Some project cars come with a story, and this unfinished Shelby Cobra replica listed on eBay definitely has one behind it. According to the seller, the kit was purchased new as a retirement project, but at 73 years old they’ve decided it’s time to let someone else finish what they started. The car has reportedly never been titled and comes with the original order form and certificate of origin. It’s being sold as a non-running, unfinished build, though the seller stresses that the asking price is less than the cost of the kit alone.
The seller says the kit was produced by Antiques and Collectibles and makes a point of discussing its construction and components. According to the listing, this is not built around a 5.0 donor platform and instead uses heavier-duty hardware throughout. The body is described as substantially thick, and the chassis setup includes a Ford 9-inch rear end with 31-spline axles, adjustable rear suspension, coilovers, and four-wheel disc brakes.
Power comes from a 351 Cleveland-based stroker combination said to displace 393 cubic inches. The seller outlines an extensive list of engine parts, including 4V closed-chamber heads, a solid roller cam setup, roller rockers, Eagle crankshaft, flat-top pistons, aftermarket rods, and a Torquer intake. Behind it sits a Borg-Warner Super T10 four-speed transmission, 3.73 gears, an 11-inch clutch, and a Lakewood bellhousing.
The listing also details a number of supporting systems already installed or partially completed. The brake system uses a Wilwood pedal box with Tilton master cylinders, and the cooling setup includes an aluminum radiator with dual electric fans controlled by thermostat and manual override. The seller also notes a remote oil filter mount and plumbed oil cooler mounted in the nose. Wiring is described as newly completed and labeled, though final hookup work still remains.
Importantly, the seller is upfront about what still needs to be done. Fuel system installation and plumbing are incomplete, the brakes need fluid and bleeding, the throttle linkage still needs installation, weatherstripping is unfinished, and several smaller items still require assembly. The windshield wings are not mounted, and the car is not currently drivable. The seller also notes that some hardware or small parts may still be missing, which is pretty common on unfinished long-term builds.
The gray finish visible in the listing is identified as primer only, applied mainly to give the car a more complete appearance. Even the windshield frame primer is said to be temporary and removable.
For enthusiasts, unfinished Cobra replicas always come down to how much of the hard work has already been handled. In this case, the seller clearly focused heavily on drivetrain and chassis components before time caught up with the project.
Looks like it’s been done pretty top-notch and should be a blast to firewall.
Elizabeth, is there a link to the ebay ad? I didn’t see one in the write-up.