Superformance MKIII-R: This modern take on the iconic Cobra is simply divine

The Shelby Cobra is one of the most recognizable cars in history but Superformance – the American company who specialize in authentic replicas of iconic Sixties sportscars - have given it a modern twist. Meet the MKIII-R Cobra.

Based on a 1965 Cobra, this might be a tad controversial for fans of the original, but we reckon it is a perfect combination of an old-school classic automobile infused with a bit of modern-day flair.

Superformance CEO Lance Stander says, "The MKIII-R is a piece of American history, and with a major motion picture release last year (Ford v Ferrari) 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."

Built under license from Carroll Shelby Licensing, the Superformance MKIII-R retains the originals shape and wheelbase but also boasts new fenders with large air vents featuring optional strakes, a prominent hood scoop, a large rear diffuser, a front splitter, LED headlights and 18in wheels. The iconic Atlantic Blue paint with anthracite stripes is a nice touch and overall it looks way more aggressive than the original.

It doesn’t just get a visual makeover – it has been fettled with underneath too; the suspension incorporates some modern components, as the front of the chassis sports fully independent unequal-length A-arms with adjustable Bilstein coils over telescopic shock absorbers, while the rear utilizes independent unequal-length A-arms with fabricated hub carriers and coil-over shock absorbers.

The MKIII-R rolling chassis sells without the engine for $79,900 but Superformance offers a Ford 302, 351, 460 and 427/428 cubic inch engines mated to a Tremec five-speed or Ford top loader four-speed transmissions.

The interior gets French stitched seats with stitching that matches the exterior colour, a transmission tunnel adorned with leather, a modernized dashboard with new electronic gauges and standard equipment includes power steering. Yep, Caroll Shelby would have been proud of this one.