Some builds are all about the journey. Others land right at that interesting in-between point, mostly done, but still open to interpretation. That’s exactly where this 1967 Shelby Cobra replica sits. Listed on eBay out of Littleton, Colorado, it’s described as a freshly completed 2026 build that runs and drives, but hasn’t yet been taken through the final steps like paint and registration. For the right buyer, that leaves room to make it their own without starting from scratch. Thanks for the tip, Curvette!
According to the seller, this car began as a Shell Valley Cobra kit and was being built for an older gentleman who passed away before it could be fully finished. The shop handling the build says they completed the project and are now selling it on behalf of the family, noting that their labor is being donated and the goal is to recover the cost of the parts and drivetrain. It’s one of those situations you don’t see every day, and it adds a different layer to the story behind the car.
Under the hood is a Blueprint 347 cubic-inch Ford V8, described as new, paired with a Tremec TKX 5-speed manual transmission. Power is sent through a narrowed Ford 9-inch rear end, which is a common choice for builds like this where strength and simplicity matter. The listing doesn’t go into driving impressions, but it does state that the car is running and driveable as it sits.
The car is currently finished in gray gel coat, which is typical for a kit car at this stage. That means the next owner can decide on color and finish without undoing someone else’s work. Inside, the listing notes a saddle tan interior already installed, giving at least part of the car a more finished feel compared to the exterior.
Paperwork includes a bill of sale, manufacturer’s statement of origin, receipts, and a build book. That kind of documentation can be important when it comes time to register a kit car, depending on where it ends up.
The seller is clear that this is being offered “as is,” and they encourage direct contact for more details. It’s not presented as a polished, ready-for-show Cobra, but rather as a nearly complete build waiting for its final direction.
For someone who has always wanted a Cobra but didn’t want to spend years sourcing parts and assembling one, this might hit a sweet spot. The hard work appears to be done, but the final decisions are still wide open.
Clone or real, these are the greatest looking sports cars ever built. Bet it’s going to be tons of fun when it’s finished.
Whenever I see a Cobra I always think of the movie Gumball Rally and that blue one in it. I was a kid when I saw that movie and just fell in love with those lines. I’m with Bobhess Clone, real, these are great looking and performing cars and it’ll be great to see it finished and on the road.
I was reading the first two lines of what you said and had to check to see if this was a repost with my name because that’s exactly how I feel too! The gumball rally was my first exposure to Shelby cobras and I have loved them ever since!
Obviously the quality of the car depends on the components selected. The frame looks substantial though that’s no guarantee on driving. I’m not familiar with that body kit, so maybe someone knows more on them. Having said that, it would be a real hoot to get it done and out on the road.
US $48,300.00 asking price
The asking price sounds about right for what they would have in the build, but you can buy finished cars for the same money, see them almost weekly on Bring a Trailer selling for under $50k. I have an Everett-Morrison replica and I had about $50k in it before the almost $30k paint job I just had done. It will be a $45k car whenever I sell it, if I’m lucky.
This would be a great way to buy the car. Not really sure about the price, but I suspect it could be very fair depending on what you want in the finished car. This could certainly shortcut your process if you have always wanted a COBRA.
I say buy it and have it wrapped for $5k in a cool color and drive it without worrying about every stone chip.
Wax it and go. Once you start dumping cash into it, it might not stop.
The ultimate hot rod, classic car, sports car, custom built, in any category or automobile description the Cobra is king in any configuration. It only breaks my heart to see someone go to all the effort of building such an icon then put a small block in it when originally they came with big blocks which made them absolutely uncontrollable, as they should be. When ever I see a small block Cobra my guess is the builder has never driven or built a real race car and just needs basic transportation that looks cool. Good luck seller. I invite you to take a ride and get next to my 427 Cobra to see and hear what one should be.
I totally agree with you that these are the ultimate hot rod. I have lusted over these since I saw a new one on the showroom floor at Marv Tonkin Ford in ’66, (sticker was just under 6 grand)
One thing that you and I may have a slight difference of opinion on is the engine. While I agree 100% that the “proper” engine would be a big block Ford, I have a friend that has one with a Boss 351 motor, and that thing will flat out get after it. It still has that V-8 rumble, so unless you open the hood, no one would no the difference. Plus, I drove one some years back with an L-72 427 big block Chevy in it, and I’m here to tell you, that thing was spooky, and I had an L-72 Vette at the time.
One last thing, as much as I like this particular car, I don’t believe that the price is realistic for an unpainted example.
A friend in college had a 260 Cobra. It was insanely fast and took up the whole road around corners. Cobras don’t need big blocks.
I respect your opinion, but the original Cobras are the “slab side” cars that didn’t have big blocks. I personally enjoy the ride of the small block cars, over the heavy bb cars. I also love the slab sides appearance as the market is flush with small and big block cars that feature all the flares and scoops. That’s what makes this hobby so fun. To each his own seems much more sense to me, than an attitude that the way I built my car is the only way to build it and anything less (by your standards) are not “real”. If yours is an original 427 car, you are blessed….if not technically yours isn’t real either.
Bill: one small comment on “slab side”. I am not crazy about it for three reasons and I will explain why. First, slabs are totally FLAT and 1962-64 Cobras are far from that. Despite not having as much flaring as the 427-428 1965-66 variants, they are far from flat. They inherited the AC Ace’s subtle, delicate and beautiful curvature. Second, slabs are overwhelmingly associated with mortuaries and what dead bodies are placed on…giving the word unpleasant connotations. Third: the term “slab side” Cobra was NEVER used by ANYONE during the 1960s. It is a term invented/pulled out of thin air in the mid 1980s by a Kit Car magazine writer…and somehow it caught on and stubbornly persists to this very day…especially since Superformance in South Africa adopted the term for its small block rendition. While I am not the speech police and anyone can say whatever, now that you know what “slab side” is all about, perhaps I might be able to “convert” you into saying “small block design”? I agree with you that the ’62-’64 design is one heck of a spectacular looking sports car–especially with 72 spoke CHROME wire wheels!
I really don’t care if one is “real” or not, (except for the obvious fact that one is millions of dollars and the other is about 50,000,) I am not particularly interested in the small block variant, in my opinion they resemble a big Healy, (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing) but, again just my opinion, I think that the 427 cars are an absolute work of art. Some people feel like the XKE is the most beautiful sports car and produced, I think that accolade goes to the 427 Cobra.
Laurence, I appreciate you sharing your knowledge. I only referred to it as a slab side because that is how most refer to them as. I know they are a beautiful design and have great lines. That’s why putting a small block in them, having the exhaust tucked brilliantly under them, and having it still have plenty of HP is how I will build mine. At all the Shelby events I have gone to I love seeing the two small block AC’s more than I enjoy seeing the other 150 big block Cobras, BUT that doesn’t mean I don’t still look at the 150 BB Cobras and find something about each of them I like.
My real point was just because someone prefers a different style does not make them any less of a Cobra. I love the lines of both of the styles but I’ve always been partial to the subtle style and “sleeper” quality of the small block design. Your reasoning is great and it’s obvious that you have put a lot of thought into this subject, but I’ll take the small block design any day of the week. Sorry I’m not as versed in the terminology of 1980 as you but I was 6 years old. So, I’m glad you love your car. I love all of mine, Hell my first car is still my daily driver and has been for 30 years. I will have a “small block design” as my next car added to my small collection very soon.(I’ve got to sell one off to make room. I guess when I get it completed you can pull up beside me and show me that your car is far superior and mine is just a cheap original design. But I’ll still like it just the way I build it. There’s enough trash talking in the automotive world and definitely online, so when I see a car that isn’t my style I still appreciate the fact that someone is keeping it out of a junkyard.
Bill: just another quick reply because I think you misunderstood something I said. You talk about me pulling up beside you and gloating about my real car and somehow looking down on your small block replica. I don’t think I ever said such a thing. You must have me confused for someone else. I don’t have a real car and I don’t have a replica. I would like a Superformance small-block replica, because while not built in the Superleggera style like the original ones built by AC in Thames-Ditton, it has the identical Tojeiro chassis and the body is 100% accurate.
What I did have years ago was an AC Ace-Bristol. Good luck with your plans.
Nice!!
Whatever it sells for plus paint,a guy in the Mustang Forum recently paid 1 k a gallon for a 66′ factory color called Nightmist Blue.I saw one of these in a restoration shop 2 years ago like this in primer. The owner said 15 k and up for a paint job.The local Maaco started at 5 k.
It is a replica of a ’65. By ’66 all real Shelby AC Cobras had double tail lamps on each side. The Shell Valley replica looks reasonably accurate in terms of the body dimensions, but the steering wheel is way higher than on an original. The Shell Valley replicas are better suited for small block installations because of their underpinnings. If you want a totally accurate big block Cobra visually, that can quite safely handle the power and TORQUE of a BB, then opt for an ERA.
All I know is One Of These Days I really want to own one of these. Idc what size “Ford” V8 block it is as long as it does the thing!
My all time favorite sports car hands down.
Message to the seller: Do us other Cobra owners some justice and unless you’re desperate to sell it and need cash fast , or on your way to jail or the army, then re-list it closer to $100.. Here’s a basic rule of thumb: If you have a list of what you spent on a build and it’s ready to let go, then double that amount upon finishing. This is out of respect for what ever icon you thought was worth your time and effort to invest in, especially with the “King” of all sports cars.
Al, I get your reasoning, just not your logic. I do not believe that there is a builder anywhere that would expect to get what they spent on a project back out of it, and certainly not double.
Regarding this car, if he put a 100 K price tag on it, I can guarantee you he would never sell it. There are really nice ones out there that are done for 50 K.
I have been owner of a machine shop specializing in custom built engines and automotive components for 50 years. It’s entertaining to say the least to watch beginners in the hot rod market justify what it cost them to reach certain levels of completion. We all have to learn the hard way. It cost me dearly to get to where I am in my business. Owning a custom hot rod is not an investment, it’s a labor of love. If your logic is to make money at it, sorry to hear that. Successful Cobra projects are built by Pro’s.
AC Cobras are like beautiful women: If you love it enough you don’t care what it costs in time and money. If your intention is to make money off your Cobra investment, better re-think your decision: Get a Corvette or Firebird, or Jag, or Mustang, they have their own active markets. They don’t need professional involvement.
Just a thought from a 60’s hot rodder.
Al, that was exactly my point. If someone thinks that they are going to “double their money”, or even make money off something they built they are going to be very disappointed. That’s why I took exception with your statement ” figure out what you have in it and double it”. Guys like Dave Kindig of Chip Foose make money at it, but not the average guy.