Backdraft Racing 427 Cobra
rare ‘Street Version’

BDR1709, solid Onyx Black
2-tone red/black upholstery

3/4-frontal shot (driver side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by ownerClick on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

There is nothing so sleek and alluring as a RARE ‘Street Version’ of Backdraft Racing’s 427 Roadster. From its cavernous maw to its ample rear, the smooth, clean profile of this understated Black Beauty will turn heads and elicit ‘Thumbs up!’ on busy urban streets and on winding country roads.

The cockpit: rich red-leather–upholstered seats, an authentic hardwood-rimmed steering wheel, and a very attractive dashboard layout. With plenty of room in the footbox and perfectly positioned stick shift, the relatively quiet power from its muffled underbody pipes will allow you to enjoy this serpent for longer drives—in comfort and style as its throaty powerplant and smooth suspension urge you to push it further.

Outfitted with a 450hp Roush 331 engine [expertly installed by Speed Fanatix in Boca Raton], MSD Ignition ensemble, Tremec T5 transmission and BMW 3-Series suspension, (found only in a factory-built Backdraft Racing Roadster), it will astonish admiring throngs with its smooth power off the line. No one will readily believe that anything so good looking could be so powerful and responsive as this reliable factory-built serpent. These photos were captured by Kim Mikolas

It has logged only a little over 3,000 careful miles [<5,000 km], and has always been garage-kept.

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—Under the Hood—
Roush 331/450

Roush engine photo (from driver side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner
Click on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

The Roush 331 engine is an ideal powerplant for a Backdraft Cobra; it provides you with a quintessential blend of power, balance, and drivability. Unlike larger displacement engines that can overpower the lightweight Cobra chassis, the 331 stroker delivers an exceptional power-to-weight ratio—providing thrilling acceleration without compromising control. With roughly 450 horsepower pushing a car that weighs under 2,400 pounds (<1,000 kg), the combination delivers razor-sharp throttle response and explosive midrange torque while still keeping the car composed and predictable.

Another key advantage of the Roush 331 is its efficiency in managing heat. The smaller displacement and precision engineering result in less thermal load compared to big-block alternatives, meaning the engine runs cooler, especially in tight engine bays like those of the Backdraft Cobra. This translates to greater reliability, less heat soak into the cockpit, and improved overall performance consistency during spirited drives or track use.

In short, the Roush 331 gives the Backdraft Cobra the perfect balance—lightweight, responsive, and powerful, without the excess heat and bulk of larger engines. It embodies the essence of a true driver’s car: pure, balanced performance that feels alive in your hands.

—Gear Train—

  • QuickTime safety steel bellhousing
  • heavy duty clutch assembly
  • rugged Tremec T-5 five-speed gearbox
  • BMW E-36 IRS (independent rear suspension); detailed illustration below

Line drawing of Backdraft Racing’s BMW Series 3–based rear suspension setup.

“all decks open shot#1” (from driver side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner
Click on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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—In this (gran turismo) cockpit—

cockpit shot#1 (from passenger side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by ownerClick on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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dashboard shot of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner
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cockpit shot#2 (from driver side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by ownerClick on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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cockpit shot#3 (from passenger side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner
Click on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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—Dazzling Reflections—

paint reflection shot and rolling stock shot of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owneraClick on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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 “all decks open shot#2” (from passenger side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by ownerClick on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

Rolling stock: 18″ genuine knockoff Halibrand-style wheels (with safety wiring) shod with Nitto rubber.

The underbody exhaust is lightly muffled though marvelously throaty, which permits you to converse with your passenger and not need to wear earplugs during long trips. The most ear-pleasing melody, however, kicks in when you downshift to a full stop and the engine “backs off” with a rhythmic and head-turning rumble. 

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3/4-frontal shot#2 (driver side) of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner

Click on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

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—serpentine grace—

broadside shot of Onyx Black 427SC Shelby classic Backdraft Racing ‘Street Version’ Cobra (BDR1709) for sale by owner
Click on the photo above to see it at a much larger size.

Smooth, sleek, uncluttered coachwork [no hood scoop, no rollbar, no stripes, no meatballs, no sidepipes, no quickjacks]. These are among the aesthetic attributes of a “civilized” ‘Street Version’ 427 Cobra. Add to those attributes its smooth, muffled (but throaty) exhaust, and you have an exhilarating drivin’ machine.

Special note: when these photos were taken, the chromed bumper hoops were removed from the car, to be replaced by Backdraft Racing (the originals evidenced defects in the chroming). You’ll of course get those new hoops with the car.

This is a bona fide black beauty. You’ll encounter no downside surprises, only breathtaking driving and touring adventures.

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    $79,900 obo

Serious inquiries only, please!

Contact

Harris Jones

Located in Canton, Georgia (NW of Atlanta)

678-358-1550 (cell)

HJones@ACS-GA.com