Ask 100 car guys what their top five dream garage cars would be, and it’s likely that the AC/Shelby Cobra would appear on 98 of those lists. It is, without a doubt, one of the coolest cars ever produced and the well regarded replicas allow us “common folk” to have the car of our dreams without spending seven figures, or even six!
For consignment, a 1965 AC Cobra packing a 347ci stroker V8 and having a title verified 29,983 actual miles on the build. Side pipes, Cobra stripes, and the iconic color combination, all on a consignor stated actual AC chassis make this a desirable little sports car that packs a big punch.
Exterior
Some people don’t like to stray from tradition, and Guardsman Blue with white stripes is a traditional Cobra and Shelby color combo. It’s well done on this car, you don’t want it overly glossy, but you want enough shine for it to show well, and this car fits the bill. A gaping, grille less opening in the front gulps air through the twin fans and is flanked by chrome bumperettes. There are noticeable rock chips on the chin, fascia and hood scoop meaning this car has been driven and enjoyed! The 427 emblem has some patina, and the gill slats also show some cracking paint. The metalwork including the roll bar, mirrors and window trim are in nice condition. The epic gas filler cap and side pipes could use some restoration if that is the route the next owner desires to go. The gold 15-inch American Racing Shelby pin drive wheels look great.
Interior
As a purpose built race car, Cobras never featured many creature comforts on the inside, and that’s part of the appeal. A basic vinyl cover and saddle leather hinge limiters make up the ingredients of the door, with the metal actuator close to the door jamb. The black vinyl bucket seats are low and lack any bolster whatsoever. Again, part of the mystique but augmented by the racing harness that is a requisite part of these cars. The steering wheel is a close replica of the original with three spokes and a wood rim. The vinyl covered dash has all the critical gauges, lights, and toggle switches and is pleasantly simple. An AM/FM/CD radio represents the only creature comfort added. The stick is mounted in the center console and tracing the transmission tunnel back, we find a fire extinguisher and a pair of Alpine speakers on the back wall, along with a fuel shut off switch. Low pile black carpet meets a diamond steel plate under the race pedals. The trunk is lined in molded aluminum and houses an amplifier for the stereo.
Drivetrain
According to the consignor, the engine has 347ci and is a small block Ford V8 stroker. It’s fuel injected and tied to a T5 5-speed manual transmission sending power back to an 8.8 inch rear. Disc brakes are up front with drum brakes in the rear. A polished EFI intake and red valve covers dress up the engine bay which looks clean and tidy.
Undercarriage
Driver quality underneath with some scrapes and surface rust on the tubular frame. Everything is intact and this car is equipped with coil springs in the front and a 4-link with coil springs in the back. We note oil coasting the oil pan and transmission as well as oil on the rear diff, and some surface rust on brake parts.
Drive-Ability
Fair weather was on our side, so we called the orchestra. First, the horn section which blasts notes out of the side pipes for all the mall to hear, then the drums take over as we step on the gas and head onto the loop. Pure music as, like a conductor, we row the magic wand through the gears. Great acceleration, wind in your hair and crescendos in your ear, this car can guarantee smiles at every turn of the key. Runs, stops, and turns well with all gauges functioning. The radio works too, and we cranked it to “11”.
What’s better than a Cobra replica you can take to shows and cruise nights? One that you can drive at other times and not worry about that first rock chip. Or second rock chip. This one is a fuel injected driver that you can enjoy or gussy up to super show quality with a little bit of work. Either way, this is the number one head turner in America, the ultimate extrovert sports car icon! Will you be the one to flip it to 30,000 miles?
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that’s more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!
