Superformance MkIII-R might be the dream Cobra
Done with contemporary sports cars? The latest Shelby-licensed Cobra is just the ticket
Superformance is one of the eminent names in continuation cars. It's been building turnkey replicas for almost a quarter of a century. Best known for GT40s and Cobras, its latest creation - the Superformance MkIII-R - is described as "the perfect combination of an old-school classic automobile infused with a bit of modern-day flair."
As such, it isn't quite the wholly faithful Cobra homage as found in Superformance's Cinema series - Ford v Ferrari doubtless helping the replica cause along - but rather a mild update of the familiar Anglo-American sports car. Note the new front end and wings, plus - shock, horror - some kind of diffuser arrangement at the rear. There are no claims of downforce benefit for anything now fitted, Superformance suggesting the car represents a "timeless aesthetic mated with functionality." Underneath, the MkIII-R uses a jig-welded parallel steel ladder frame and large diameter outriggers, suspended by unequal length A-arms with adjustable Bilstein coilovers - "incorporating some modern components", as Superformance puts it.
Where the MkIII-R is refreshingly traditional - where it couldn't be anything but, it might be said - is under the bonnet. Each Superformance chassis is sold without powertrain, meaning buyers can choose from any engine they want, as long as it's a V8. There are Ford units from 302 cubic-inch to 428, or 5.0- to 7.0-litres, mated to either a Tremec five-speed manual or a four-speed auto also from the Blue Oval parts catalogue. Performance claims haven't been published, though all options surely offer a hilarious surfeit of power.
As Superformance pitches this car as combining "vintage styling with modern adornments", it's probably worth dealing with the latter modifications. Some of them are more practical changes, like the upgraded radiator with electric fans, and some are more for show - including a leather covered transmission tunnel and push-button start - but all should contribute to an enhanced Cobra experience. There's even power steering. And a classic muscle car you can use more of the time has to be a good thing, doesn't it?
Although this MkIII-R is painted Atlantic Blue with anthracite stripes - and looks very good on it - Superformance will build a car in "a wide variety of exterior and interior colour options." Could you go without stripes? Is there a better combination than blue with white stripes? What about the leather colour? There are plenty of decisions to be made for any prospective buyer.
That said, if the decision has been made that a MkIII-R is the roadster for you, Superformance is taking orders now - a rolling chassis starts at $80,000. Which, given a powertrain then has to be stuffed in and the car has to get here from SoCal, might look a lot. However, it's a heck of a lot cheaper than a bonafide original - CSX2000, the first Cobra, sold for $13,750,000 in 2015 - and Superformance promises "a labour-intensive approach to ensure every piece is period correct and functioning perfectly." Residuals are said to be good, too, if a 7.0-litre Cobra requires any objective justification. And if it doesn't need any, then what are you waiting for? Plain old supercars are boring, anyway...
I love the original Cobra and would happily live with this as a modern, cheaper alternative to a genuine one. But the 5% I'd need changing is that gopping from splitter thing.
It looks like a hungry baby wearing a bib.
Almost but not quite because of the stupidity at the front end.
I love the original Cobra and would happily live with this as a modern, cheaper alternative to a genuine one. But the 5% I'd need changing is that gopping from splitter thing.
It looks like a hungry baby wearing a bib.
Almost but not quite because of the stupidity at the front end.
https://www.vanguardmotorsales.com/inventory/3697/...
The correct answer, when offered ANY Cobra however, is "Yes!".
I quite like it. Although I'd have thought by now they'd have placed that gear stick in a better place.
See above for reference where it's apparently been utterly ruined (and they won't be buying one) by a splitter ....that probably comes off with 2 bolts (or you could just ask them not to put it on....)
Is yours an actual "original" as looks like a very good replica to me. It might be the BRG, gold stripes and mesh grille throwing me off.
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