2010 Shelby Cobra by Backdraft Racing

This Cobra is a RT3 built by Backdraft Racing in South Africa and completed in 2010. This replica is purpose-built to capture the look and visceral driving experience of the Carroll Shelby hotrod.

• Power is delivered by a Vortec 350ci (5.3L) GM V8  
• Comes with its factory build sheet and service records from 2017 to 2024
• Turnkey Backdraft build features independent suspension and modern comforts like power steering, a removable hardtop, and an AC

The owner bought this Backdraft Cobra in Dubai, UAE in May 2017. The owner reports no accidents or any re-paint during his 7 years of ownership. This RT3 Cobra comes with its factory build sheet and was ordered with hot weather use in mind.

 

Namely, it comes with a larger aluminum radiator and a shroud with a thermostatically controlled electric fan. In addition, the build was optioned with power steering, air conditioning, and a removable hardtop.

• Engine: 350ci (5.3L) GM Vortec V8
• Backdraft Racing (BDR) headers with stainless steel, chrome-plated side pipes
• Remote oil filter and oil cooler
• Transmission: GM NV3500 (New Venture Gear 3500)
• Full independent rear suspension (from the BMW E36)
  • Front: Coil over front struts
  • Rear: Independent rear suspension with fully adjustable coil over damper

• Power steering
• Rack and pinion steering
• Power disc brakes from BMW E36
• Aluminum radiator with thermostatically controlled electric fan mounted with shroud
• 18” Halibrand style wheels. Front tires are 245/40/17 with 295/40/18 in the rear.

All Backdraft RT3 Cobra builds include the following:

• Hand-laid fiberglass body with strategic reinforcing
• Base coat, clear coat painted finish
• Chassis: 2” x 4” rectangular steel ladder-style frame with front crush zone
• Stainless steel engine compartment panels (cladding)
• Le Mans style fuel filler with a locking cap
• Stainless steel roll bar with rubber grommets and trim mounted to the frame
• Stainless steel quick jacks
• Complete wiring harness with electrical box

Interior:

• Leather seats
• Premium carpeting with bound edges for trunk and cockpit
• Overlay carpets for drivers and passenger side
• 7 gauge cluster (temperature, oil pressure, speedometer, tachometer, etc)
• Cooling lines and radiator overflow tank finished in polished stainless steel
• Battery isolator switch (kill switch)
• 12-volt battery
• Fuel and brakes lines fitted

Other:

• Aluminum park brake lever
• Wind wings and sun visors
• Hood and trunk locks
• Windshield wipers
• Driver-side seat adjustment

Backdraft Racing began in 2001 and is one of the most popular and reputable manufacturers of Cobra continuations “replicas”.

 

Backdraft starts with an in-house developed chassis from a 2” x 4” rectangular steel ladder-style frame with a front crush zone. This is paired with modern disc brakes, coilovers, and independent suspension from the E36 BMW M3. From there each build is slightly unique with custom paint, trim finishes, and interior selections. Finally, it's up to the customer to choose an engine and transmission to complete the build.

“Backdraft Racing roadsters, manufactured in South Africa and distributed worldwide, now number greater than 800 vehicles. With a 92-inch wheelbase offering a bit more legroom and cockpit comfort, the roadsters are two inches longer than the original AC Bristol and Shelby Cobras. BDRs sport a low and menacing stance, having rear fender haunches that appear disproportionately large, giving the car a pouncing, serpent-like (small wonder) posture…Not that this outlaw, rebel-without-a- cause-looking car is obnoxiously loud. There's a sweet rumble from the sidepipes, which compels the pilot to mash the throttle all the more. Of course, that's when the BDR is in its glory, gobbling up the road with ease, the all- independent suspension offering a racy yet smooth ride."

- Motortend D.Brian Smith