This Shelby Cobra replica will do 324km/h and still pass rego

No, it may not be a real Shelby Cobra but it'll probably tear your arms off.

Built by the subtly-named replica specialist Superperformance, this Shelby Cobra 427 MKIII has undergone a slew of modifications to keep it stable at high speed, including an aluminium undertray and spoiler, a high-speed rear diffuser, and front canards to help compensate for the Cobra's gopping mouth.

A 515kW 7-litre fuel injected big-block V8 gets things moving. Quickly. (Image credit: CarBuzz)

Driven by owner, Ted Taormina, the "Italian Job" – aptly named due to its red, green, and cream paint scheme (ah-ha) – hit an astonishing 323.6km/h at the Mojave Air and Space Port.

Add CarsGuide as a preferred source in Google Search

Despite the absence of forced induction, the engine cranks out an astonishing 963Nm of torque. (Image credit: CarBuzz)

Interestingly, the "Italian Job" was originally planned to have a Ferrari V12 under the bonnet, but was later scrapped when the engine builder suggested a V8. Shame.

#Thicc (Image credit: CarBuzz)

The previous top speed record for a street-legal Shelby Cobra was set in 1967, when Dick Smith (not the Aussie one) muscled an original Shelby Cobra 427 S/C to 316.8kph at Daytona International Speedway. That's an increase of 0.124 kph per year!

Oh, how we've made up for time...

What do you think of the Shelby Cobra speed record? Do you think it'll ever be beaten? Tell us what you think in the comments below.