 515 horsepower and the internal components include a
Scat forged 4.100 stroke crank, 6.200" H beam rods, Power Forged
SRP 10.5-1 compression pistons, JE chromoly rings, and a Comp Cams
hydraulic roller cam. The intake manifold is an Edelbrock Victor Jr
port matched intake topped by a Holley 800cfm double pumper
carburetor. For heads, the builder selected Edelbrock Fast Burn
Victor Jr port matched runner heads with 2.05i and 1.60e valves.
The engine bay is incredibly clean with polished metals and
spotless surfaces throughout. A Tremec 3550 5-speed manual
transmission handles the horsepower and sends it to the rear wheels
where it meets 3.46 gears in the axle. Power disc brakes have the
thankless job of bringing all that power to a stop and are found on
all four wheels.
Undercarriage
Based on the top side, we expected a clean underside, and the car
did not disappoint. Zero rust and no errant fluids. The exhaust
goes directly from the headers to the side pipes, held on with
brackets welded and bolted in place on the frame. Much of the
drivetrain is accessible from underneath and linkages, bushings,
hoses and wires are all free of dirt and grease. Independent coil
over suspension is on the front and back.
Drive-Ability
My Fitbit says my heart rate is way up, and can you blame it? With
the shiny roll bar at my back, we flip the fuel pump, prime the car
and turn the key to start the thunderstorm. We gently roll this
legendary form onto the test loop and row through a gear or two, or
three, and with its astonishing power, we make the rounds to check
functionality before we get lost in car heaven. And, as expected on
a sub 6000-mile car, lights, gauges, brakes, and throttle work as
they should. Fortunately, we had no use for the fire extinguisher
that's mounted on the rear wall between the seats, but it's there
just in case.
Cobra replicas come in many configurations in terms of interior
pieces and of course, power plants. This one is an excellent
combination of some great choices and will undoubtedly attract
attention. First, from you and others interested in purchasing it.
Then, from every human being who encounters it in the future. Hands
down, one of the most desirable hobby cars in the world. It's your
time. Do not think about it too long.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and
we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host
Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends
in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and
automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune
in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy
listening. You can also watch on YouTube!