The thought of driving a vintage racer is exciting – it'll make for social currency on any social media platform. But are they thrilling to drive in 2023? Probably not! A lot has changed in the performance scene technology-wise. Sports cars today handle better, are more efficient, and, better yet – produce a lot more power than they did 63 years ago. Still, the allure of cruising in a 1960 Shelby Cobra is something most car enthusiasts would die for.
If you are that kind of enthusiast, you've heard of Superformance. They are the only company incensed by Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. authorized to develop replicas of the legendary 1960 Shelby Cobra.
Think about it. Vintage looks, illustrious history, and modern finishes. It's the perfect cocktail for enthusiasts who'd love to experience the excitement of classic racers with the kick of a new-age sports car.
Shawn of AutotopiaLA YouTube channel recently had the privilege of experiencing the brute force of the iconic Superformance MKIII Cobra R, owned by Vinny Giglio of VinGIGGS and spec'd by Dan Long of Downforce Motorsports.
Giglio is a diehard Superformance enthusiast, and this unit is his ninth in under four years.
"I love their brand. You know, the history that kind of ties in with them. It's almost like Mr. Shelby recreating, you know, the cars again and getting behind them," Giglio confessed his love for the Superformance Cobra.
At first glance, you'll instantly know it's not your regular Superformance Cobra R, thanks to the splitter up front and rear diffuser. It's also dressed in Ford Liquid Blue, the exact shade you'll find on the new Ford GT. You'll also notice it doesn't have side pipes or a gigantic heat shield but a side exit exhaust.
The interior, also spec'd by Dan Long of Downforce Performance, is minimalistic (as you'd expect with a race car) but also has iconic red stitching.
But it's not what is on the surface of this car that makes it unique but rather what's hidden under the hood.
Have you ever heard of the Ford 5.2 Aluminator?
Unlike other Superformance cars with the Ford 302, 351, 460, or 427, this unit packs a 5-liter Ford Coyote engine. It's basically the same powerplant you'll find in the Ford GT350 but with some differences.
"My understanding is that this is the second Cobra that's been built with the Aluminator motor. All of them so far have been built by Dennis Olthoff of Olthoff Racing," Giglio revealed.
Giglio's Superformance MKIII Cobra R makes 580 hp (588 ps) at 8,200 RPM. To harness all that power, it packs a Tremec TKX 5-speed transmission. It's also sitting on 275/35 18-inch tires at the front and 335/30 18-inch tires at the rear.
"I've driven a bunch of Cobras, Superformance Cobras, most of them with the small block 427 from Roush. This is my new favorite engine in that car," Shawn confessed after driving Giglio's MKIII Cobra R.
Curious how hard the 5.2-liter Aluminator pushes this unit down the road? Catch that action and more in the video below.
Humphrey is a car enthusiast whose love and passion for automobiles extended into collecting, writing, driving, and working on cars. He got his passion for cars from his Dad, who spent thousands of hours working on his old junky 1970 E20 Toyota Corolla. Years later, he would end up doing the same with a series of lemons he’s owned throughout his adult life. Full profile
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