Description
A 1978 Unique Motorcars Cobra 427 with a big block is a high-end replica of the mythical Shelby 427, built on a rigid steel tubular chassis with a fibreglass body. It uses a large-displacement Ford V8 (FE type, 5. 7 to 7. 0 L) paired with a manual gearbox, reinforced independent rear suspension, coil spring/ shock absorbers, and a rack-and-pinion steering to handle the torque and remain usable on the road.
The styling faithfully mirrors the 427 SC: sidepipes, Halibrand-style wheels, roll cage, a race-inspired minimalist interior, making it a highly sought-after replica from the 1970s.
Engine:
- FORD BIG BLOCK engine prepared by EDELBROCK
- 427 engine block, displacement 6998 cm3
- Aluminium intake manifold
- Ford cylinder heads
- Estimated power: around 450 hp
- Electronic magneto-sensor distributor
- Aluminium valve covers branded COBRA
- Chromed air filter
- Cooling circuit with electric radiator fan
- 4-barrel Edelbrock carburettor
- Stainless steel side exhausts (side pipes)
Transmission:
- 4-speed manual Toploader-type gearbox (Very reliable)
Exterior:
- Apple Candy Red paint with white racing stripes
- Uniquely faithful fibreglass body by UNIQUE MOTORS, handmade
- Aluminium competition-style fuel filler cap
- Side wind deflectors “crystal”
Chassis & suspension:
- Unique Motorcars uses a substantial steel-tubing chassis (main rails typically 3–4 inches in diameter), with reinforced crossmembers and a dedicated engine cradle to withstand the massive big-block torque (around 600–700 Nm).
- It incorporates mounting points for double A-arms suspensions, reinforced Jaguar or Ford rear axle, and widened geometry for stability, with high torsional stiffness thanks to multiple welds and bracing.
- Designed in the 1970s for powerful V8s like the 427/ 428 ci (7 litres), this chassis avoids excessive flex under torque, with reinforced bushings and an widened rear track compared with 289 models.
- A metal subframe integral to the chassis serves as the fixing point for openings: fewer vibrations, better fit of hatches, no strain on the shell which only plays its original role as an aerodynamic skin without structural function.
- Front suspension geometry of the LSA type: upper and lower triangles of different length to ensure the tyres sit with a perpendicular angle to the road over bumps. Aluminium control arms based on a GM component allowing various disc sizes.
- Adjustable coil-over dampers with a vertical X-type brace as seen on the original Cobras.
- Rear suspension and independent wheels on a Jaguar XJS Salisbury-type axle.
- Ford 9-inch or reinforced Jaguar Type E solid axle with limited-slip differential (LSD), widened axle and massive half-shafts to absorb ~600–700 Nm of big-block torque.
- Vibration reduction transmitted to the main chassis via the axle cradle.
- Optimised rear suspension mounting points.
- Rack-and-pinion steering with fast ratio (typically 3 turns lock-to-lock), direct and precise, often sourced from Shelby or adapted for a tight turning circle, with reinforced bushings against V8 vibrations.
Interior:
- Black interior with black seats
- Black carpeting
- 4-point racing harnesses
