The original Shelby Cobra, also known as the AC Cobra, was born out of a collaboration between British manufacturer AC Cars and American automotive designer Carroll Shelby in the early 1960s. Shelby’s vision was to create a high-performance sports car that could dominate the racing circuits. He approached AC Cars with the idea of fitting a Ford V8 engine into their lightweight AC Ace chassis. The result was a powerful and agile vehicle that quickly became a racing legend, competing in famous races such as the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Today, original Shelby Cobras are highly sought after by collectors, with prices ranging fromĀ $1 million to over $3 million, depending on their condition, history, and rarity. And while, AC Cars has recently started producing new versions of the Cobra, they’ll still cost you around $325,000. But even if you don’t have that kind of dough lying around, you don’t let your dream of owning Cobra die. Enter the Shelby Cobra replicas. For decades, small car manufacturers and kit car makers have been keeping the legacy of this iconic sports car alive with a variety of high-quality replicas. These replicas offer enthusiasts the chance to experience the thrill of driving a Cobra without the astronomical price tag of an original. Here are the best Shelby Cobra replicas in 2025.
Superformance MKIII
Superformance is renowned for producing some of the most authentic Shelby Cobra replicas on the market. The Superformance MKIII is also built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing Inc., ensuring a high level of accuracy and quality. This model features a hand-laid fiberglass body, a robust steel chassis, and a range of powerful engine options, including the iconic 427 V8. The attention to detail extends to the interior, which includes period-correct gauges and finishes. The average price for a Superformance MKIII is around $90,000.
Factory Five Racing Mk5
Factory Five Racing has been a leader in the kit car industry for decades, and their latest offering, the Mk5, is a testament to their expertise. The Mk5 features a chassis that is four times stronger than its predecessor, the Mk4, and is designed to accommodate drivers up to 6’5″ tall. The car offers a variety of engine options, from the classic 289/302 V8 to the modern 5.0L Coyote V8. The Mk5 also includes modern amenities such as self-canceling turn signals, updated wiper motors, and an optional removable hardtop. The average price for a Factory Five Racing Mk5 kit starts at $24,990. Keep in mind that this price doesn’t include the engine, transmission and many other parts that you’ll need to create a finished car. Also, you need to build it yourself – which is a plus in my book.
Backdraft Racing RT4
Backdraft Racing is another prominent name in the replica Cobra market. Their RT4 model is known for its blend of classic styling and modern performance. The RT4 features a custom-designed independent rear suspension, a choice of several powerful engines, and a meticulously crafted interior. The car’s body is made from high-quality fiberglass, and it includes modern safety features such as four-wheel disc brakes and a reinforced chassis. The average price for a Backdraft Racing RT4 is around $75,000.
Unique Motorcars 289 FIA
For those who prefer the look of the earlier Cobra models, Unique Motorcars offers the 289 FIA replica. This model replicates the design of the Cobras that competed in the FIA racing series in the 1960s. The 289 FIA features a lightweight fiberglass body, a tubular steel chassis, and a range of engine options, including the 289 V8. The interior is designed to match the original race cars, with period-correct gauges and finishes. The average price for a Unique Motorcars 289 FIA is around $60,000.
That’s a wrap!
Replica Shelby Cobras offer a fantastic way to enjoy the timeless design and exhilarating performance of the original cars without the prohibitive cost. Whether you prefer the raw power of the Superformance MKIII, the modern features of the Factory Five Mk5, the balanced performance of the Backdraft RT4, or the classic styling of the Unique Motorcars 289 FIA, there’s a replica Cobra to suit every enthusiast’s taste. And if you really are in the market to buy a Shelby replica, you should check out car auction sites like bringatrailer.com, as there are always Cobra replicas going up for sale there. Know of another car company making replica Cobras? Let us know in the comments.
