Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.Backdraft Racing builds some of the most respected Cobra replicas on the market, and this Roush-powered roadster delivers the classic AC Cobra experience without the seven-figure price of an original. Assembled in 2009 with a Roush 342R V8 and a five-speed manual, it is on Bring a Trailer at $20,342 with five days to go.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowQuality Cobra replicas, and Backdrafts in particular, occupy a broad market. According to Classic.com, Backdraft Racing Roadster comps span roughly $55,000 to $97,000, with a Roush-powered example selling for $53,500 in April 2025, and new Backdrafts starting around $67,000 before options.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car sits in the lower-to-middle part of that range. Its quality Backdraft build is a genuine strength, while the smaller Roush 342R engine, the 2009 build age, and the considerations below place it below the top-tier 427R examples.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerWeighing the quality build against those points, fair value realistically lands in the $45,000 to $65,000 range, most likely the low-to-mid $50,000s. At $20,342 with five days remaining, the bidding is early and should climb into that band.Condition and detailsThe car is a well-equipped, turnkey build. The black fiberglass body wears silver stripes, a roll hoop, a hood scoop, and side exhaust pipes, and it rides on 17-inch Halibrand-style wheels with knock-offs over four-wheel disc brakes and rack-and-pinion steering. The Roush 342R V8, rated at 450 horsepower, was installed by Speed Fanatix in 2009 and wears a Holley carburetor, an Edelbrock intake, and MSD ignition, driving through a World Class T5 manual, and a build binder is included.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerA few points deserve attention. This is a Backdraft Racing replica, not a genuine Shelby Cobra, titled as a "1965 SP CONSTR," a specially constructed vehicle, with a Pennsylvania-assigned VIN. That is normal for quality replicas, and a commenter confirmed the "SP CONSTR" wording is standard for titling a replica, but understand you are buying a modern replica valued as such, and confirm titling and registration in your state. There is also a transmission-description question: the listing specifies a World Class T5, while the video reportedly mentioned a different unit, and the seller clarified it is a T5, so confirm exactly which transmission is installed before bidding.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerTwo more notes: the odometer shows 8,000 miles but true mileage is unknown, typical for a low-use replica, and the Roush 342R is the smaller Roush crate engine rather than the more powerful and desirable 427R found in many Backdrafts, which places its value below the top builds. With side pipes and no windshield, this is a loud, elemental car, so a pre-purchase inspection and a review of the build binder are sensible.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeBackdraft Racing (Shelby Cobra replica)ModelRoadsterYearTitled as 1965, assembled 2009Mileage8,000 miles shownEngineRoush 342R V8Power450 hp and 420 lb.ft of torqueTransmission5-speed manualDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorBlack with silver stripesInterior colorGrayCurrent bid$20,342, with five days leftInterested in this Backdraft Racing Roadster? View the listing here.What makes the Backdraft Roadster uniqueThe original AC Cobra is one of the most iconic sports cars ever built, and genuine examples now trade well into seven figures, putting them out of reach for all but a few. Backdraft Racing bridges that gap with meticulously hand-built replicas that capture the Cobra's brutal charm, and importantly, their chassis use BMW-sourced independent rear suspension, a hallmark that sets Backdrafts apart from lesser replicas still running live rear axles and gives them genuinely modern handling. Paired with a potent Roush crate V8, side pipes, and classic knock-off wheels, the result is a turnkey car that looks and sounds the part while being far more usable and reliable than a vintage original.Backdraft Racing RoadsterBring a TrailerThat combination of iconic looks, a thunderous V8, modern underpinnings, and turnkey usability is what makes a Backdraft such an appealing way to experience the Cobra. It delivers the visceral thrills of the legend at a fraction of the cost, and with the backing of a builder known for quality and support.My takeThis is a fun, honest way into the Cobra experience. A Backdraft roadster is among the best replicas you can buy, with proper independent rear suspension and a stout Roush V8, and this one has the classic black-over-silver looks, side pipes, and turnkey usability that make these cars such a blast. For a buyer who wants the sound, the fury, and the head-turning shape without the seven-figure outlay, it delivers.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $45,000 to $65,000 range, keeping in mind that the smaller 342R engine places it below the top 427R builds, so the early bidding has room to climb. Go in understanding what it is: a quality modern replica titled as a specially constructed vehicle, so confirm registration in your state, verify exactly which transmission is fitted, and review the build binder with a pre-purchase inspection. Handle that, and you have a thrilling, turnkey Cobra experience.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.