Such a strong basis resulted within the first Cobra being additional adopted, tailored, and improved upon. Perhaps essentially the most vital addition to the household was the AH-1J or SeaCobra. This mannequin, tailored to be used by the Marine Corps, was geared up with two Pratt & Whitney T400-CPs, which additional boosted its pace as much as 207 mph.
The AH-1J contributed to high-profile operations all through the Seventies, seeing the United States out of the Vietnam War and past. 1978 marked the introduction of the AH-1T, a mannequin that was an extra step above with improved Model 309 engines and transmission. The thought appeared to be for essentially the most potent and succesful AH-1 but, however one thing even higher would arrive eight years later: The TremendousCobra.
This mannequin, named the AH-1W, first entered service with the Marine Corps in 1986. It embraced the frequent idea that two engines are higher than one. Specifically, it was geared up with two General Electric T700-GE-401 engines, which gave it a variety of just below 300 miles and the facility to hit 169 mph. Needless to say, although, one of the crucial vital elements of the TremendousCobra’s improvement was the broadening of its arsenal of weapons. It was expanded to incorporate the likes of Sidewinder and Hellfire missiles, thereby giving the helicopter additional choices in opposition to harder armored targets.
The Ford Mustang Cobra Terminator, equipped with a supercharger and cast iron block, easily outperformed and outpaced the Chevrolet Camaro of its time.
The Mustang Cobra set a new standard for performance by combining increased power with superior traction and stability, thanks to its independent rear suspension and performance suspension components.
The SVT Cobra Terminator left a lasting legacy in the automotive industry, with its supercharger becoming a standard feature in many high-performance muscle cars today.
Of all the hotly contested car battles over the years, there are few that were as one-sided as the Ford Mustang Cobra vs the Chevrolet Camaro in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In the contest for the toughest, meanest, most powerful pony car, there could only be one winner, and the SVT Cobra Terminator was about to put the Camaro on ice for most of a decade.
It was 1994 and the team behind the Cobra had sat down to discuss options for more power and performance to push them ahead of the competition, and they’d come up with three concepts code-named after famous figures. The Bruce Jenner; a prototype built for speed, the Rambo; for pure aggression, and the Arnold Schwarzenegger; the definition of pure muscle.
The Arnold-inspired prototype went on to become the SN95 fourth generation Mustang and 10 years later, Ford would give this code name a nod, naming the SVT Cobra the ‘Terminator’, subtly hinting at what was to happen to the Camaro.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Hagerty.
Supercharger + Cast Iron Block = Cobra Terminator
Forced Induction Forced Out The Camaro
The formula for a Camaro-crushing monster came fairly easily to Ford when developing the Mustang Terminator; add more power, make the engine stronger, and upgrade the drivetrain to keep up. It’s how they did it that has left such a mark on the industry, with the SVT Cobra offering significant increases in power and performance over its predecessors.
The big change from the previous Ford Mustang Cobra was the addition of an Eaton M112 supercharger, borrowed from the SVT F-150 Lightning and typically found in high-performance cars, providing plenty of low-end power and torque with 8 psi of boost. This was the first time Ford had ever put a supercharger in a Mustang and the performance increase was significant.
A Surprisingly Powerful Combination
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Raising the power from 320 horsepower to 390, Ford actually rated the power lower in the factory than it ended up being on the road; with closer to 420 horsepower being sent from the big V-8, a massive 100 horsepower (just over 30 percent) over the previous model. In order to make sure they didn’t break the engine with the extra power, Ford installed a cast iron engine block (also from the SVT F-150 Lightning pickup) and forged internals that could handle far greater power. In fact, some people have managed to squeeze much more power out of the stock engine block.
Pair that with a 0-60 MPH time in just 4.5 seconds, and forced induction forced out the Camaro and you’re looking at a whole lot of cars in a nice tidy package. Mind you, that’s without doing any modifications to the Cobra, just with what Ford blessed us with out of the box.
How The Mustang Cobra Set A New Standard For Performance
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So Ford upped the power by a nice margin, but extra power isn’t all it takes to make a car as legendary as the 2003/2004 Mustang Cobra. Pairing this newer, bigger, more powerful heart with the right combination of drivetrain and body design was key to making this a car that would terminate the competition, and Ford didn’t hold back.
Leaner, Meaner, And Ready To Race
Moving away from the Mustang’s usual solid rear axle, Ford opted for independent rear suspension (IRS) to give the Terminator superior traction and stability when launching around corners. Pairing this with Bilstein shock absorbers and performance spec MacPherson strut front suspension, which can also be found in cars like the Porsche 911 GT3 and Subaru Impreza WRX STI, meant that the Terminator had the perfect combination of power and grip.
To further cement that this was a proper driver’s car, Ford only offered a 6-speed manual, and they picked a legendary transmission to do so; the Tremec T-56, also found in their competitors, the Corvette and Camaro.
The Next Big Step; Modification
One of the most popular features of the Mustang Terminator was how easily it could be modified for more power, and we’re talking over a hundred horsepower with a few bucks and a free afternoon. Like most boosted cars, the key to squeezing more power out is the air and fuel mixture, and with the SVT Cobra this can be achieved extremely easily with simple mods, and Mustangs are a great car to modify.
Bolt-on a larger supercharger pulley, install a larger fuel pump and some higher-capacity injectors, and you’re pushing the Cobra Terminator to over 500 horsepower without problems. Replace the stock Eaton supercharger with an aftermarket performance option like a Whipple supercharger with supporting parts, and you’d be pushing north of 700 horsepower, all out of a stock engine block from 2003.
The powerful supercharger, stronger engine, and greatly improved handling were all too much for the Camaro, and the comparison was clear; the SVT Cobra had terminated its closest competitor. In fact, the writing was on the wall for the Camaro before the Terminator had even stepped into the spotlight, with the ‘99 Mustang GT putting a hurt on the Camaro Z28 with a heavier, slower offering than the lurking SVT Cobra. When the dust settled, the Camaro lay dead and buried until 2009 when the fifth generation was released, leaving an almost seven-year stretch of Mustang dominance.
Cobra Vs. Camaro Vs. Corvette
Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator
Chevrolet Camaro Z28
Chevrolet Corvette Z06
Engine
Supercharged 4.6-Liter V-8
5.7-Liter V-8
5.7-Liter V-8
Power
390 Horsepower (allegedly 420)
325 Horsepower
405 Horsepower
Torque
390 Pound-feet
340 Pound-feet
400 Pound-feet
Transmission
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
6-speed manual
1/4 Mile
12.9 Seconds @ 111 MPH
13.7 Seconds @ 105 MPH
12.4 Seconds @ 116 MPH
0-60 Time
4.5 Seconds
5.2 Seconds
3.9 Seconds
Top Speed
155 MPH (limited)
160 MPH
168 MPH (limited)
(Source: Ford, Chevrolet)
But the Cobra wasn’t done yet, eyeing off the Chevrolet Corvette for the muscle car crown with more power, more torque, and very similar 0 to 60 mph and quarter mile times when tested by MotorTrend, the Corvette being 532 pounds lighter meant it was slightly more nimble and quick, but at almost $13,000 difference between base models, that left a very large gap to modify the SVT Cobra into a Corvette terminator.
Cobra Moto reveals its latest minicycles for 2024 at the Loretta Lynn Amateur Championship, a fitting venue considering Cobra’s numerous championships at the event. The press release below comes directly from Cobra’s manufacturing facility in Michigan, USA.
Cobra MOTO, the manufacturer of top-quality youth competition minicycles, is excited to announce the release of its newest lineup of cutting-edge bikes for the year 2024. These 2024 models showcase Cobra MOTO’s relentless commitment to innovation, pushing performance boundaries, and providing an unparalleled riding experience.
“Our focus this year is twofold,” stated Hilbert. “Firstly, we are commemorating our 30th year on the track with a unique model that pays tribute to Cobra’s earliest days. Secondly, we are introducing engine enhancements on both the CX50FWE and the CX65, resulting in significant increases in usable horsepower. 2024 is going to be an outstanding year for the brand.”
The new 2024 bike models include:
Cobra, 30th Anniversary Edition
CX50FWE 30th Anniversary: In celebration of three decades of excellence, Cobra MOTO proudly presents the CX50FWE 30th Anniversary model. This limited-edition bike combines the best features of the CX50FWE with exclusive anniversary branding, making it a collector’s item for racing enthusiasts and loyal Cobra MOTO fans.
2024 Cobra FWE
CX50FWE: The CX50FWE (Factory Works Edition) is designed for riders who want the ultimate competitive edge. It features the modified FWE Venom 50cc 2-Stroke engine, an all-new cylinder, advanced Works Style exhaust system, titanium rear axle, titanium swingarm pivot, ribbed seat cover, black anodized components, and billet chain guard. The CX50FWE is the fastest 50cc youth competition minicycle available.
2024 Cobra CX5E
CX5E: The CX5E is Cobra’s revolutionary electric minicycle designed for young riders seeking speed and competition. It boasts a high-performance liquid-cooled electric motor, six racing and training modes, Quick Swap Battery, Holeshot mode, MXT Smart-Leg Front Fork, CARD rear shock, and hybrid frame. The CX5E offers an exhilarating motocross experience like never before, quiet but deadly.
2024 Cobra CX65
CX65: The CX65 is designed for riders transitioning from 50cc bikes to a more powerful ride. It offers increased horsepower with the 65cc 2-stroke engine, an all-new cylinder, and electronic “Fang” Power Valve system. This model also comes with titanium components, including the rear axle and swingarm pivot. The CX65 represents three decades of passion, innovation, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Create your own legacy with the CX65.
2024 Cobra King
CX50SR King: The CX50SR King is the ideal choice for advanced riders looking to step up from the CX50JR. It offers unrivaled power and agility with its race-inspired design, upgraded engine, enhanced suspension components, and top-of-the-line braking system. The CX50SR King delivers exceptional performance and maneuverability.
2024 Cobra Junior
CX50JR: The CX50 JR is the perfect choice for young riders looking to enter competitive racing. It is designed with performance and safety in mind, featuring a lightweight frame, a powerful engine, and advanced suspension to ensure beginner riders can confidently navigate any track or terrain.
Cobra MOTO’s 2024 bike models are now available for order through authorized dealers nationwide. For more information, please visit CobraMOTO.com.
About Cobra MOTO
Cobra MOTO is a leading name in the world of motocross and off-road motorcycles, known for its exceptional performance, quality, and reliability. With a rich heritage of producing premium race-ready mini motocross bikes, Cobra MOTO has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation. Since 1994, the company has won over 300 national titles and has played a significant role in launching the careers of many professional motocross stars. Cobra MOTO is the only producer of competition off-road motorcycles that are “Made in the U.S.A.” With a strong commitment to customer satisfaction, Cobra MOTO continues to be the trusted choice for youth racers worldwide. For more information, visit CobraMOTO.com.
Backdraft Racing is reviving the iconic Cobra with their expertly crafted builds. The team of professionals at Backdraft Racing is passionate about keeping the spirit of the Cobra alive by delivering meticulously recreated cars that offer both stunning design and exhilarating performance. Prestige Imports of Miami, FL is proud to present the road-ready 1965 Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4, which is currently for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery.
The Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4 seamlessly combines the classic lines of the iconic Cobra with a touch of modern flair. Its sleek, hand-laminated body features a silver metallic finish with white racing stripes that accentuate the car’s muscular curves and aggressive stance. The vintage aesthetic is complemented by modern elements such as polished stainless steel side pipes and a roll bar, while the 18-inch Halibrand style wheels maintain the timeless appeal. Signature fender vents and an iconic hood scoop add a level of detail that showcases Backdraft Racing’s commitment to craftsmanship and authenticity.
Stepping inside the Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4 is like entering a realm where old-school meets modern sophistication. The interior boasts a beige diamond-stitched leather design that covers every inch of the driver-focused cabin. The bucket seats are not only comfortable and supportive but also perfectly match the sporty nature of the Cobra RT4. The classic layout of the instrument cluster and vintage-styled gauges pay homage to the original Cobra, while contemporary touches like the ergonomically designed steering wheel and high-quality audio system strike a perfect balance between past and present.
Under the hood, the Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4 packs a powerful punch. It is equipped with a heart-stopping, thunderous 427 cubic inch V8 engine that delivers an impressive 480 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a precise and smooth-shifting manual transmission, the Cobra RT4 offers a raw, unfiltered driving experience reminiscent of classic muscle cars. The performance figures are equally impressive, with the Cobra RT4 accelerating from 0-60 mph in just about 4 seconds. This incredible 1965 Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4 from Prestige Imports is currently available for sale on duPont REGISTRY Discovery.
If you’re interested in this 1965 Backdraft Racing Cobra RT4, you can find more details and pricing on the duPont REGISTRY Discovery website by clicking here.
The Shelby Cobra, built by former racing driver Carroll Shelby, is one of the most iconic American cars ever made and has a large fanbase.
The Cobra 427, the most desirable version, featured a 7.0-liter Big-Block 427 V-8 engine and had significant differences from earlier Cobras.
The Shelby Cobra was the basis for the Shelby Daytona, a coupe version designed to improve aerodynamics, and is the most replicated car in automotive history.
American automakers are responsible for a good portion of some of the most innovative, exquisite, and iconic automobiles. From the mass-produced Ford Model T, through the futuristic Buick Y-Job, to the Coke bottle-styled Plymouth XNR, there are many great examples that have influenced the automotive world.
But, by far, one of the most iconic American cars ever made, is the Shelby Cobra. But the iconic, V-8-powered widowmaker did not start as an American model, and it would take some time before the most desired versions came about. In a brilliant stroke of decisiveness and quick thinking, former American racing driver and farmer, Carroll Shelby went on to reimagine a compact, 1950s roadster into a V-8-powered hot rod machine.
You’ve probably watched the old recording where the Cobra’s creator says “I’m Carrol Shelby and performance is my business”. It’s the Shelby Cobra, along with the Mustang Shelby GT350 and Ford GT40 that best embody the philosophy and can-do attitude of the Texas racing driver, and while each of the cars Shelby touched is special in their own right, the Shelby Cobra boasts one of the biggest fandoms of any American sports car. Here are 10 things every gearhead should know about the iconic Shelby Cobra.
10From The Beginning, The Cobra Was Built For Racing
Top Speed
Carrol Shelby was a racing driver whose first race was in a road-going MG TC, owned by a friend of his. His winning streak, eventually, granted him a sport as a racing driver with Aston Martin, and he also set land speed records at Bonneville, for Austin Healey. Eventually, the idea of winning races in a car built by himself took form, and eventually, he built the AC Cobra, which was based on the British lightweight roadster, AC Ace.
The Cobra 427 was a few years away, however, and would not happen until 1965. The Cobra quickly dominated local events, against the Chevy Corvette, but in Europe, it lagged behind the much-quicker Ferraris and Porsches, prompting Shelby to go back to the drawing board.
9The Cobra 427 Shared Very Few Parts With Early Cobras
RM Sotheby’s
Carroll Shelby completed the first AC Cobra in 1962, after receiving a rolling chassis from AC Cars, but the Shelby Cobra 427 did not arrive until 1965. The 260 and 289 cubic-inch V-8 engines were replaced by Ford’s most advanced engine at the time – the 7.0-liter Big-Block 427 V-8, which was developed, for the Ford GT40, in order to beat Ferrari at Le Mans.
Cobra 427s are also known as Mark III Cobras, and they shared very few parts with the early 260 and 289-powered cars. Only the windshield, trunk, and hood were carried over, as the rest of the body needed to be widened, because of the big V-8. Depending on the customer’s preference, the Cobra bodies were either fiberglass or aluminum. The end result was a car, 7.0 inches wider than the Small-block Cobras – 68 inches (1,727 mm) width versus 61 inches (1,549 mm).
8The Best Blend Of British Lightweight And V-8 Power
The AC Ace was the basis for Carroll Shelby’s Cobra. By the time, the 427 cars arrived, the platform had undergone many mechanical and visual changes. But Carroll Shelby’s original idea of a lightweight British roadster with American V-8 power remained pure. Even the big-block Mk III Cobras weighed just 2,355 pounds (1,068 kg).
All 427s were coil-spring cars. Combined with the 427’s power output of 425 horsepower at 6,000 RPM and 480 pound-feet (651 Nm) at 3,700 RPM, the Cobra 427 boasts a power-to-weight ratio of 398 horsepower per tonne, and that’s before the S/C (Semi-Competition) version, which bumped power to 485 horsepower. Although the Shelby Cobra is considered a handful for the uninitiated drivers, it boasted a 48/52 weight distribution, which is considered the perfect ratio, and the same as a Lexus LFA.
By the time the Shelby Cobra 427 came out, there was very little left from the original, AC Ace donor car. The resemblance was still there, but almost every mechanical aspect of the car was beefed-up to handle three times the original power of the British roadster. Among the most significant differences was that while earlier Cobras came with leaf springs, later models featured coil springs.
The AC Ace, actually, dates back to 1953, and its most powerful engine was a Ford Zephyr, 2.6-liter inline-six with 170 horsepower. That engine, however, came later in the model’s production cycle, in 1961, and only 37 cars got it. In order to handle the American V-8’s power, the Ace’s original E.N.V. differential was swapped for a Sailsburry 4HU. It featured onboard disc brakes and was the same differential found on the Jaguar E-Type. And yes, the Cobra 427s have the same differential.
6It Was The Basis For The Shelby Daytona
Mecum
For all its performance, the Shelby Cobra had an aerodynamic problem. This became apparent when Shelby took the Cobra racing in Europe. Engineer, Pete Brock stepped in and designed the Shelby Daytona – a coupe version of the Cobra with a much more slippery body.
The Shelby Daytona boasted a drag coefficient of 0.28, which was a vast improvement over the Cobra’s estimated drag coefficient of around 0.5. Even with the 289 cubic-inch V-8, the Daytona could reach 186 mph (300 km/h), which was 1.0 mph (1.61 km/h) faster than the Shelby Cobra S/C 427. Eventually, one of the six original Daytonas – Chassis CSX2286 – would receive the Ford 427 Big-block.
5The Dragon Snake Package Was Rare
Mecum
Over its lifespan, the Shelby Cobra could be optioned in a few different guises. Aside from the more powerful S/C and Super Snake models, there were the Dragon Snake and Slalom Snake packages. As suggested by the name, the Dragon Snake was a drag package, which won a few NHRA events, with Bruce Larson and Ed Hedrick, driving.
The package was built to dominate the quarter-mile. It offered reduced weight, a modified engine, new Koni shocks, Goodyear Drag Slicks, and 4.54:1 rear gears. Only six Cobras received the Dragon Snake package, and only one of them was a Cobra 427 – chassis 3198.
The Shelby Cobra is not only an American automotive icon but also highly-exclusive. Between 1965 and 1966, only 260 Cobra 427 cars were produced by Shelby American. This means that the original Cobras go for anywhere from the high-six-figure range to $13.75 million, depending on the version and rarity. To put it simply, an original Cobra, even a non-427, is not even close to being affordable. That’s where replicas come in.
The Shelby Cobra is the most replicated car in automotive history. Since the mid-1980s, it is believed that over 60,000 Cobra clones have been made, with the 427 wide-body models being the most replicated. While quality varies, some companies, like Superformance, Barkdraft Racing, and Factory 5, build high-quality replicas with the manufacturer’s grace, and oftentimes, with their own twist. The first manufacturer to build a faithful Cobra replica is believed to be DAX. The company even hired AC Ace designer, John Tojeiro, as a company director.
3Shelby Counterfeited His Own 427 Cobra
American Muscle Car Museum
Following the booming of the replica business, Carroll Shelby decided to utilize 43 left-over chassis serial numbers to release a limited batch of “original” Cobras. There were, indeed, left-over parts from the original assembly line, but later, AC Cars confirmed that the chassis for which the serial numbers were issued, were never produced.
That didn’t stop Carroll Shelby to enlist the help of McLusky Ltd. in order to build 43 new chassis and sell them to the public as original, 1960s parts. Each of the 43 continuation cars were sold for $500,000. When the gig was up, no one, actually, cared, since those were still 427 Cobras built by Carroll Shelby, himself. It’s safe to say, the Shelby Cobra 427 was so popular, even its creator went to replicate it.
2Only One Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake Survives
There are many desired, special-edition Shelby Cobra 427s, but by far, one of the rarest and most enigmatic is the Super Snake. Two original 427 Cobras received the Super Snake package – one S/C 427 (CSX 3015) and a regular 427 (CSX 3303), which was built later. All 427 Cobras were, essentially, deathtraps, but nothing came even remotely close to the 427 Super Snake.
The 427 cubic-inch V-8 received two superchargers for 800 horsepower. With under 2,300 pounds (1,050 kg) to lug around, this was one venomous snake. No wonder, one of the cars went for a swim, after jumping off a cliff, leaving chassis number CSX 3015 as the sole-surviving Cobra 427 Super Snake. In 2021, that same car went on an auction where it fetched $5.5 million.
The Shelby Cobra 427 was not a slow car by any stretch of the imagination. Even the regular 427 was capable of a top speed of 164 mph (264 km/h) while the Semi-competition variant was capable of 185 mph (298 km/h). The Shelby Cobra 427 Super Snake was the fastest, with a reported top speed of 201 mph (323 km/h).
Certain packages that prioritized quarter-mile drag racing, reduced top speed, but the potential was always there. When it comes to 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) times, the numbers range from 4.5 to 3.6 seconds. The Shelby Cobra S/C 427 was also capable of blasting down the quarter-mile in as little as 12.3 seconds at 122 mph (196 km/h). To put things in perspective, the Lamborghini Miura P400 topped out at 179 mph (288 km/h) while the Ferrari 250 GTO could reach 174 mph (280 km/h).
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