Superformance
Encyclopedia
Superformance LLC is a small American
automobile
company that builds, designs, and imports sports car
s and replicars. The company was founded as "Superformance International Inc." by Hi-Tech Automotive
Ltd. in 1996. Today, Superformance has 15 authorized dealers in the United States
and 6 international dealers. SPF cars are sold as "turnkey-minus replicars" in the United States
to bypass complex emissions and safety regulations
. In December, 2005 Hi-Tech Automotive transferred the ownership of its subsidiary, Superformance, to the Hillbank Automotive Group, which is privately owned by Lance Stander.
All Superformance cars are originally built at Hi-Tech Automotive's 270000 square feet (25,083.8 m²) plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa before they are disassembled for shipping.
As "Replicars", all models sold by Superformance are complete factory manufactured "rollers", only missing the engine and transmission. Individual Superformance dealers will install selected engines in the cars after the customer has bought the roller.
The Superformance MkIII is a replica of the third generation 427 Shelby Cobra and is available in both semi-competition and street roadster body styles. The SPF MkIII makes up the bulk of the company's sales. The SPF MkIII is also one of the few Shelby Cobra replicas built under license from Carroll Shelby
. When the Customer purchases a MkIII they receive a complete rolling chassis that only requires an engine with accessories, transmission, drive shaft and various hoses, nuts and bolts to complete. The car is complete with suspension, rear differential, wiring and instrumentation. In this way a MkIII can have a stable "factory" build quality and also be personalized by its owner/completion company.
While most MkIIIs are powered by 351 Windsor-based Ford engines, options for 289/302 blocks and big block FE or 385 family Ford engines are possible. The MkIII differs from most other Cobra replicas as being of 100% new parts and not decades old rebuilt items. The current MkIII (late 2007+ production) uses Wilwood disk brakes and a Dana rear end assembly. Other major components are off-the-shelf parts of various new OEM manufacturers. The MkIII enjoys a loyal and helpful owners network that communicate in various internet forums/clubs providing user-to-user technical support and suggestions. The MkIII car was featured in an article in the September 2008 issue of Classic Motorsports
magazine.
The SPF MkIII is built under license from Carroll Shelby.
The Superformance Daytona Coupe, originally known as the "SPF Brock Coupe
", is a replica of the 1965 FIA GT World Championship-winning Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. The SPF Coupe was in fact designed by Peter Brock, the same person who designed the original Daytona Coupe for Shelby American.
Production of the SPF Coupe ran from 2003 to 2009, but has recently been discontinued. Several modifications were made to the car and it is now being sold as the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX9000 series) through authorized Shelby Automobile dealers. Unlike other Superformance replicars, the CSX9000 coupe is available with either a fiberglass or aluminum body.
The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe is licensed by Carroll Shelby and each vehicle and owner is recorded into the Shelby registry.
that finished first, second, and third overall at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race
in 1966
. The Superformance GT40 differs from other Ford GT40
replicas in that it is the "only one to be built with a monocoque
chassis that is an exact replica of the original". In fact, over 90% of the SPF GT40's parts are interchangeable with the original MkII A. The Superformance GT40 is so close to the original that it is currently being evaluated for historic racing eligibility. Some major differences between the two cars include the addition of a hidden air conditioning
unit, modern brakes, and a conversion to left hand drive layout. Right hand drive, non-airconditioned versions are also available, marketed as the GT40/R. The Superformance GT40 has the "Gurney bump" which can be ordered as an option for taller drivers.
The Superformance GT40 is an authorized continuation series, licensed by Safir Spares LLC.
Upcoming versions will include the MkI and FIA versions.
The Superformance Corvette Grand Sport is being built true to the original body shape and configuration, and is available in both coupe and roadster body styles. All new precise modern production molds have been produced to assure consistent and correct bodies. Superformance built street cars feature the original Grand Sport round tube style frame. Superformance Corvette Grand Sports have power brakes, power windows and locks with all the amenities needed in a modern high-performance automobile. As with its other cars, the Superformance Corvette Grand Sport is offered as a complete turnkey-minus unit ready to accept the customer’s choice of engine and transmission.
A continuation of the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is built by Superformance under license from General Motors Company.
5-speed manual transmission is usually installed. The production run of the S-1 ended in March 2004 after a total of 56 cars had been produced.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
company that builds, designs, and imports sports car
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
s and replicars. The company was founded as "Superformance International Inc." by Hi-Tech Automotive
Hi-Tech Automotive
Hi-Tech Automotive is a low volume car builder and design house located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Most of the vehicles produced are exported, notably to the US and UK. The main distributor of the cars built by Hi-Tech is Superformance...
Ltd. in 1996. Today, Superformance has 15 authorized dealers in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
and 6 international dealers. SPF cars are sold as "turnkey-minus replicars" in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
to bypass complex emissions and safety regulations
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is an agency of the Executive Branch of the U.S. government, part of the Department of Transportation...
. In December, 2005 Hi-Tech Automotive transferred the ownership of its subsidiary, Superformance, to the Hillbank Automotive Group, which is privately owned by Lance Stander.
All Superformance cars are originally built at Hi-Tech Automotive's 270000 square feet (25,083.8 m²) plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa before they are disassembled for shipping.
Current models
Superformance MkIII
Carroll Shelby
Carroll Hall Shelby is an American retired automotive designer and racing driver. He is most well known for making Mustangs for Ford Motor Company known as Mustang Cobras which he has done since 1965...
. When the Customer purchases a MkIII they receive a complete rolling chassis that only requires an engine with accessories, transmission, drive shaft and various hoses, nuts and bolts to complete. The car is complete with suspension, rear differential, wiring and instrumentation. In this way a MkIII can have a stable "factory" build quality and also be personalized by its owner/completion company.
While most MkIIIs are powered by 351 Windsor-based Ford engines, options for 289/302 blocks and big block FE or 385 family Ford engines are possible. The MkIII differs from most other Cobra replicas as being of 100% new parts and not decades old rebuilt items. The current MkIII (late 2007+ production) uses Wilwood disk brakes and a Dana rear end assembly. Other major components are off-the-shelf parts of various new OEM manufacturers. The MkIII enjoys a loyal and helpful owners network that communicate in various internet forums/clubs providing user-to-user technical support and suggestions. The MkIII car was featured in an article in the September 2008 issue of Classic Motorsports
Classic motorsports
Classic Motorsports is an American periodical devoted to classic cars, classic car restoration and vintage racing. It was established in 1986 and is published six times a year...
magazine.
The SPF MkIII is built under license from Carroll Shelby.
Superformance Daytona Coupe
Brock Coupe
The Brock Coupe is the only licensed continuation of the original Shelby Daytona coupe racing cars of the 1960s...
", is a replica of the 1965 FIA GT World Championship-winning Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. The SPF Coupe was in fact designed by Peter Brock, the same person who designed the original Daytona Coupe for Shelby American.
Production of the SPF Coupe ran from 2003 to 2009, but has recently been discontinued. Several modifications were made to the car and it is now being sold as the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (CSX9000 series) through authorized Shelby Automobile dealers. Unlike other Superformance replicars, the CSX9000 coupe is available with either a fiberglass or aluminum body.
The Shelby Daytona Cobra Coupe is licensed by Carroll Shelby and each vehicle and owner is recorded into the Shelby registry.
Superformance GT40 continuation series
The Superformance GT40 is Superformance's newest model. The first Superformance GT40s to be built are replicas of the famous Ford GT40 MkII AFord GT40
The Ford GT40 was a high performance sports car and winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969...
that finished first, second, and third overall at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race
24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since near the town of Le Mans, France. Commonly known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency, race teams have to balance speed against the cars' ability to run for 24 hours without sustaining...
in 1966
1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 34th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 18 and 19 1966. It was also the seventh round of the World Sportscar Championship.-Pre-race:...
. The Superformance GT40 differs from other Ford GT40
Ford GT40
The Ford GT40 was a high performance sports car and winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans four times in a row, from 1966 to 1969...
replicas in that it is the "only one to be built with a monocoque
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
chassis that is an exact replica of the original". In fact, over 90% of the SPF GT40's parts are interchangeable with the original MkII A. The Superformance GT40 is so close to the original that it is currently being evaluated for historic racing eligibility. Some major differences between the two cars include the addition of a hidden air conditioning
Air conditioning
An air conditioner is a home appliance, system, or mechanism designed to dehumidify and extract heat from an area. The cooling is done using a simple refrigeration cycle...
unit, modern brakes, and a conversion to left hand drive layout. Right hand drive, non-airconditioned versions are also available, marketed as the GT40/R. The Superformance GT40 has the "Gurney bump" which can be ordered as an option for taller drivers.
The Superformance GT40 is an authorized continuation series, licensed by Safir Spares LLC.
Upcoming versions will include the MkI and FIA versions.
Corvette Grand Sport continuation series
In January 2009, Superformance and the Duntov Motor Company LLC of Farmers Branch TX announced a partnership to create a continuation series of the street version of the legendary 1963 Corvette Grand Sport (Duntov will produce the racing version under the agreement).The Superformance Corvette Grand Sport is being built true to the original body shape and configuration, and is available in both coupe and roadster body styles. All new precise modern production molds have been produced to assure consistent and correct bodies. Superformance built street cars feature the original Grand Sport round tube style frame. Superformance Corvette Grand Sports have power brakes, power windows and locks with all the amenities needed in a modern high-performance automobile. As with its other cars, the Superformance Corvette Grand Sport is offered as a complete turnkey-minus unit ready to accept the customer’s choice of engine and transmission.
A continuation of the 1963 Corvette Grand Sport is built by Superformance under license from General Motors Company.
Superformance S-1 roadster
The Superformance S-1 roadster is a modern rendition of the Lotus Super 7. The S-1 was specifically conceived to accommodate “6-foot 4-inch, 250-pound Americans,” a feat that few Lotus 7 replicas could accomplish. Apart from the increased size, the S-1 has several aerodynamically beneficial features, weatherproof soft top, windows, adjustable foot pedals, heated front windshield, primitive interior heating, as well as a 5 cubic feet (141.6 l) lockable trunk. Front suspension uses double A-arms, while the rear uses a solid axle controlled by a "Mumford link" with bel-crank operated coil-over shocks. The SPF S-1s are generally powered by a version of Ford's 2.0L Zetec inline-4 and are usually naturally aspirated although a few supercharged examples were produced. A Ford Type-9Ford Type 9 transmission
Type 9 is a gearbox from Ford that was used in Ford Capri 1.6, 2.0 1984 onwards, Capri 2.8 1985 onwards, Ford Sierra 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, Sierra XR4i,Sierra XR4x4 2.8 and the Scorpio 4x4 as well as the US market Merkur XR4Ti.The Type 9 was Ford's first five-speed, rear-wheel-drive gearbox, and it is...
5-speed manual transmission is usually installed. The production run of the S-1 ended in March 2004 after a total of 56 cars had been produced.
External links
- Superformance LLC - Superformance's official website
- Superformance Distribution - exclusive distributor of Superformance vehicles, the Shelby Series II and the Foose Coupe
- Shelby Distribution USA Inc. - exclusive distributor of Shelby continuation series Cobras
- Superformance U.K., aka Le Mans Coupes Ltd. - U.K. dealer
- Superformance Canada - Canadian dealer, now defunct
- Second Strike - the Superformance Owners Group
- PR Newswire - "Carroll Shelby and Superformance International Settle Infringement Dispute"
- GT40-Tech.com A Wiki for sharing builds and information for Superformance GT40s
External links to test drives of Superformance cars
- Superformance GT tested by Fifth GearFifth GearFifth Gear is a motoring television magazine show from the United Kingdom. Originally shown on Channel 5, the show is currently presented by Tiff Needell, Vicki Butler-Henderson, Jason Plato, Jonny Smith and Ben Collins...
. - Road&Track Magazine reviews the SPF Coupe (3/2006).
- Fast-Autos.net road test of the SPF GT.
- SPF S1 Roadster reviewed.