Your chance to buy a proper Cobra replica is now
This example sold by Wayne Carini sports a NASCAR-derived Cammer V8, 9,000 miles, and a lot of shine.
Cobra replicas are not exactly uncommon in the second-hand market. What is uncommon is an example as clean and well-built as this ERA 427SC Roadster. ERA is one of those replica manufacturers that has been in business forever, or in this case, since 1981. They've built versions of the 289 Cobra, the Ford GT, and, in this case, the 427 Cobra.
This particular 427SC example is offered on Bring a Trailer by Wayne Carini's F40 Motorsports, and it packs quite a punch under its sleek, curvy chassis. It was originally commissioned in 1994 as the personal vehicle of ERA Replica Automobiles founder Peter Portante and was completed in 1997.
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A proper Cobra replica requires a fitting powertrain
Under the hood is a 427ci SOHC “Cammer” V8, an engine developed by Ford between 1964 and 1967 to compete with Chrysler's 426ci Hemi in NASCAR. Only 500 of these engines were reportedly built. This one was rebuilt under previous ownership by Dan Dalena of New Britain, Connecticut. F40 Motorsport/Bring a Trailer
The Cammer V8 is mated to a Ford Toploader four-speed manual transmission and a Jaguar/Salisbury independent rear axle with a limited-slip differential, which together send power to 15" Halibrand-style wheels with four-wheel disc brakes and independent suspension. That classic rowdy V8 orchestra is piped through side-exit exhausts; a must for any Cobra or replica wanting to be taken seriously.
One thing to note is that rather than a traditional DMV-assigned VIN, this replica's VIN is "ERA385" but is titled as a 1966 Ford Cobra.
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Peep the shine and the chrome
The fiberglass body wears a shiny black paint job with a matching black leather interior, a hood scoop, a LeMans-style fuel filler cap, and chrome bumpers with overriders. The relatively spartan cabin, because this is a proper go-fast car, not a luxury grand tourer, sports a classic wood-rimmed steering wheel with Smiths gauges and an 8,000 RPM tachometer. The five-digit odometer shows a mere 9,000 miles.
Going this fast in something of this vintage requires some sort of safety equipment, and ERA agreed. Apart from the classic Crow multi-point racing harnesses, there is also an engine bay fire impression system behind the dash and an electrical cut-off switch between the seats.
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Final thoughts
I've said it once, and I'll say it forever: there is nothing wrong with replicas. Some cars, like the original Shelby Cobras, are unicorns. Not only are they pricey, but their holy grail status can make driving them an anxiety-filled affair.
A well-made replica, like this ERA 427SC Roadster, looks, sounds, and feels like the real thing without the aforementioned anxiety that comes from the real thing. You can drive, enjoy, and show off a replica without being worried that any slight ding will ruin its value and cement your place in history as the guy who ruined a Cobra. F40 Motorsport/Bring a Trailer
This auction ends in four days and, at the time of writing, has a bid of $85,600. Don't be surprised to see this one hit six figures, but hey, it's still cheaper than a real Cobra.
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