Jungle Snake

Those of you who believe that kit cars are an American art form, and that Cobra replicas are strictly a Yankee domain might take note that a number of foreign-based companies have landed on our shores and are delivering some sizzling, scintillating and s-s-s-smoking Snakes that are enjoying success in the U.S. market.

Backdraft Racing is a South African kit car manufacturer that builds striking Cobra replicas, rolling chassis, and turnkey-minus cars. It sells in America via its dealers, Custom Cars (Florida) and Tri-State Motorsports (Pennsylvania), and is looking for West Coast representation as this is being written.

Backdraft is the self-described "Home to the Legends," and after seeing two of its '65 Cobra Roadster replicas at the recent AHA Knott's Berry Farm show, I can tell you that their approach to the Cobra legend is one of homage, respect, and quality.

There are more than four-dozen Cobra replica manufacturers worldwide, and I have found that each of them offers something a bit different, and each one has strong points in its own rights. A large part of the fun of selecting your Cobra replica is in the research, driving, admiring, and comparing. Since not all of these Snake clones and original-design modifications come from the shores of Uncle Sam, taking a solid look at some of the Cobra imports is certainly a worthwhile experience. One such company deserving of a look is Backdraft Racing and the car we show off here (actually, I saw two of their cars at the Knott's Show, and we feature one here and show off both in one of our accompanying photos).

Reg Dodd brought two Backdrafts to the event, and his PPG Prism Red roadster (as well as the black one which accompanied it) sits on a custom-made, powdercoated Backdraft chassis (standard with all kits) with a wheelbase of 92 inches. Its BMW rearend employs BMW rear brakes, adjustable rear shocks and coil springs, and front and rear antiroll bars. This makes for a fine-handling machine. Front coil-overs, ATE master cylinder and power booster, and a BMW coilover strut front suspension, along with BMW spindles and front brakes, and Backdraft pedal assembly and steering column allow for stability and tight cornering.Dodd found that small-block power was enough to jet this Snake's 2,400-pound payload as fast as 150 mph, so he installed a Ford 302HO V-8 engine that pumps out 350 horses, thanks to an Edelbrock Victor Jr. manifold and Holley 650 carburetor. The mill was machined to a 306ci displacement by Specialties Machining of Pompano Beach, Florida, and dual cooling fans, Wiseco pistons, Ford Motor Sports flywheel, Edelbrock heads, Backdraft motor mounts, March custom engine pulleys, K&N air cleaner, MSD distributor, and MSD 6AL electronic ignition finish out the setup. A new Tremec 3550 transmission was installed, along with King Cobra clutch disc and pressure plate and a Tremec housing.

The body is a sweet rendition of the Snake, this one slithering here with power and sleekness from South Africa. Named the '65 Backdraft Roadster, Dodd's Cobra replica was painted by the folks at Backdraft, who also detailed in Bonzemist pinstriping and added Hella headlights, Lucas taillights, and Quick Jack's front and rear bumpers.

The drivers compartment is subtle and sharp, with a stock Backdraft dashboard and wiring, tan upholstery, and beige carpet. A stainless steel rollbar and five-point seatbelts are standard with every kit.

The Cobra may have evolved from an English design into the all-American racer, but after seeing this import from South Africa, the Cobra is a universal genre. This jungle Snake is one worth visiting, watching, and driving. KC