Cobra Replica documented one owner since built soft top

1965 Shelby Cobra Factory Five Description

What could be cooler than the world's best-looking 2-seat roadster, filled with a fuel injected 5.0-liter V8, a capable suspension, and paint that makes people stop and stare? If you're a real car guy, you've probably already contemplated building your own Cobra replica, but the smart money's on buying someone else's finished car like this amazing Factory Five roadster. Cobras always look best when coated in original AC colors and with the explosion of awesome replicas running... around, this take on British Racing Green (PPG-Subaru Green) stands out in a big way. Green never looked as good as does on this amazing shape, with miles-deep luster and professional-grade finishing, the body fits together extremely well (the Factory Five kits are famous for their quality fiberglass work). There are no stripes, a nice contrast from what we typically see, giving this Factory Five snake a bit of a sophisticated look without changing the recipe too dramatically. This is likely how most of them looked back when they were still just regular cars, and it gets pretty easy to imagine the fun you could be having with this in your garage. Proper jacking stubs, side pipes, and correct Lucas-style taillights add interest to a traditional look, and the dual chrome roll hoops are probably the best-looking safety device ever invented. The interior sticks to the original recipe of "simple is better", although the front buckets are sporty Kirkey Racing seats with Simpson 5-point harness seat belts. There's a removable, original-style wooden steering wheel which reminds you of the Cobra's English origins and they went the extra mile by using Auto Meter gauges that replicate the original Smiths pieces. Unlike most Cobras, 6-foot drivers can actually be quite comfortable, as the space in the cabin has been efficiently designed. A full Vintage A/C unit was added during he build and is a very rare amenity to find in a Cobra, and they even managed to make the shifter look like the original Cobra piece, which was a reverse-mounted Mustang unit. Cobras aren't famous for storage space, but this one has a carpeted trunk that shows off just how well-built these Factory Five replicas really are, and even provides enough room for some car-show goodies. And don't worry, there's actually a soft top, windows, and a tonneau cover in case you get trapped out in some bad weather. The beauty of the Factory Five kit is that all the Mustang 5.0 components bolt right on, although this one has been punched up a bit further with an .030 overbore that augments the displacement to 306 cubic inches. GT-40 heads are a nice performance touch too, and the lope of the motor is more than you'd expect thanks to the addition of an E303 Cam. The big Cobra aluminum intake manifold looks familiar enough sitting on top of the 5.0, and thanks to properly tuned fuel injection featuring a 75mm throttle body and 24-lb injectors, it runs like a factory-built Mustang, if not better. Take it easy on the throttle and it's docile and friendly, but if you nail it, be prepared for things to get crazy in a big hurry even in stock spec. The pipes wail, the car lunges forward, and you've got to remember to shift before you run out of revs in seconds. Ford Racing long-tube headers and side pipes look (and sound) awesome (this one even has catalytic convertors!) while the cooling system is a massive aluminum radiator with electric fans. The frame is a tubular pro-built unit with A-arms up front, a 3-link and Ford 8.8-inch axle with 3.73 in back, and a disc brake at the front corners, so it's equipped for the power. The rebuilt T5 5-speed gearbox spins those reasonable gears, because you just don't need tall cogs with this much torque available. Halibrand replica wheels are the perfect finishing touch, carrying big 235/60/15 front and 295/50/15 rear Cooper Cobra white-letter performance radials. We've said it before and it applies here: it's always faster and cheaper to buy a finished Cobra, and with the features on this one, that should be an easy decision because this one is exactly how you'd build it yourself. Call today!