Carroll Shelby’s Cobra design platform is the undisputed darling of the kit-car industry, comprising more than 70 percent of all kit cars sold. The replicas cover the gamut from $100,000-plus copies of near perfection to $30,000 packages that are simply used cars with Cobra bodies. While shunned in the early years by true Shelby purists, the kit car versions have allowed thousands of enthusiasts to have a glimpse of what owning and driving a real Cobra must feel like for a lesser price. The aftermarket Cobras also allow for an infinite amount of personal touches and custom alterations from the original 1960s version.

A perfect example of an extreme custom Cobra that has been crafted into a show-stopping machine is offered here in this West Coast roadster. Built with the show circuit in mind, it has a professionally built, fully balanced, 460 V-8 stroked to 514 cubic inches rated at 850 horsepower. The transmission is a custom detailed Richmond six-speed with overdrive. The engine is found in a very tidy bay and features brightly finished components, Aeroquip-type plumbing and Cobra 460 finned valve covers. Other significant mechanical features include a computerized air suspension, mechanical tilting front end, power steering, power brakes, Wilwood clutch and four-wheel ventilated disc brake system, and climate control by Vintage Air. The custom cockpit features real sting ray hide and leather upholstery, custom 1000-watt stereo system with two monitors, custom billet steering wheel and hand-crafted integrated dash and console. The spectacular paint finish has four coats of PPG product and eight coats of clear, with a custom graphic pattern that reflects the seat upholstery design. Special 18- and 20-inch cut billet wheels have also been integrated into the package, and give the car an aggressive stance with Halibrand-type wheels and low-profile tires. Over 2,000 man hours were devoted to the body and paint and an estimated $200,000 invested to create this multi-award winning work of art.