Vehicle Description
1965 Shelby Cobra
The Cobras dominated Corvettes in North America, winning races
coast to coast. On July 4, 1965, the Cobra won the World
Manufacturers' GT Championship, as the team soundly defeated
Ferrari. Shelby American is the only American vehicle manufacturer
to win the prestigious championship, before or since." Thx
Shelby.com. Fast forward 30 years and Factory Five was founded and
what started as a small, start up business has become the world's
largest manufacturer of component car kits.
For consignment, a 1965 Shelby Cobra, a Factory Five MK III replica
built in 2006 showing a title verified 14,405 actual miles. The car
is equipped with a 5.0 liter EFI V8 from 1989 which was not only
rebuilt, but modified with some go fast goodies that help this car
not present as a looker, but a cooker as well. And we'd expect
nothing less from a namesake of the legendary Cobra.
Exterior
Patriot Blue Pearlcoat is a fantastic shade that fits this car
well, enhanced by Artic White stripes that go from the bottom lip
to the rear valance breaking only for the lower intake, the gaping
grille, and of course, the cabin fronted by an upright windshield
with wind wings. In profile, the Coke bottle shape is well defined
and epic side gills, here in polished metal, catches your eyes
right before they are drawn to the ceramic coated side pipe and its
perforated heat shields. 17-inch anthracite Bullitt wheels are a
spectacular choice here, their polished rims providing some extra
shine. Out back, quad tail lights cap the fenders, and a reverse
light was added in the center in line with the trunk handle.
Vestigial reminders of the race version includes the hood scoop,
the gas cap, and the roll bar. Bumperettes were added for street
cars and like all the metal on this car, appears in great condition
here. A spot of curb rash is the only exterior imperfection we
could find.
Interior
Black vinyl door cards are adorned with woodgrain inlays and
pleated map pockets and the doors are limited by robust leather
straps at the hinge. Inside, bomber style black vinyl seats rest
proudly on each side of the center hump. The driver's seat has an
adjustable track, and both are fitted with four point racing
harnesses. Excellent conditions prevail with the wood rimmed
steering wheel and vinyl backed dashboard housing AutoMeter gauges,
indicator lights, and a number of toggle switches. Cup holders are
included in the center hump ahead of the shifter wrapped in a black
boot and topped with a wooden knob. The trunk, footwells, and back
wall are all lined in a nice low pile black carpet and an AM/FM/CD
player is cut into that back wall for a clean fit that doesn't
impede the authentic feel of the dashboard.
Drivetrain
The polished Cobra intake of the clean 5.0 liter V8 gets our
attention, just before the chrome intake of the cold air system.
The powerplant is equipped with a 65mm throttle body, Edelbrock
Performer heads, and headers, all backed by a Borg Warner T5
5-speed manual transmission which routes power to the Ford 8.8" in
back where you'll find 3.73 gears with TracLoc. Disc brakes are
found front and rear.
Undercarriage
The powder coated tubular frame takes center stage on an underside
that is clean, showing minimal surface rust and an absence of
errant fluids. Aluminum boxes frame the cabin and trunk while the
dual exhaust travels a short distance from the headers before
becoming side pipes. Coil over suspension is found up front with a
3 link, coil overs, and a panhard bar in back. Wheel components are
free of grease and dirt and only a spider web detracts from a
spotless presentation!
Drive-Ability
What's not to love here? Raw, raucous, and radical, the spent gases
of the 5 liter make a melodious tone that your neighbors will
notice, so check your HOA bylaws before cranking this one to life
at 6:00 am. Meanwhile, it tracks as if on rails, has obvious power
underfoot, and is about as much fun as the law will allow. A race
car for the streets means a lack of complicated functions, so all
the simple ones on board operate as they should and it's time to
put this snake back in the den. While Classic Auto Mall represents
that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we
cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of
your purchase.
Sixty years after the Cobras ruled the track, 9 out of 10 car
enthusiasts agree, the Shelby Cobra, even in reproduction form, is
the coolest car on the planet. The 10th guy just hasn't driven one
yet. Snakes have to sit in the sun to warm up, but we know your
temperature is rising just reading this! So, make like a pit viper
and strike while you can. You've always wanted one and this well
sorted Factory Five is your E-ticket out of the ordinary and into
the extraordinary.
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.
There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee
is not included in the advertised price.
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!
