Gateway Classic Cars of Dallas is excited to offer this 1965 Shelby
Cobra Replica, built by Factory Five Racing on the iconic Cobra
Roadster platform and titled as a 1997 Cobra. Finished in a deep
dark blue with contrasting matte black racing stripes, this
roadster delivers the unmistakable presence of a classic Cobra with
a proven Ford performance drivetrain underneath. Low, wide,
open-cockpit, and unapologetically aggressive, this is the kind of
car that turns an ordinary drive into an event.
Under the hood is a Fox-body-era Ford 5.0L High Output V8, better
known as the legendary 302. The 5.0L HO became synonymous with the
performance-oriented Ford Mustang GT during the Fox-body era and
remains one of Ford's most recognizable small-block V8s. This
engine is equipped with electronic fuel injection, combining
classic Ford V8 character and sound with the convenience of EFI.
Power is sent through a 5-speed manual transmission, putting the
driver directly in control of the experience. Out back is a Ford
8.8-inch rear end, providing another familiar and well-supported
piece of Ford performance hardware.
The combination gets even more interesting thanks to adjustable
coil-over suspension. In a lightweight Factory Five roadster, a
5.0L HO, manual transmission, 8.8 rear end, and coil-over
suspension create a performance-focused package designed around the
driver. This isn't simply a Cobra-inspired body sitting on an
ordinary chassis. Factory Five engineered its Roadster platform
around proven Ford components, creating a lightweight foundation
that lets the V8 deliver an especially engaging driving
experience.
Visually, this Cobra has the attitude to match its mechanical
package. The dark blue exterior is complemented by matte black
racing stripes that emphasize the car's low and aggressive profile.
Classic Cobra-inspired proportions give it the unmistakable
long-hood, short-deck appearance, while quick-jack style
bumperettes, a polished LeMans-style fuel filler cap, side-exit
exhaust, and multi-spoke wheels complete the look. The side pipes
don't just add to the appearance-they provide the soundtrack that
makes a V8-powered roadster like this so special.
Inside, the driver-focused cockpit continues the classic theme with
low-back bucket seats, multi-point racing harnesses, an aluminum
dashboard, traditional instrumentation, and a classic wood-rimmed
steering wheel. The chrome shifter rises prominently from the
center tunnel, keeping the 5-speed manual right where it belongs.
With the open cockpit, low seating position, V8 directly ahead, and
side pipes alongside you, this is about as far removed from an
ordinary modern sports car as possible.
The Factory Five Cobra Roadster was designed around readily
available Ford Mustang components, particularly the 1987-1993
Fox-body platform. That donor-car philosophy allowed builders to
utilize proven Ford components such as the 5.0L/302 drivetrain,
manual transmission, 8.8-inch rear axle, suspension, steering,
brakes, and other supporting systems while combining them with a
dedicated lightweight chassis and Cobra-inspired body. For Ford
enthusiasts, the combination is both familiar and highly
desirable.
And then there's the value. Finding a completed Factory Five Cobra
with a fuel-injected 5.0L HO, 5-speed manual transmission, 8.8 rear
end, and coil-over suspension with a list price below $50,000 is a
seriously compelling opportunity. Anyone who has looked into
building one knows how quickly the cost of a kit, drivetrain,
suspension, wheels, tires, paint, interior, exhaust, wiring, fuel
system, and countless smaller components can add up. Just as
importantly, a ground-up build requires a tremendous investment of
time. With this car, that work has already been done, allowing the
next owner to skip the parts-sourcing and assembly process and get
straight to enjoying the finished roadster.
For the enthusiast who wants the Cobra experience without taking on
a multi-year project, this Factory Five brings together the pieces
that matter: a legendary Fox-body-era 5.0L HO EFI V8, 5-speed
manual transmission, Ford 8.8-inch rear end, adjustable coil-over
suspension, aggressive Cobra styling, and an open-air cockpit. It's
classic American performance with the mechanical familiarity of
Ford's legendary 5.0 platform.
This is the kind of car that doesn't need an excuse to be driven.
Take it to a cars-and-coffee, cruise night, weekend gathering, or
simply take the long way home. Wherever it goes, the combination of
Cobra styling, V8 sound, manual transmission, and lightweight
construction is guaranteed to make the drive memorable.
If you've always wanted a Factory Five but didn't want to spend the
time and money building one from the ground up, this is your
opportunity to get behind the wheel of a completed roadster. A
Factory Five Cobra with 5.0L HO EFI power and a manual transmission
for under $50K is a combination worth taking a serious look at. For
more information or to schedule a viewing, contact Gateway Classic
Cars of Dallas today.
[email protected].
