New-build right-hand drive Shelby Cobras now available in the UK
UK-based importer Clive Sutton is now importing three Cobra variants, all built-to-order in the USA
The Shelby Cobra might be one of the most commonly reimagined classics around, but for the most authentic experience, Clive Sutton is now importing new-build Cobras in right-hand drive form to UK customers.
Built in the USA by Superperformance, there are three variants available made up of a MkII, MkIII and MkIII-R. All of them utilise a Rouch-modified V8 engine in either a 5.7 or 7-litre capacity, matched with a Tremec-sourced five-speed manual transmission, ZF limited slip differential and rear-wheel drive.
The MkII ‘slab side’ remake finds its origins in Shelby’s early 1962 Cobra 289, and is built on a 3-inch tubular steel ladder chassis wrapped in a fibreglass body. The chassis has been built to specification from original AC drawings, with modifications to fit the modern rack and pinion steering system that replaces the original’s reticulating ball setup.
Its narrow body design has also been subtly reshaped to fit the wider 205-section tyre and 15-inch Dayton knock off wire wheel package. These wheels cover a set of Willwood four-piston brakes up front, with smaller two piston units at the back. The suspension features rigid axles with transverse leaf springs at both ends, a rather old-fashioned design that has been installed to give it a driving experience as close as possible to the original.
The MkIII is constructed a little differently, with a ladder frame fashioned from 4 x 2-inch rectangular steel with large outriggers and support for a new independent front and rear suspension setup. Replacing the MkII’s transverse leaf springs are a set of bespoke coilovers, again with Willwood brakes and a 15-inch wheel package, albeit with much wider 255 front and 275-section rear tyres.
The body also finds its origins in Shelby's later Cobra models, with pumped up arches front and rear, a hood scoop, single roll-hoop and larger grille opening. MkIII models are fitted with the larger 7-litre (or 427 cubic-inch for you traditionalists) V8 exiting through a side-exit exhaust system. The MkIII also comes with the accolade of being the only Cobra continuation built under official licence from Caroll Shelby Licensing Inc.
MkIII-R models mimic the basic specification of standard MkIII, but feature some contemporary styling elements such as larger 18-inch wheels and tyres to match, a front splitter and rear diffuser clip-ons for something like a resto-mod aesthetic.
All three models are offered with a 2-year and 30,000-mile warranty through Clive Sutton, and are priced from £124,950, £123,950 and £136,950 for the MkII, MkIII and MkIII-R respectively. Clive Sutton is taking orders now for a mid-2022 delivery.
