Business Details
32 Years
experience
Premium Shelby Cobra Replicas & Custom Performance Cars
Kirkham Motorsports was founded in 1994 with a vision to create the world's most precise automotive replicas. This journey began when David Kirkham, while restoring a 427 Shelby Cobra, recognized parallels between aircraft manufacturing techniques and car body construction. Through international collaboration with Polish craftsmen, we established a unique production process that maintains historical accuracy while embracing modern performance enhancements. Our factory leverages decades of aerospace expertise to produce handcrafted aluminum bodies with exceptional precision. Over 1,000 vehicles built since inception demonstrate our commitment to quality, ranging from original-specification models to track-optimized variants.We offer comprehensive customization options, including suspension tuning, weight reduction packages, and bespoke design elements. Our engineering team ensures every vehicle balances classic aesthetics with contemporary drivability. Through continuous refinement of manufacturing techniques, we maintain industry leadership in replica car production. Our Provo, Utah facility serves as the hub for global customer support and technical consultation. With every build, we strive to fulfill automotive dreams while preserving racing heritage.
Services
427 KMS/SC
427 Street
289 Street
289 FIA
289 Coupe
Custom Builds
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We have produced over 1,000 aluminum-bodied replicas since 1994
- Our Polish manufacturing partner brings 60 years of aerospace engineering expertise
- We offer lightweight performance packages reducing vehicle weight below 2000 lbs
- Original-specification suspension and modern handling upgrades available
- Custom builds include unique projects like our billet aluminum chassis car
Services
427 KMS/SC
Kirkham's 427 KMS/SC replicates the iconic Shelby Cobra with handcrafted aluminum panels and FE V8 engine options. This street-legal performance machine features period-correct details like side pipes, roll bar, and fender flares. Available with original suspension or modern handling upgrades, it delivers 2400-2000 lbs curb weight range through configurable component choices.
427 Street
Our 427 Street model combines Shelby Cobra heritage with refined aesthetics. This variant removes race-specific elements like hood scoops and side pipes for cleaner styling. Maintaining identical performance specifications, it offers improved street usability while retaining the core driving experience of the KMS/SC specification.
289 Street
The 289 Street model captures original Cobra design with 'slab side' panels and V8 powerplant. This lightweight aluminum roadster features independent suspension, disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering. Our engineers optimized chassis dynamics while preserving the 1960s racing character that made this model historically significant.
289 FIA
Based on competition-spec 289 models, this FIA edition includes widened rear fenders and modified doors for track performance. Reinforced chassis bracing improves torsional rigidity while aerodynamic enhancements optimize high-speed stability. Designed for serious enthusiasts seeking historic racing compliance with modern safety standards.
289 Coupe
The 289 Coupe represents evolutionary design with trellis-style chassis stiffening and Kamm tail aerodynamics. This enclosed variant improves torsional rigidity by 30% over the roadster while maintaining original styling cues. Full-length belly pan reduces drag coefficient for enhanced high-speed performance compared to open-top configurations.
Questions
What Shelby Cobra models do you replicate?
We produce 427 KMS/SC, 427 Street, 289 Street, 289 FIA, and 289 Coupe models with various specification options.
Can I customize my replica car?
Yes, we offer custom builds including suspension tuning, weight reduction packages, and unique design features like billet aluminum chassis components.
What performance options are available?
Choose between original-specification suspension or modern upgrades, with engine options ranging from traditional iron-block FE V8s to lightweight aluminum variants.
Where are the cars built?
Our aluminum bodies are crafted in Poland using aerospace manufacturing techniques, with final assembly completed at our Provo, Utah facility.
How do the lightweight options affect vehicle weight?
Our lightweight packages reduce curb weight from standard 2400 lbs to under 2000 lbs through material and component selections.
Reviews (4)
Vic Moran
Sep 01, 2021
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Stop by kikham motorsports while visiting my daughter in provo Nick was very nice in making time to give me a tour of the place love it thnks.
American Rifleman
Sep 08, 2016
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David, Steve Kirkham, and D. Syndrich are not only professional but the attention to detail they put into their products is the best I have seen yet. For the short amount of time I worked there I have nothing but respect for this company. Their staff is professional and good at what they do. There is a lot of pressure on getting the job done right in a short amount of time, and they get it right.
Steven Meltzer
Jul 01, 2014
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I bought and still own, love and drive KMP #174, and early 427 car. At the time I got the car there were no instruction videos, manuals or youtube. So, as a non-professional there were some moments of angst. However, my most insurmountable problem was fitting the exhaust headers within the confines of the engine bay. It was just impossible to get them to fit, so I called David Kirkham and we did some measuring of the footboxes.
Ultimately we concluded that they had been installed incorrectly. Not only did David have the car shipped back to Utah to repair the footboxes, but he finished a number of things that remained (battery boxes, batteries, cut-off switch, etc) all at his expense and in a very timely manner. The car was returned absolutely turnkey. You just don't see that superior level of service and commitment very often. It's a great car that you can't tell from the "real deal", done with pride and quality. I wouldn't hesisitate for a second to do business with them again. steve meltzer
Ultimately we concluded that they had been installed incorrectly. Not only did David have the car shipped back to Utah to repair the footboxes, but he finished a number of things that remained (battery boxes, batteries, cut-off switch, etc) all at his expense and in a very timely manner. The car was returned absolutely turnkey. You just don't see that superior level of service and commitment very often. It's a great car that you can't tell from the "real deal", done with pride and quality. I wouldn't hesisitate for a second to do business with them again. steve meltzer
John Beynon
Dec 06, 2013
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Kirkham Motorsports has been providing an incredible product in their AC Cobra line of cars. They are top quality aluminum bodies that provide a level of quality and authenticity unmatched and unrivaled in the world. They are also innovators in using a variety of materials and production methods to create new products and services.
