Seed file — full Archetype C buildout deferred to Phase 1.
Backdraft Racing builds factory-assembled Cobra tributes in South Africa for the US market, founded in January 2001 by world champions Tony Marten and Reg Dodd. US operations are based in a 53,000 sq.ft. facility in Boynton Beach, Florida, which opened in 2012. The cars are turn-key minus drivetrain — Backdraft installs everything except the engine and transmission, which the buyer specifies. Ford engines are the norm: Coyote 5.0L, 427W, or FE-spec crate. BMW E36 donor suspension is standard, providing modern handling and parts availability versus the leaf-spring originals.
Founding and history
- Founded January 2001 by Tony Marten and Reg Dodd, both world champions
- 2012 — opened 53,000 sq.ft. state-of-the-art facility in Boynton Beach, Florida (US operations)
- South African manufacturing, US distribution and operations
Further history detail (manufacturing genesis, expansion timeline, milestone events) to be filled in during Phase 1.
Build process
"Turn-key minus drivetrain" is the canonical phrase. Backdraft installs everything except the engine and transmission, which the buyer specifies.
Model lineup
Per the cobra-authority.com manufacturer reference:
- RT4 Classic Edition
- RT4B Black Edition
Earlier models (RT3 and predecessors) appear in the back catalog and on the used market; build articles for those cars should reference the model accurately at the time of build rather than as a "current" Backdraft model.
Drivetrain conventions
Typically Ford engines:
- Coyote 5.0L
- 427W crate
- FE-spec crate engines
Notable details and standards
- South African manufacturing, US distribution
- BMW E36 donor suspension is standard
Representative builds
To be cross-linked once build articles exist.
Sources and further reading
To be filled in during Phase 1.
Last reviewed: May 16, 2026