1965 Shelby AC Cobra Replica, “Mild Project”
The Paint: Velocity Red, base/coat, clear/coat, white racing stripes
The Engine: Ford 260 CID V8 with aluminum Intake manifold, 4 bbl carb, headers
The Transmission: Ford 2 speed automatic
Differential: Ford 9” with 3.50:1 gears
Mustang II front suspension
New front disc brakes
New radiator and rear shocks
Black bucket seats with seat belts
Racing style pop open gas cap
Black side exhaust
15” Polished American Racing wheels with radial tires
Frame and body by Shell Valley Classic Wheels
Every once in awhile I have the opportunity to have a car here that may need a little help here and there. Nothing drastic of course, but a car that is fully operational and fun to drive that can be enjoyed while adding, or repairing a few things to improve upon it. This little Cobra fits that criteria perfectly. The red paint with white stripes looks very nice as well as classic, the seats and door panels look like they would belong in a real Cobra. The black side pipes look pretty authentic too. The exhaust is not hooked up to the side pipes, but rather exits at the rear axle. The good news, you won't burn your leg getting out of the car! The dash is the area that could use a little effort. The fuel, the speedometer, and the oil pressure gauge all work, but the others do not. The brakes are new, and the fronts are discs, but they are not power so you actually have to push on the pedal when the time comes to stop.
The Mustang II front suspension allows this Cobra to drive down the road rather nicely. It steers easily, and really is a kick to drive. Driving down the road this Cobra looks pretty authentic, and the performance from the 260 V8 (also used in the first cobras) is surprisingly strong. Although not an original style wheel, the polished 5 spokes look right at home on the Cobra coupled with the black wall radials they assist in giving this Cobra a smooth sporty ride as well as an aggressive look. The company, Shell Valley Classic Wheels out of Platt Center, Nebraska builds a nice kit, available in several stages of assembly. This Cobra has a rectangular tube powder coated frame, and a fiberglass composite Cobra body. If you've every desired a Cobra, this one would be a fun project that you could drive and enjoy, while you work on it. This is just about as good as it gets!
