Automotive

Superformance retouches the iconic Shelby Cobra

Superformance retouches the iconic Shelby Cobra
Superformance updates the hood and headlamps on its new Cobra MKIII-R
Superformance updates the hood and headlamps on its new Cobra MKIII-R
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Superperformance offers the full
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Superformance offers a variety of Shelby continuation and replica cars and now adds its a new spin on the Cobra
The big diffuser and scalloped fenders give the Superformance's new Cobra MKIII-R a more aggressive look
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The big diffuser and scalloped fenders give the Superformance's new Cobra MKIII-R a more aggressive look
Superformance Cobra MKIII-R
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Superformance Cobra MKIII-R
The new MKIII-R starts at $79,900 as a rolling chassis
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The new MKIII-R starts at $79,900 as a rolling chassis
The front is classic Shelby with a more aggressive aero
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The front is classic Shelby with a more aggressive aero
Superformance updates the hood and headlamps on its new Cobra MKIII-R
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Superformance updates the hood and headlamps on its new Cobra MKIII-R
Updated gauges
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Updated gauges
The interior receives some body-matched stitching, electronic gauges and added leather
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The interior receives some body-matched stitching, electronic gauges and added leather
Superformance Cobra MKIII-R
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Superformance Cobra MKIII-R
View gallery - 9 images

Don't mess with perfection, right? But sometimes it's hard not to wonder how a little tweak here or there might further perfect that perfection. That's the tack Superformance takes with its latest Shelby Cobra reproduction. Instead of merely recreating the Shelby-licensed car as it was in 1965, it adds a few updates to give it a meaner, more modern look. A gorgeous striped paint job finishes off a Cobra sure to spin the heads of Shelby aficionados and car neophytes alike.

If you know your way around a Shelby Cobra, Superformance's new Cobra MKIII-R likely looks very familiar but slightly off. The California replica and continuation car shop uses a light but firm hand in updating the design, slotting a prominent splitter below the unmistakable oval grille that sits between LED headlamps. It also modifies the hood design.

Moving back along its profile, the new MKIII-R stands on the same wheelbase and wears the usual voluptuous curves but gets an extra touch of retro with scalloped front and rear fenders. It also has black mesh vents and an aggressive rear diffuser. Splitting the car in half, anthracite stripes add some depth to the Atlantic Blue paint.

The big diffuser and scalloped fenders give the Superformance's new Cobra MKIII-R a more aggressive look
The big diffuser and scalloped fenders give the Superformance's new Cobra MKIII-R a more aggressive look

"With a major motion picture release last year that highlighted the Cobra, this vehicle’s popularity is at an all-time high," said Superformance CEO Lance Stander. "The Superformance MKIII-R is the perfect combination of an old-school classic automobile infused with a bit of modern-day flair."

Inside, the main upgrade is the electronic gauges facing the driver. Superformance also French-stitches the seats in body color-accented thread and adds some extra leather around the transmission tunnel. Power steering comes standard, and buyers can add optional push-button ignition and six-piston front brakes.

The interior receives some body-matched stitching, electronic gauges and added leather
The interior receives some body-matched stitching, electronic gauges and added leather

Beyond the subtle 21st century updates, the MKIII-R stands on the same solid footing as Superformance's other Cobra builds. Its jig-welded parallel ladder frame is built up from 2 x 4-in rectangular steel tubing and hand-laid fiberglass body panels reinforced with steel bars. The 18-in wheels come cushioned by independent unequal length A-arm front and rear suspensions with adjustable Bilstein coils up front.

The $79,900 Cobra MKIII-R comes as a rolling chassis without engine, and Superformance offers installation kits for Ford 302, 351, 460 and 427/428 cu-in engines with Tremec five-speed or Ford top-loader four-speed transmissions.

Source: Superformance

View gallery - 9 images
4 comments
4 comments
guzmanchinky
Very cool, but a death trap in a crash...
Nelson Hyde Chick
I would like to see a Cobra kit that could be made electric. The iconic side pipes could be spoilers to keep it hugged to the ground.
HansPro
Guzmanchink, so correct. I clearly remember a Sunday at Killarney race track in South Africa years ago where the Cobra Car Club had an open day for members. There was a very cool and VERY expensively-equipped Cobra owned by a doctor. He gave his son the keys to take for a spin. On exiting very slowly the pit lane to enter the track, the driver then hit the gas too hard – who can resist this beast’s soundtrack?! – and the accelerator pedal got stuck undr the carpet edge… ooh-ooh if to be believed. The Cobra started to spin out of control on the spot in the narrow pit lane exit, engine howling at top revs, Cobra now enveloped in smoke, hit the wall. Massive, and I mean massive damage to bodywork, tube chassis, radiator and engine resulted. Steering wheel was bent forward and I still remember the blood-spattered dash and gauges due to driver’s face hitting the Momo steering wheel hard. Imagine that was at speed plus rollover on the highway! No thanks!
Martin Hone
Well, you did start off with "don't mess with perfection" right ? But they did . Nice workmanship but why on earth mess with the iconic style ? Those side louvres just look cheap, and do what ?