For Sale: 1965 Shelby Cobra in Newfield, New Jersey

This 1965 Backdraft Cobra RT3 Heritage Edition is an exceptionally well-executed example of modern craftsmanship blended with raw, period-correct performance, offering the unmistakable presence and brutality of a 427 Cobra with the refinement and drivability expected from a professionally assembled build. Completed in June of 2011 by Vintage Motorsports in North Haven, Connecticut, this RT3 was assembled with a clear emphasis on quality, documentation, and performance integrity, resulting in a car that is as impressive mechanically as it is visually.

At the heart of this Cobra is a 427 cubic inch engine built by Danbury Engines in Danbury, Connecticut, producing an astonishing 639 horsepower and 572 ft-lbs of torque, with dyno documentation included to verify its output. Power delivery is immediate and relentless, yet remarkably controlled thanks to the Tremec T-56 six-speed manual transmission, which allows for both aggressive acceleration and relaxed highway cruising. A QuickTime bellhousing and Hurst short-throw shifter topped with a white six-speed knob provide crisp, confident gear changes that reinforce the car's performance-focused nature.

Fuel delivery is handled by a Holley Sniper Stealth 4150 black EFI master kit, offering the reliability, throttle response, and tunability of modern fuel injection while preserving the traditional appearance enthusiasts expect. An aluminum fuel tank supports the system, while black ceramic-coated headers feed into a properly tuned exhaust setup that delivers an authoritative tone without sacrificing drivability. Under the hood, details such as the turkey pan with Stellings and Hellings air cleaner further elevate the engine bay presentation.

The chassis and suspension are equally well thought out, with Bilstein adjustable front coil-overs allowing for precise tuning, rack and pinion steering for direct road feel, and Wilwood four-wheel disc brakes featuring a matching master cylinder, red calipers, and performance rotors to ensure the car stops as confidently as it accelerates. The combination delivers a driving experience that is composed, responsive, and confidence-inspiring, whether cruising or driving with intent.

Finished in show-quality Ford Racing Red, the paintwork is further protected by 3M Paint Protection Film Pro Series applied to the fascia, hood, door tops, and rear quarters, preserving the finish in high-impact areas while remaining visually discreet. The chrome-over-brass windshield, Ray Dyot windshield-mounted mirrors, and 17-inch knock-off wheels complete the classic Cobra profile with period-correct elegance and aggression.

Inside the cockpit, the car balances vintage aesthetics with thoughtful modern comfort. Leather seats, including heated driver and passenger seats, provide surprising refinement, while the adjustable driver's seat easily accommodates drivers 6'2" and taller. The leather-wrapped dash houses Lucas-style switches with LED indicators and Smiths gauges, maintaining authenticity without sacrificing visibility or reliability. A wood Moto-Lita steering wheel anchors the driving position, complemented by a roll bar harness mount and a black tonneau cockpit cover for both style and function.

This Cobra includes a comprehensive build binder with receipts, a car cover, and carries a 17-digit VIN. It is titled in our dealer name in New Jersey as a 1965 Cobra with a clean NJ title. As with any specialty vehicle of this nature, buyers are responsible for verifying local laws regarding titling and registration in their state.

Overall, this Backdraft Cobra RT3 Heritage Edition stands as an extremely special example, combining documented high-horsepower performance, professional assembly, exceptional attention to detail, and true collector-grade presentation. It offers the visceral excitement and visual drama that define the Cobra legend, while benefiting from modern engineering that allows it to be driven and enjoyed with confidence. This is not simply a replica; it is a meticulously built, properly documented Cobra that delivers on every promise its shape suggests.

South Jersey Classics is a 10,000-square-foot classic and specialty collector automobile dealer, featuring 50+ vehicles. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Newfield, NJ. Our Dealership is on US Route 40 just off New Jersey Route 55, Exit 39B heading towards Elmer, NJ; conveniently just 40 Minutes East of Philadelphia, 40 Minutes West from the Major New Jersey Shore Points, and 30 minutes North of the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Our Showroom is conveniently accessible from all major Southern New Jersey Roadways including New Jersey Turnpike, I-295, I-76, NJ Route 42, NJ Route 55, US Route 40, Atlantic City Expressway, and New Jersey Parkway. Our website is www.SJClassics.com and our phone number is (856) 521-0832. Don't hesitate to contact us anytime for more information or to come to see the vehicle in person. Please be sure to view all of our HD photos directly at our website www.SJClassics.com for the best viewing experience