1965 Shelby Cobra

1965 Ford Roadster ERA 427 Replica - ERA Turn-Key Build - Joe Lapine 428 Stroker - Richmond 5-Speed

This 1965 Ford Roadster ERA 427 Replica is a high-quality, turn-key build from ERA, one of the most respected names in the Cobra replica world. Known for their accuracy, engineering, and build quality, ERA cars stand well above the average kit car, and this example has the right pedigree, the right powertrain, and the right documentation to back it up.

Known as ERA707, this roadster is powered by a Joe Lapine-built 428 stroker V8 with aluminum heads, aluminum intake, and a new Holley carburetor. Power is sent through a Richmond 5-speed manual transmission with a Lakewood bellhousing, giving this car the proper big-block roadster feel with the added drivability of an extra gear. The car is registered in Georgia as a 1965 Ford Roadster and is located in the Atlanta area.

Exterior
Finished in silver over a black interior, this ERA has the timeless 427 Cobra look: wide rear haunches, flared fenders, low windshield, hood scoop, side pipes, chrome roll hoop, quick-jack style bumperettes, wind wings, sun visors, and classic 427 badging.

The car was repainted last year due to normal chips and minor road rash, giving the exterior a fresh, clean presentation while still representing a car that was built to be enjoyed. The silver paint highlights the body lines beautifully and gives the car a clean, vintage performance look.

Exterior highlights include:
ERA 427-style roadster body
Silver exterior finish
Repainted last year
Hood scoop
Side-exit exhaust
Chrome roll hoop
Wind wings and sun visors
Quick-jack style bumperettes
427 badging
Classic knockoff-style wheels
Cooper Cobra Radial G/T tires
Tires are approximately two years old

Interior
The black cockpit is simple, purposeful, and period-correct. It features black bucket seats, wool carpet, Smith gauges, a wood-rim Cobra steering wheel, racing harnesses, toggle-style controls, and a floor-mounted manual shifter.

The interior has the raw driver-focused layout these cars are known for. Everything is centered around the driving experience - steering wheel, gauges, shifter, pedals, and the sound of the big Ford stroker up front.

Interior highlights include:
Black bucket seats
Wool carpet
Smith instrumentation
Wood-rim Cobra steering wheel
Racing harnesses
Classic dash layout
Toggle switches
Cobra floor mats
Fire extinguisher
Manual shifter

Engine & Drivetrain
Under the hood sits a Joe Lapine-built 428 stroker V8, dressed with Cobra valve covers, a Cobra air cleaner, aluminum heads, aluminum intake, and a new Holley carburetor. The engine bay presents well and has the proper look for a big-block Cobra-style roadster.

The Richmond 5-speed manual transmission gives this car the right level of driver engagement, while the Lakewood bellhousing adds another quality component to the drivetrain package.

Mechanical highlights include:
Joe Lapine-built 428 stroker V8
Aluminum cylinder heads
Aluminum intake
New Holley carburetor
Cobra valve covers
Cobra air cleaner
Remote oil filter
Richmond 5-speed manual transmission
Lakewood bellhousing
Side-exit exhaust

Chassis, Suspension & Brakes
This ERA was built with real performance in mind. The car is equipped with big front brakes and the ERA optional rear, both desirable features that help separate this build from more basic Cobra replicas.

The undercarriage shows the ERA chassis layout, aluminum paneling, suspension components, exhaust routing, and overall performance-oriented construction. ERA cars are known for having a well-engineered foundation, and this example benefits from that reputation.

Chassis highlights include:
ERA-built chassis
ERA optional rear
Big front brakes
Performance suspension layout
Clean underbody presentation
Side pipe exhaust routing

Documentation
Documentation is a major value point on this car. The owner has paperwork from ERA along with three binders full of documentation. For a high-quality Cobra replica, that kind of paperwork adds confidence, verifies the build history, and gives the next owner important supporting records.

Documentation includes:
ERA paperwork
Three binders of documentation
Registered in Georgia as a 1965 Ford Roadster
Highlights
ERA707 turn-key car built by ERA
Registered in Georgia as a 1965 Ford Roadster
Joe Lapine-built 428 stroker
Aluminum heads and intake
New Holley carburetor
Richmond 5-speed manual
Lakewood bellhousing
ERA optional rear
Big front brakes
Smith gauges
Wool carpet
Remote oil filter
Repainted last year
Two-year-old tires
Three binders of documentation
ERA paperwork included
Silver over black color combination

The Drive
This ERA 427 Roadster has the look, sound, and mechanical presence that makes Cobra-style cars so special. The 428 stroker delivers serious torque, the Richmond 5-speed keeps the driver fully involved, and the ERA chassis gives the car a quality foundation underneath it all.

With its ERA turn-key construction, Joe Lapine-built stroker, desirable 5-speed transmission, fresh repaint, recent tires, and extensive documentation, this 1965 Ford Roadster is a well-built and well-documented Cobra-style roadster ready for its next owner.