Business Details
47 Years
experience
Vintage Ford Restoration & Racing Experts
Cobra Automotive stands as America's premier high-performance center specializing in vintage Shelby, Cobra, and Mustang restoration, racing, and parts manufacturing. Founded in 1979, our expertise spans engine development, concours restorations, and trackside support for vintage racing enthusiasts. With a 12,000-square-foot facility in Wallingford, Connecticut, and a team of 20 specialists, we combine decades of hands-on experience with cutting-edge technical services. Our authority in Ford race engines, drivetrains, and suspension systems is unmatched, serving both open-track racers and street-performance enthusiasts.We maintain active participation in SVRA and HSR racing events, providing firsthand technical insights and customer support. Our in-house manufacturing capabilities ensure precision parts availability, while our dyno-tuned engines deliver proven performance from street to race circuits. As President of the Shelby American Automobile Club, our founder Curt Vogt continues advancing vintage Ford performance standards through relentless R&D efforts.
Services
Restoration Services
Engine Development
Vintage Racing Support
Parts Manufacturing
Paint Protection
Dyno Tuning
Race Car Builds
Concours Preparation
Trackside Support
Technical Consultation
Details
- Year established: 1979
Highlights and features
- 35+ years specializing in vintage Ford performance and restoration
- In-house manufacturing of rare, hard-to-find performance parts
- Active racing team providing real-world trackside technical support
- ISO-standard engine dyno testing and documentation available
- President of Shelby American Automobile Club leads technical direction
Services
Restoration Services
Cobra Automotive provides comprehensive concours-level restorations for vintage Mustangs, Shelbys, and Cobras. Our technicians document, disassemble, and rebuild vehicles to factory specifications or enhanced modern standards. With 1000+ hours typically invested per project, we specialize in mechanical and cosmetic restoration while maintaining historical accuracy for show-worthy results.
Engine Development
Our full-service race shop builds dyno-tuned Ford engines for street and competition use. Capable of producing 500+ horsepower 289 race engines and 365 horsepower street engines, we specialize in vintage racing specifications compliant with SVRA, HSR, and FIA regulations while incorporating modern reliability improvements for daily drivers.
Vintage Racing Support
We offer complete vintage racing services including race car construction, chassis engineering, and trackside support. Our team develops competition vehicles meeting strict vintage racing rules while providing on-site technical assistance at major events like Road America and Watkins Glen.
Parts Manufacturing
Cobra Automotive manufactures specialized components for vintage Ford performance applications. Our catalog includes custom 9-inch rear ends, toploader transmissions, and Shelby-specific drivetrain parts developed through decades of racing experience to meet specific competition and high-performance street requirements.
Paint Protection
We install PremiumShield paint protection film that guards against stone damage while maintaining optical clarity. This UV-stable solution preserves vehicle finishes for show cars and daily drivers alike, offering removable protection without compromising appearance or future paint value.
People
Curt Vogt
President
Curt Vogt founded Cobra Automotive in 1979 and has become the world's foremost expert on vintage Ford racing technology. With decades of hands-on experience building award-winning race engines and restoring iconic Shelbys, he leads technical development while actively competing in vintage racing series.
Questions
What types of vehicles do you specialize in restoring?
We specialize in 1965-1970 Shelby GT350s, GT500s, Cobras, and Mustangs, though we handle all years of performance Ford vehicles.
Do you offer engine dyno testing services?
Yes, we provide dyno tuning and break-in services for both race and street engines with documented performance verification.
Can you help prepare cars for concours events?
Our team offers complete concours preparation services including documentation, detailing, and show-standard finishing touches.
Do you participate in vintage racing events?
We actively campaign our own Shelby GT350 race car and provide trackside support at major vintage racing events nationwide.
What performance parts do you manufacture?
We produce custom 9-inch rear ends, toploader transmissions, Shelby driveshafts, and specialized racing components developed through decades of track experience.
Reviews (4)
Martin Staffa
May 28, 2022
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Everyone there was great. They did their best for me. I didn't have a lot repaired but they treated me with the utmost respect. I will always bring my Cobra back to them.
Brian
Apr 26, 2022
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I won't post photos because they asked me not to and I'm not sure why Google is asking me for a review of these guys. That being said they are the premier Ford guys probably on earth. The 289 we had them to redo went from very fun and formidable but a little problematic to an absolute animal. They are extremely professional, knowledgeable, and guys that have no budgetary restraints in life at all ship their cars here for them to work on.
Thomas Dapp
Jan 14, 2018
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I would not refer this place to my worst enemy. The staff is Very Rude. SCOTT had made a THREAT to a veteran. He had said that he was going to personally lose the legs of a veteran who had served are country for well over twenty years of his life Tried to intimidate the man. I had personally listened to him say that he was going to lose his legs.you got it do you got it lose my number or you will lose your legs.
Daniel Weltman
May 11, 2017
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I have been dealing with Cobra Automotive for over 15 years - everything from minor service to mechanical overhauls. Curt, Scott, Jimmy and crew are terrific and care about the work they do. I would highly recommend Cobra Automotive for repairs, parts, painting and mechanical work on your classic car.
