Shelby Cobra is a powerful car 

ENGINE

Twist this Cobra’s chrome hood locks and you’ll find a NASCAR-spec, Roush Yates-built D3 Ford 358 that, in 2011, twisted 750 dyno-proven horsepower into 543 lb./ft. of torque! And, if you know anything about NASCAR, you know about the brutal V8 wizardry that’s quite literally propelled both Jack Roush and Robert Yates to extreme success. The beast feeds thanks to a big 4-barrel carburetor that rides between Earl’s fluid lines, a Mr. Gasket pressure gauge and a K&N X-Stream air filter. Beneath that carb, an aluminum Edelbrock intake feeds Roush Yates heads, which are sandwiched between aluminum valve covers and wrapped, long-tube headers. At the front of that intake, a Crane distributor sequences fire through thick Champion Power Boost plug wires. Charge for that fire is provided a complete MSD HVC ignition system. Spark for that charge is provided by a small alternator, which, along with a massive water pump, spins on fresh V-belts. Lubrication comes courtesy of Peterson dry-sump components. A heavy duty aluminum radiator makes good use of a giant puller fan and polished overflow tank. There’s a complete NOS nitrous system, in case you want to turn ‘scary’ into ‘insane’. And the car’s minimalist aluminum engine bay is nice and clean, featuring a painted hood, mirrored inner fenders and pertinent chassis identification.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

One of the best things about buying a high quality replica is the modern hardware underneath. MIG welded, TIG welded and completely powder-coated, this Shelby’s Jig-made, ladder-style chassis and independent, BMW-style suspension are fully sorted and ready to hit the toughest track you can find. Behind the engine, a rugged Tremec 5-speed jerks a 4.25-inch Quarter Master Race Clutch, which is fed by a small Tilton fluid reservoir. All that jerking eventually makes its way to a modern rear end that’s stuffed with stout, tire-chirping gears. Those gears are countered by power-assisted calipers, which squeeze four drilled and slotted discs. At the front of the car, fluid rack-and-pinion steering makes low speed parking almost as easy as high speed sweeps. Power meets the pavement through attractive Halibrand-style knock-offs, which twist 235/60R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As in front of 295/50R15 BF Goodrich Radial T/As. And items like a beefy sway bar, Penske racing shocks, braided fluid lines and a passenger-friendly 92-inch wheelbase round out an already impressive track warrior.

INTERIOR

Cobra interiors are usually stalwart and simple, but this roadster’s Beige leather cockpit is comfortable and appealing. Well-padded seats are firm, look as good as new and feature heavy duty Simpson harnesses for increased safety. In front of those seats, a color-keyed dash hangs a tight leather façade around a small mirror, a combination of Spek and VDO gauges, and controls for the car’s rarely used nitrous system. At the sides of that dash, lightweight doors are dressed in soft inserts, big map pockets and chrome handles. Below those doors, piped carpet floats premium floor mats between a chrome shifter, a chrome fire extinguisher, AC foot pedals and a satin hand brake. In front of the driver, a wood-rimmed steering wheel spins highly polished spokes around an “AC” branded horn button. And behind the passengers, a carpeted trunk hides a large nitrous tank opposite a modern battery.