It's a rare thing to see a classic car that's allowed to continue living long after its creation, but that's exactly what the Petersen Museum will be auctioning off this weekend when the Superformance MKII Slab Side hits the auction block. If you've never heard of the MKII Slab Side before, that's OK – it's specifically not named by its much more famous inspiration, the Shelby Cobra. The MKII is actually licensed by Shelby Licensing and is a sanctioned continuation of the original Cobra 289.

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True To The Original Recipe

Via Petersen Museum

Perhaps one of the most special things about the MKII is that – since it's a licensed continuation of the original car – everything is as it would've been during the original run. The dimensions are exact. The overall design is identical with the only adjustments being to modernize the interior creature features and some improvement of safety technology. They even continue to use the same leaf-spring styled suspension from the original car. This vehicle doesn't just look like an old Cobra, it drives like one.

Some Performance Upgrades Have Been Installed Into The MKII

Via Petersen Museum

While it's vital to maintain that original driving feel and dynamic, Superformance isn't a company that’s all about stock performance. They've installed a BluePrint Engines 306 cubic inch crate motor to produce some 388 horsepower that gets routed purely to the rear-wheel via a Tremec T-5 5-Speed transmission. That combination keeps the same driving characteristics without ever leaving you in want for more horsepower or torque.

This particular car has been finished with modern braking components, a stiffer modern chassis, and stunning wire wheels. This is truly a stunning tribute to Carroll Shelby and it's deserving of what will surely be a properly high bidding price. In fact, the MKII Slab Side is the final Shelby Licensed product that Superformance still makes.

You Can Still Build Your Own MKII Slab Side Anytime

Via Petersen Museum

Superformance loves to help automotive enthusiasts build their dream cars. They recommend a build similar to this one when it comes to the MKII because it does retain the charm of the original without compromising it. However, if you really just want to build the wildest, most powerful MKII Slab Side anyone has ever seen, that's possible too. They'll sell you the bones and let you insert the latest Shelby Mustang GT350s Voodoo engine if that's what you'd like.

Sources: Petersen Museum, Superformance

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