1965 Shelby Cobra

This rare Arntz Cobra was originally ordered through Arntz Industries and built at his factory located in San Francisco, California; this is not a kit car. Steve Arntz worked as an R&D engineer with Carroll Shelby on the original Cobras and after the project ended, he continued and was the first guy to build a Cobra replica back in the 70's and 80's timeframe. Steve Arntz is credited with starting the kit Cobra industry and reportedly supplied parts and finished “rolling chassis to the other Cobra kit assemblers. Steve Arntz designed, engineered, tooled, and tested his vision of an improved Cobra back in 1972 in South San Francisco. After leaving Shelby, Ron Butler, renowned as the original designer of the 427 Cobras, joined Arntz Industries. Arntz ultimately went into receivership and Butler Racing took it over. The vehicle's authenticity as an Arntz Cobra can be seen in the Arntz labelled valve covers and the Shelby American plate riveted to the engine compartment firewall.Arntz Cobras are extremely rare (research shows only about 65 were produced) and were built to emulate the original Cobra. The fiberglass body whose molds were formed from an original Cobra model from 1965. All fiberglass inner panels (e, g,: front wheel shrouds, footboxes, firewall, dashboard, floor pans, trans tunnel, etc.) were installed and cured in the body mold. Although this process is expensive and time-consuming, it was the only way for Arntz to ensure the quality of fit, finish and structural strength. When these panels are securely bonded in place the body becomes a monocoque unit-very light in weight yet very strong. The frame rails are constructed of 3” x 4” 1/8 wall material (Endura coated) comparable to 1018 SAE grade steel, massively X-braced, (unlike the original Cobras) to provide strength to handle the most powerful engines. This car was reportedly completed in 1988 and the original owner lived in San Clemente, California. This car was acquired by the seller from the original owner in 1998 and the car had approximately 9000 miles on the odometer. Modifications to this vehicle by the seller include custom designed ceramic coated headers, new oil cooler with braided steel lines and an electric fan. In 2019, new Hancook Racing tires; P295R50R15 rear and P265R50R25 front were mated to the existing Centerline Racing Champ 500 rims. In 2021, service under current ownership has consisted of the local auto repair shop installing a new Holley 770 Street Avenger double pumper carburetor, starter, solenoid, ignition module and dust cover boots for the MGB steering rack.Power is from a 351 Ford Cleveland V8, reportedly from a 1969 Mustang Cobra Jet. The engine was rebuilt, balanced and blue printed and has forged pistons, Isky cam, roller chain, hi-performance oil pump, and dual filters. The transmission is a 4-speed top loader mated to Tilton Nascar pedals with a balance bar and a hydraulic clutch. The rear end is Jaguar XKE Independent suspension, 3:53 Posi-Trac with inboard discs. The front end is comprised of a MGB rack and pinion (same as the original AC produced Cobras), Camaro 11” rotors, and Dodge calipers.The exterior paint color is a black cherry metallic, and the interior is black leather seating and trim. The driver's seat is adjustable and can comfortably accommodate a person who is 6'1.” The driver's seat is starting to exhibit a little wear at a few of the seams.The car has a handmade Indian Rosewood dashboard containing Stewart Warner gauges. The cabin and trunk are finished in black wool carpeting.Arntz engineered the following safety features into his improved Cobra design: 5-point racing harnesses for driver and passenger, steel reinforced doors and hinge designs that are fiber glassed into the doors during construction, integral, full passenger compartment with a 3” roll bar bolted to the frame and 15-gallon foam filled ballistic nylon and aluminum fuel cell. This Cobra has a tonneau cover that covers the passenger compartment, an older full car cover and a newer black canvass soft top with drop-in Lexan side screens. The soft top has never been installed on the vehicle by the current owner and based on its pristine condition, is presumed to be new or almost new. This original Arntz Cobra is being offered with an original Arntz sales brochure, a customer introduction letter, assembly drawings, an original picture of the Arntz Cobra assembly facility, and copies of Hot Rod magazines from the early 80's detailing the Arntz Cobra. This vehicle has a clean Michigan title and is registered as a 1997 Assembled vehicle with a convertible body style. As this car was originally completed in 1988, it has numerous small chips and bubbles in the paint. The main imperfections are a 3” starburst (stress crack) in

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