Superformance Unveils MKIII-R Cobra
Superformance, a manufacturer of 1960s-era continuation sports cars, has unveiled the company’s newest devlopment, the all-new MKIII-R Cobra. The 1965 Superformance MKIII-R is a combination of classic styling and contemporary modifications with a bold, aggressive look complementing the vehicle’s iconic legacy.
“The Superformance MKIII-R is the perfect combination of an old-school classic automobile infused with a bit of modern-day flair,” said Superformance CEO Lance Stander. “The MKIII-R is a piece of American history, and with a major motion picture release last year that highlighted the Cobra, this vehicle’s popularity is at an all-time high. We took great care to ensure the Superformance MKIII-R lives up to the Cobra’s iconic legacy.”
The Superformance MKIII-R is a meticulously engineered and crafted reproduction of the original, built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc. Like all Superformance builds, the MKIII-R was built to exacting standards, with over two-thirds of the steel monocoque chassis’ parts being interchangeable with an original GT40 car.
In addition to supplying the MKIII-R rolling chassis, Superformance also painted the vehicle using the iconic Atlantic Blue-colored livery. The vehicle’s trim was also coated with the iconic MKIII-R stripes painted in an anthracite color that perfectly complements the colorway.
The chassis is created using a jig-welded parallel ladder frame of heavy wall 2″ x 4″ rectangular steel tubing and large diameter outriggers. The frame incorporates front and rear crumple zones, as well as a door hinge, steering column and windshield pickup-points.
While the addition of integrated “scalloped” fenders and hood headline some of the MKIII’s modern additions, the vehicle retains much of its original shape and wheelbase. The MKIII-R body utilizes hand-laid fiberglass panels with steel tube reinforcements in all openings. Where the body points carry loads, each piece is reinforced with steel bars or panels in a non-stressed environment.
All Superformance MKIII’s feature a high-performance aluminum radiator with twin electric fans that are thermostatically controlled. Also included on base MKIII’s is a period correct oil cooler with shroud and fittings.
The vehicle’s suspension incorporates some modern components, as the front of the MKIII chassis sports fully independent unequal length A-arms with adjustable Bilstein coils over telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear also utilizes independent unequal length A-arms with fabricated hub carriers and coil-over shock absorbers.
Black mesh side and fender vents also add an improved aeration element to the overall grittier appearance. To complete the timeless aesthetic mated with functionality, the MKIII-R comes with a large rear diffuser and a body-contour matching front splitter.
Inside the interior of the MKIII-R, Superformance added custom French stitched seats and a body color accented thread. The MKIII-R’s transmission tunnel is also adorned with leather to complete the classic look. In a twist of modern flair, the vehicle’s dashboard is equipped with all-new Superformance electronic gauges.
Standard equipment included in the MKIII-R includes power steering, LED headlights, 18’’ wheels and a wide variety of exterior and interior color options.
Since each Superformance chassis comes without the engine included, installation kits are available for Ford 302, 351, 460 and 427/428 cubic inch engines with Tremec 5-speed or Ford top loader 4-speed transmissions.
