By Dean Larson

Photos Courtesy of Superformance LLC.

Four limited edition Cobras will be debuted at the Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction in Scottsdale, Arizona, on January 19, 2017. As part of a partnership between Superformance and Shelby American, 15 total Sebring Shelby Cobras will be built honoring famous drivers Ken Miles, Dan Gurney, Allen Grant and Dave MacDonald. These Cobras are intended for track use only and will be highly accurate replicas of the cars that were raced at iconic road courses like Sebring in 1963 and 1964.

The Sebring Shelbys start with a CSX2000-numbered original-style tube chassis from Shelby American. To ensure the Cobras perform like the originals, authentic mechanical components are used, such as Shelby disc brakes, an aluminum radiator and Salisbury 3.54 aluminum differential. An extensive effort was put forth to make sure the Cobras’ exteriors also lived up to the originals. Features particular to the Sebring Cobras include a third hood latch, front and rear brake ducts and scoops, front spats, rear flares, an FIA-style fuel filler cap, race-correct early Cobra badges, hood scoop with rivets and trunk bungee cord. The interiors have also been given the special Sebring treatment and have an FIA-style roll bar, special dash layout, nonadjustable foot box vents, three-way fuel transfer valve, rear and side view mirrors and push button start. The recommended power plant for the Sebring is the period-correct 289 ci with cast iron block and heads. Topped off with an eight-stack ITB fuel injection setup, the engine makes 435 hp. A Tremec TKO600 transmission finishes off the driveline.

The Sebring series will be limited to 15 cars, with 13 done in fiberglass and two done in aluminum. Buyers may select any of the four driver-specific liveries. The Ken Miles car is finished in red with painted No. 16 roundels, the Dan Gurney car done in black with yellow stripes and No. 15 roundels, Allen Grant’s car is finished in yellow with No. 96 roundels, and the Dave MacDonald car done in black with yellow stripes and No. 198 roundels. Each of the four options also includes a long list of special features particular to each car including special driving lights, windscreens, front bumpers and trim. Each Sebring Edition will also come with a matching wristwatch from Baume & Mercier. 

The first four complete Sebring-Edition Cobras will be unveiled in the Ford Motor Company booth at Barrett-Jackson on January 19th in Scottsdale. The remaining cars in the series start at $125,995 and can be ordered to spec from Hillbank Motor Corporation.