Frame Off Built BDR 1275 Cobra Roadster 5.0L EFI Coyote V8 420 HP 5 Speed

SUMMARY

In the collector car world, stylish convertibles with incredible power usually command big attention and serious money. Need proof? Check out all those dual-quad Impalas and Sting Ray roadsters that routinely pull 6-figure prices simply because they exist. That begs the question: how do you get breakneck performance that's wrapped in a jaw-dropping shell without draining your kid's college fund? Well, you take a serious look at a gem like this fantastic Backdraft Racing Cobra! A modern spin on a timeless sports car, this roadster mixes a Ford Performance Coyote Boss 302 V8 with a tough Tremec 5-speed, BMW suspension components and crowd-pleasing aesthetics. If you're in the market for a storied classic that's destined to lead the pack, you've found your pride and joy!

BODYWORK/TRIM

From inception, Backdraft cars are turnkey products developed and engineered to mimic the vintage appeal of authentic aluminum Cobras while handily out-performing pretty much anything on the street. The assembly of this roadster's professionally finished body began with a steel-lined GRP molding that was hand-tweaked and gel coated on a full-size rotisserie rack. Once that coating was complete, the newly formed fuselage was smoothed by a seasoned fiberglass professional, baked in an even coat of primer and inspected top-to-bottom to ensure first-class quality. When quality control was cleared, brilliant Guardsman Blue 2-stage was detailed with Wimbledon White racing stripes, stamped with traditional roundels, splashed with yellow hash marks and polished to a head-turning shine. And today, this super slick Cobra is a sophisticated build that exhibits twice the style and twice the race-bred DNA of a typical replicar boulevard cruiser.

Assembled in December of 2013 by Custom Cars of Boynton Beach, Florida, this Cobra is a carefully detailed stunner that's logged less than 2K miles. That detailing begins with a sculpted and re-angled nose, which hangs chrome-trimmed tri-bar headlights over mesh grilles, clear parking lamps and polished quick lifts. A rivet-lined hood anchors a small scoop in front of locking latches and polished stainless wipers. Behind those wipers, like-new glass hangs polished Raydot mirrors in front of clear wind wings, dark-tint visors, polished roll bars and a tight cloth top. At the sides of the car, coated exhaust pipes frame finned air extractors, stylish Ford emblems and a familiar, Monza-style fuel filler. And at the back of the car, bullet-style tail lamps combine with a chrome tag light to illuminate a locking trunk handle and two more polished quick lifts.

ENGINE

If your interest was piqued by this Shelby's incredible aesthetics, hoisting its glossy hood will have you literally enthralled. Featured in Ford's second generation Boss 302, and officially named 'Coyote Boss 302', the car's state-of-the-art V8 utilizes sinter-forged rods, forged aluminum pistons, CNC-ed aluminum heads and sodium-filled exhaust valves to turn stout 11 to 1 compression into roughly 420 horsepower. At the top of the all-aluminum mill, a remote air filter feeds a composite Boss 302 intake by way of polished tubing and an 80mm single-bore, drive-by-wire throttle body. At the sides of the engine, polished coil covers and color-keyed fuel rail covers shade ceramic-coated headers. At the front of the engine, a Ford serpentine system spins an assortment of smooth ancillaries. Track worthy lubrication is supplied by Ford's 8.5-quart dry-sump oil system. A big aluminum radiator, mounted in front of a large electric puller fan and fabricated expansion tank, provides plenty of first-rate cooling. And overall, the svelte powerplant, installed and dyno-tuned by Florida's Speed Fanatix, is extremely tidy, with sleeved wiring, braided hoses and polished water tubes highlighting a clean, Cast Silver block.

DRIVETRAIN/SUSPENSION

Rule number one of hot rodding: an excellent drivetrain isn't worth the metal it's built from unless it's paired with a competent chassis. Behind this Cobra's hot mod motor, a Tremec T5 5-speed spins a BMW limited-slip rear end that creates whiplash-inducing acceleration while still allowing the car to loaf along at highway speeds. That drivetrain, which is bolted to a hot-rolled rectangular steel ladder-type chassis, sends power through the same BMW-sourced MacPherson strut front and fully independent rear suspension that's become a Backdraft hallmark. Turns come courtesy of BMW-sourced power rack-and-pinion steering. Stops are provided by power-assisted discs at all four corners that, thanks to this car's featherweight construction, are virtually impervious to fade. And there's simply nothing that looks better on a Cobra than a set of Halibrand-style wheels, which spin two 265/35R18 Falken Azenis and two 295/40R18 Falken Azenis around polished Backdraft spinners.

INTERIOR

Between the doors, it's all purpose all the time, as supple leather and fresh carpet culminate in a simple yet attractive driving environment. Front and center, deep bucket seats pin soft pleats under 4-point safety harnesses. Looking forward, a familiar fiberglass dash frames sedate Auto Meter telemetry and a locking, Carroll Shelby-autographed glovebox under tight upholstery and a polished mirror. Below that dash, a curved shifter pivots between a chrome fire extinguisher, a polished hand brake, a small kill switch and Backdraft Racing floor mats. And in front of the driver, a classy Moto-Lita steering wheel spins an awesome hardwood rim around polished spokes and a Cobra-branded horn button.

OUR SALE INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING ACCESSORIES

There simply aren't that many chances to own a first class sport car especially at this money. And with its euro-spec chassis, modern 5-speed and Ford Performance engine, this Cobra is guaranteed to be a blast to drive. If you're looking to add a little fire to your arsenal, just open the garage and unleash this Backdraft!