THIS CUSTOM 1965 SHELBY COBRA IS ALL AMERICAN MUSCLE

It's time to muscle-up with this custom 1965 Shelby Cobra... with a modern touch.

There's something to be said about a classic, open-top Cobra. Not only do they look mean as... well, let's just stick with mean, they sound angry too. The beauty of vehicles like these is that they are built for pure driving enjoyment, no fancy interiors populated with buttons and touch-screens, and no brain in charge of the electronic gizmos that intervene when your driving talent runs out.

And then you get this one. A replica 1965 Shelby Cobra that has been lovingly brought into the modern world without sacrificing its soul. Under the hood sits Ford's 5.0 32-valve DOHC V8 Coyote crate engine coupled to a Tremec TKO 600 transmission, blasting out 435 horsepower at the rear wheels and 400lb of torque. The engine bay is finished in stainless steel, and the powerplant has received a carbon fibre kit for the air intake and covers.

The exterior includes replica aluminium side-pipes and 18" custom wheels, plus a stainless steel roll bar and fuel cap. Custom fabricated bumpers, and exposed aluminium radiator.

It's the inside that really makes a statement: Classic 60s styling with modern-day features. Diamond-stitched leather covers the seats, transmission tunnel and door inners, while flat, treated leather surfaces the dashboard and steering wheel, and the dials and gauges are sourced from Autometer for their classic look.

The entire Cobra rolls on a ladder-framed chassis with independent suspension, cast lower wishbones and a coil-over custom fabricated strut do the job up front while the multilink-rear suspension is fully adjustable for both track or road use. Stopping power is provided by ventilated all around.

Replica or not, this car is terrific and blends the old with the new in a package that makes owning and driving one just that much easier.