Two companies: Superformance, the maker of replica Shelby Cobras, Daytonas, Ford GT40 kit cars, and Roush Performance Engines, a division of Roush famous for creating performance crate 'street engines,' both have recently teamed up to release the Roush/Superformance Special Edition MKIII-R.
Though this special edition was first intended only as a one-off showroom vehicle, high interest after its debut at the 2007 SEMA show in Las Vegas has pushed it into production. Currently the Special Edition is offered as an upgrade package, separate from the standard Superformance MKIII roadster.
What separates it from the regular? Roush embroidered leather seats, unique gauges, and a billet short-throw shifter for one. It'll also come with Roush embroidered floor mats, dual gauge pod, and a serialized plaque.
Under the hood, lucky buyers can choose from a variety of Roush motors, including the 427 IR V-8 that is dyno tested at 576 horsepower and comes with a 2-year/24,000 mile warranty. A Tremec 5-speed transmission transfers the power to the 18 inch American Racing pin drive wheels, while the independent suspension helps keep everything on the ground.
All in all, the Special Edition will give the seeker just a bit more exclusivity in a Shelby MKIII replica. And come on, with a beautiful classic endowed with a massively powerful engine—how can one go wrong? Judging by the pictures, it's certainly impossible.