1965 Superformance MKIII Cobra

The Shelby Cobra remains one of the most recognizable sports cars ever built. Conceived in the early 1960s when American performance met lightweight British chassis engineering, the original Cobra quickly became a motorsport legend. Authentic examples today sit firmly in the multi-million-dollar range, making high-quality licensed recreations the closest many enthusiasts will come to the experience.

This Superformance MKIII carries that lineage forward. Built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., the MKIII is widely regarded as one of the most faithful Cobra reproductions available, engineered to replicate the proportions, feel, and performance of the original cars while incorporating modern manufacturing quality. According to the manufacturer documentation, each MKIII features a hand-laid fiberglass body mounted to a heavy-wall steel ladder frame with integrated crumple zones and fully independent suspension.

Finished in Wimbledon White with Viper Blue twin stripes, this example (chassis SP02660) shows just over 9,200 miles and presents as a well-kept, turn-key example located in Wellington, Florida.

The hand-laid fiberglass bodywork closely follows the original 1960s Cobra profile, with wide rear haunches, side-exit exhaust, and minimal overhangs defining the car’s stance. The body is finished in a two-stage Wimbledon White paint with Viper Blue twin racing stripes running the length of the car

Period-correct details include a polished stainless steel roll bar, Monza-style locking fuel cap, quick-lift jacking points, and side-mounted exhaust outlets that visually and acoustically reinforce the car’s competition roots.

This example rides on 15-inch aluminum Halibrand-style pin-drive wheels with knock-off spinners, a defining visual element of the Cobra design. Braking is handled by power-assisted Wilwood ventilated disc brakes with 12-inch rotors up front and 11-inch units at the rear.

Inside, the cabin reflects the purposeful simplicity of the original Cobras. German-specification leather seats are set within a fully carpeted cockpit that includes carpeting on the floor, center console, and trunk area.

A Moto-Lita wood steering wheel sits ahead of a dash populated with Smiths-style analog gauges, including a reverse-sweep 180-mph speedometer consistent with the traditional Cobra layout. The driving position is straightforward and mechanical, placing the driver close to the large shifter and central transmission tunnel.

Additional interior features include:

• Heater and defroster system
• Two-speed windshield wipers with washer
• Locking glovebox upgrade
• Sun visors and wind wings
• Period-style handbrake and shifter

The result is an interior that favors authenticity and driver engagement over modern convenience.

Powering this Superformance MKIII S/C is a SouthernAutomotive-built 406ci Ford FE V8, a well-sorted and thoughtfully assembledperformance engine built from a 1969 Ford 390 FE block. Designed to deliver thekind of character and muscle that perfectly suits the Cobra formula, the engineis fitted with ported and polished Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminum heads, anEdelbrock Performer RPM hydraulic camshaft, and a matching Edelbrock PerformerRPM aluminum intake manifold. Additional performance-minded components includeoriginal Ford 390 forged steel rods secured with ARP bolts, Keith Blackhypereutectic pistons, a Holley 750 CFM carburetor with vacuum secondaries, MSD6AL ignition, Finely Performance stainless steel FE headers, a Canton 8-quartfront sump oil pan, a Melling high-volume oil pump, and a Dynagearhigh-performance timing chain set. Power is routed through a Tremec 5-speedmanual transmission, offering the direct, analog driving experience enthusiastsexpect from a car of this caliber. Altogether, the drivetrain reflects apurposeful and well-executed build, combining classic FE big-block characterwith a strong selection of proven performance components.

All that power is routed through a Tremec TKO600 five-speed manual transmission, a modern gearbox known for its durability and smooth shifting while allowing relaxed highway cruising. The drivetrain is paired with a 3.46:1 limited-slip differential.

The MKIII platform itself is designed to support the performance expected from a Cobra. A jig-welded steel ladder frame forms the backbone of the car, while fully independent front and rear suspension with coil-over dampers provides control and responsiveness. Rack-and-pinion steering with approximately 2.5 turns lock-to-lock contributes to the quick, direct character these cars are known for.

With a curb weight typically around 1,800 pounds depending on engine specification, the MKIII’s combination of big-block power and lightweight construction delivers the raw, analog driving experience enthusiasts seek from a Cobra recreation.

Key Features

• Superformance MKIII built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc.
• Chassis SP02660
• 427FE big-block V8 (406ci) with Holley 750 cfm carburetor
• Tremec TKO600 five-speed manual transmission
• Wimbledon White exterior with Viper Blue twin stripes
• 15-inch Halibrand-style knock-off wheels
• Fully independent suspension with Bilstein coil-over dampers
• Wilwood power-assisted ventilated disc brakes
• Limited-slip differential with 3.46:1 ratio
• Smiths-style gauges and Moto-Lita wood steering wheel

This Superformance MKIII shows just over 9,200 miles and is described as a turn-key example ready for immediate enjoyment. Located in West Palm Beach, Florida, the car retains its clean title status.

Superformance vehicles are delivered as highly complete component cars designed to replicate the construction and mechanical layout of the original Cobras while using modern manufacturing techniques and materials. The MKIII platform includes a heavy-duty ladder-frame chassis, independent suspension, and upgraded braking components intended to support the performance capabilities of big-block powerplants.

Few cars capture the spirit of 1960s American performance like the Cobra. With its licensed Superformance construction, big-block power, and traditional color combination, this MKIII offers the visual drama and visceral driving experience that made the original cars legendary.

For enthusiasts seeking the Cobra experience without the seven-figure entry point of an original Shelby, a well-sorted Superformance example like this represents one of the most authentic and usable interpretations available.