United States:
ERA Replicas
ERA Replicas was founded in 1981 and produces replicas of the 427, 289FIA, and ERA 289 Slabside. The company’s component kits are very well engineered, designed, and constructed. In fact, ERA Replicas is known in replica circles as being very authentic reproductions of the original British-American Shelby Cobras.
ERA 427: The ERA 427 is a visual clone of the original Cobra roadster. ERA prides itself on getting the small details just right. The ERA 427 is available in two basic styles: The standard competition version and the optional street version.
ERA 289FIA: The ERA 289FIA is a visual clone of the original 289 race car. The body shape is indistinguishable from the original down to the smallest details. The standard competition version has jack pads, special instrument layout, forward braced roll bar, and racing bucket seats in a bare interior.
ERA 289/USRRC: ERA also builds a variation on the basic 289FIA. This model is designed after the 289 as raced in the USRRC series, sponsored by the SCCA, with only a small windscreen and dimple-less trunk.
ERA 289 Slabside: The 289 Slabside’s body is an accurate fiberglass replication of the original street car. The 289FIA’s suspension has been modified so that original (width and offset) wheels fit properly under the narrow bodywork. Slabside Manual Supplements
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at erareplicas.com
ERA Replicas
608-612 E. Main Street
New Britain, CT 06051
(860)224-0253
Everett-Morrison Motorcars
In 1983, Buford Everett purchased an original mold of a Cobra body and the tooling for the Cheetah Chevrolet race car’s chassis from Dean Morrison, in Chicago, IL. Everett married the Cobra body with the Cheetah’s chassis and had a Cobra replica.
In 2007, Everett Morrison’s founders brought in new management and sold Everett Morrison to Julie Fenimore. In addition to all the enhancements made to the Generation-IV Cobra, Everett Morrison upgraded its customer service and marketing functions.
There are three forms of Everett Morrison Generation-IV Kit: Phase 1, Phase 2, and Accessory & Driveline Package. When all three packages are ordered together, everything needed to achieve a Cobra is yours, with the exception of wheels, tires, engine, and paint. Optional components are also available.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at everett-morrison.com
Everett-Morrison Motorcars
2800 Nolan Road
Baytown, Texas 77521
(281) 839-7921
Factory Five Racing
Founded in 1995, Factory Five Racing has come to dominate the world of Cobra kits. FFR has produced thousands of kits over the years and continues to improve on an impressive package.
The Factory Five Mk4 Roadster is the world’s best-selling replica of all time. The Mk4 Roadster is designed to accurately reproduce the looks of the legendary 427 Shelby Cobra, keeping its essence intact while using modern technology, parts and materials to improve performance, reliability and comfort.
There are two ways to build a Factory Five Mk4 Roadster. You can use parts from a Mustang donor car (Base Kit) or you can get all-new parts (Complete Kit).
There are also some specialty models available to build:
- Factory Five Mk4 289 USRRC Roadster is based on the Mk4. The differences between are subtle, but those changes add up to make the 289 a very unique car. A gentleman’s racer, the Factory Five 289 USRRC is smaller and more precise.
- Factory Five Mk4 Challenge model is the competition version of the Mk4 Roadster. This model is engineered to be used in wheel-to-wheel road racing, drag racing, and is eligible for NASA’s Factory Five Challenge Series.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at factoryfive.com
Factory Five Racing
9 Tow Road
Wareham, MA 02571
(508) 291-3443
Hurricane Motorsports
The original Hurricane Motorsports hit the ground running in 2005 and quickly gained respect from enthusiasts for quality and completeness. Unfortunately, they had to shut their doors after a 3-year run in 2008 with the downturn in the US economy. Scranton Manufacturing, a McLaughlin Family Company, purchasing the inactive Hurricane Motorsports on September 21st, 2010. Over the next couple of months, Scranton Manufacturing would reincarnate the Hurricane moving the operation to a new state, hiring an expert from the car’s past, and developing improvements to the production process.
The Hurricane Roadster continues to be known as one of the most complete and original looking kits on the market today offering a well-built 427 Roadster with an improved frame and body and all-new components.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at hurricane-motorsports.com
Hurricane Motorsports
313 South Hancock Street
Lake City, IA 51449
(888) 998-4745
Kirkham Motorsports
In 1994, the Kirkham Motorsports legacy began when the Kirkham brothers asked if Polish aircraft fabricators could build an aluminum-bodied car. The response was an enthusiastic “No problem,” leading to the establishment of Kirkham Motorsports. With over 15 years of craftsmanship and dedication, they have become renowned for their exceptional Shelby Cobra recreations and customization options. Today, Kirkham Motorsports continues to thrive, exemplifying their unwavering passion and commitment to automotive excellence.
The Kirkham’s Web site has detailed information on all six turnkey Cobra replicas:
- 427 Kirkham KMS/SC: An accurate re-creation of the Shelby Cobra 427SC
- 427 Kirkham Street: The fender flares are smaller, there is no hood scoop, and the tubular exhaust system runs under the car and exits the rear. There are no side pipes.
- 289 Kirkham FIA: An accurate re-creation of the Shelby 289 FIA race cars that helped team Shelby American win the World Championship in 1965 in FIA racing
- 289 Kirkham Street: An accurate re-creation of the original Shelby 289 Cobra street car, also called the “slab-side.”
- 289 Kirkham Coupe: An accurate re-creation of the original Shelby Daytona Coupe.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at kirkhammotorsports.com
Kirkham Motorsports
304 E 900 S
Provo, Utah 84606
(801) 318-7644
McGill Manufacturing
Barry McGill was half owner of B&B Manufacturing for 20 years with Bryan Anderson. They parted ways in late 2008 and Barry started McGill Manufacturing.
McGill Manufacturing is producing similar 1966 Cobra replica packages to the B&B Manufacturing lineup:
- Turn Key Minus Package
- Pro Builder Kit
- Stage 3 Cobra
- Stage 2 Cobra
- Stage 1 Cobra
- Fiberglass Body Package
- Tubular Front End Package
- Rolling Chassis Package
- Base Frame Package
- 9″ Rear end Package
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at mcgills-streetrods.com
McGill Manufacturing
9945 Raccoon Road
Granby, MO 64844
(417) 472-7848
Shell Valley Classic Wheels
Shell Valley Motors and Shell Valley Fiberglass were founded by James Swoboda in 1970. In 1997, Rich Anderson purchased the company and then acquired a Cobra replica competitor, Midstates Classic Cars & Parts, from Bob Kallio in 1999. In 2007, Rich he introduced the Generation II Cobra that combined the best aspects of the Shell Valley Cobra and the Midstates Classics roadster. Ownership changed again in 2009 when Travis Roth bought the company’s assets and formed Shell Valley Classic Wheels, Inc.
Shell Valley manufactures a number of classic kit cars, but they are best known for their 1967 427 Cobra replica kit.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at shellvalley.com
Shell Valley Classic Wheels
23119 287th Street
Platte Center, Nebraska 68653
(402) 246-2355
Ultimate Classic Cars
In 2015, Dennis Cahill purchased an LS-427 kit from Lone Star Classics. Dennis fell in love with the car and eventually acquired Lone Star Classics to create Ultimate Classic Cars. He moved the tooling and staff from Lone Star Classics to Boerne, Texas.
Ultimate Classic Cars rebranded the Lone Star Classics’ Cobra replica as the GT-427 and improved the production capability by adding new body molds and new frame jigs. They have a new steel supplier that laser cuts all material to the exact specifications. Their new GT-427 has an even larger passenger compartment than previous models for increased passenger comfort.
They offer two GT-427 kits:
- GT-427 Roadster Base Kit
- GT-427 Roadster Complete Kit
One of the coolest things they offer is an on-site build experience for your car. You can choose to assemble the kit yourself, but they offer owners the chance to participate in a 10-Day Build. Ultimate Classic Cars will provide the space, tools, and professional expertise to assist with the build of your kit. At the end of the 10-Day Build, the kit will be complete with the exception of body prep and paint.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at ultimateclassiccars.com
Unique Motorcars
Unique Motorcars offers replicas of both the 289 Model and the 427 Model. The most popular kit they sell is the Deluxe Pallet Kit. The Deluxe Pallet Kit consists of a powder coated chassis with all 4 wheel independent suspension, 4 wheel disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, radiator, fuel tank, with brake and fuel lines installed at the factory. The body is bolted onto the chassis, and all doors, hood and the trunk lid have been installed, hinged and properly fitted. The lights, windshield and dashboard are installed, and the seats leather upholstered, and all pre-cut & edged rug pieces and door panels are finished ready for installation. The roll bar is installed, and the side pipes are bolted in-place. The custom headers for your choice of engine are included with the kit as well.
For more information on these kits and components, visit the company’s web site at uniquemotorcars.com
Unique Motorcars
230 E. Broad Street
Gadsden, AL 35903
(256) 546-3708
South Africa:
Backdraft Racing
Founded in 2001 by World Champion Racer’s Tony Martin and Reg Dodd, Backdraft Racing, Inc. has established itself as one of the industry leaders in producing factory built “rollers” by providing high-quality turnkey minus cars.
The Backdraft RT4 Roadster is the latest iteration of Backdraft’s tribute to the legendary Shelby Cobra. Considered one of the highest-quality replicas on the market, Backdraft has continued to perfect the fusion of classic 60’s styling and the use of a modern components.
The RT4 offers impressive performance, solid handling, industry-leading ride comfort and extremally good braking. Fit and finish are excellent and in many cases lead the industry.
There are currently two versions of the RT4 available for sale:
- Backdraft RT4 Classic Edition Roadster is supplied as a turnkey-minus rolling chassis, this allows the customer to build their ultimate dream car by selecting their choice of power train.
- Backdraft Next Generation RT4B Black Edition is an even more limited production, hand built component car featuring ceramic coated black side pipes and roll bars, 18” matte black coated rims and plenty of “wow” factor.
For more information, visit the company’s web site at backdraftracing.com
US Office & Showroom:
Backdraft Racing
3210 SW 14th Place
Boynton Beach, FL 33426
(561) 752-3693
South Africa Manufacturing:
TR-Tec (Pty) Ltd
7 Mack Rd, Prospecton
Durban, South Africa
+27 31 819-0406
Superformance
Superformance LLC is an American automobile company that specializes in building and marketing sports cars and replicars. Founded in 1996 as Superformance International Inc., it was later acquired by American Hillbank Automotive Group. Superformance cars are sold as “turnkey-minus replacers” and are built by Hi-Tech Automotive in South Africa. The company has authorized dealers in the United States and internationally. Lance Stander, an American entrepreneur, is the owner of American Hillbank Automotive Group.
Superformance manufactures a number of Cobra based models.
- Superformance MKIII – Built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc.
- MKIII Roadster – Basically the MKIII minus the roll bar, hood scoop, and side pipes
- MKIII Custom Series – “Updated” version the MKIII adding modern options and upgrades
- MKIII-R – More aggressive look with the addition of integrated “Scalloped” Fenders and Hood along with modern options
- Superformance MKII Slab Side – Replica of the original Shelby Cobra 289 that first appeared in 1962
- MKII FIA – Designed to pay homage to the legendary Cobra 289 race cars of the 1960s
- Shelby Continuation Series
- Shelby CSX8000
- Shelby CSX7000
- Shelby CSX6000
- Superformance MKIII-E – An Electric Evolution
For more information, visit the company’s web site at www.superformance.com
US Office & Showroom:
Superformance
14930 Corporate Rd S, Suite 17
Jupiter, FL 33478
(949) 900-1950
South Africa Manufacturing:
Lockington Farm, Cape Rd
St Albans, Gqeberha, 6045
South Africa
+27 41 398-1300
Work In Progress…Stay Tuned for Updates
Pete says
Pete’s Snake Bite Kit on YouTube,
https://youtube.com/channel/UCKYeunV7TgwdlrtRlnkUs8w
Does a good job of discussing the current offerings in the Cobra world.
Stefan says
Hi,
do you know, whether one of these manufacturers has sold the kit to Germany? The German state inspection is kind of special.
Regards,
Stefan
Joe says
PLEASE !!!!?? SHELBY AMERICA , SUPERFORMANCE ,ERA ,SHELL VALLEY ( IN THAT ORDER ) ARE THE BEST REPLICAS & MOST APPEALING . FFR ASS ENDS ARE TOO SHORT & LOOK LIKE SOMEONE KICKED IT IN THE ASS & IT WENT UP & NEVER CAME BACK DOWN . BACKDRAFT ,UNIQUE MOTOR ARE ALL POOR REPLICAS IMO .
Allein 4846 says
What a lot of people don’t know about is a small company in Buffalo ny. Antique and collectible autos has been making fiberglass replica bodies for 25 yes and they are in my opinion one of the best in the industry. They have about 15 cars in there lineup and I have personally built 3 of there cars, the cobra, Willis coupe and the 32 sedan delivery. Check them out you won’t be sorry