331 Stroker-Powered Superformance Cobra MKIII 5-Speed

Description

Superformance was founded in the mid‑1990s by Lance Stander in South Africa with the mission of building highly authentic continuation versions of the iconic 1960s Shelby Cobra. Unlike traditional replicas or kit cars, Superformance Cobras were produced as factory‑built rolling chassis, engineered to match original Cobra dimensions, suspension, and styling. The company secured an official licensing agreement with Carroll Shelby, allowing the cars to carry Shelby Cobra badging. Designed to accept period‑correct Ford V8 engines, Superformance Cobras combine classic appearance with modern build quality, earning a reputation as some of the finest and most accurate Cobra continuations available today.

Finished in Royal Blue with White stripes, this 2005 production Superformance MKIII is powered by a professionally-built 331ci V8 featuring a Dart aluminum block, AFR cylinder heads, and other high‑quality components. A Tremec 5‑speed manual transmission, 3.73 limited‑slip rear differential, and Wilwood brakes contain the power, and a black trimmed interior rounds things out. The car is said to remain largely as originally built.

This 1965 Superformance MKIII Cobra is now offered on behalf of the current owner with factory build literature and manuals, service records and dyno sheets, a VHS tape of the engine install, and a clean South Carolina title in the current owner’s name listing it as a "1965 SHEL SC".

Highlights

• 331ci V8 stroker engine and Tremec 5-speed manual transmission

• Officially licensed Shelby Cobra continuation

• Documented since 2005 construction

• Royal Blue with White racing stripes

Factory Equipment

• Hand‑laminated fiberglass body

• TIG‑welded ladder‑frame chassis with crumple zones

• Two‑stage urethane factory paint finish

• Fully independent front and rear suspension

• Limited‑slip rear differential

• Adjustable coil‑over shock absorbers

• Wilwood power‑assisted vented disc brakes

• Aluminum “Halibrand”‑style knock‑off wheels

• 17‑gallon stainless steel fuel tank

• Aluminum high‑performance radiator with dual electric fans

• Engine oil cooler with braided lines

• Original‑style side pipes and headers

• Stainless steel driver‑side roll bar

• Moto‑Lita wood‑rim steering wheel

• Smiths gauges with reverse‑reading 180‑mph speedometer

• Lucas switches and original‑style controls

• Carpeted interior with leather seating surfaces

Servicing & Documentation

• The seller reports regular self-servicing

Known Imperfections

• Recommended to replace the tires due to being manufactured in 2005 (255/60R15 front, 295/50R15 rear)

• Speedometer/odometer currently inoperable

Ownership History

This 1965 Superformance Cobra MKIII was reportedly purchased by the seller’s close friend from the original owner in December 2012. According to the seller, the car has been maintained throughout its life and has attended two national Cobra events, along with regularly appearing at local cruise-ins and Cars & Coffee gatherings.

Included Items

• Factory build literature and manuals

• Service records and dyno sheets (see "Additional documents" section below)

• VHS tape of the engine install

• Wheel nut hammer

Additional Information

• From the seller, “The Cobra was the ultimate car as far as Carl was concerned, and nothing but a Superformance would do because of its faithfulness to the original and Shelby's endorsement. He would scoff at replicas with lug nuts and laugh at me every time I burned my leg on the pipes.”

• The clean South Carolina title lists “Specifically Constructed”, "Exempt", and "Antique" in the brands section.