For Sale: 1965 Ford Cobra in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

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 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.

In this spec, the car presents, we dare say, elegantly compared to those opting for a racier profile. This is spectacular in every way and extras include a new battery, PPF applied to the hips, that convertible top and side curtains, and it's low mileage. We see you drooling on your keyboard, and we totally understand. Now, catch your breath and give us a call!

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!