Superformance LLC (Superformance Replicars) is an American automobile company that builds, designs, develops, engineers and markets sports cars, related performance components and full 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 replacers". In December, 2005 Hi-Tech Automotive transferred the ownership of its subsidiary, Superformance, to American Hillbank Automotive Group, which is a privately owned business of American entrepreneur Lance Stander. Hi-Tech Automotive continue to build Superformance cars at its plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa.
Current models
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.
Superformance MKIII
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 Superformance MKIII is built under license from Carroll Shelby.
Superformance MKII Slab Side and FIA
The newest models, the Superformance MKII Slab Side and FIA are designed to emulate the great Cobra 289 street cars from the golden era of racing in the 1960s. Unlike most competitors, these Supeformance replicas of the Slab Side and FIA are built on the successful Tojeiro-styled round tube chassis and features an authentic transverse leaf spring suspension. The MKII Slab Side and FIA are the latest licensed Shelby product in the Superformance lineup.
Shelby Daytona Coupe – CSX9000 Series
The Shelby Daytona Coupe or CSX9000 Series, originally known as the "SPF Brock Coupe", is a continuation of the 1965 FIA GT World Championship-winning Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. The SPF Coupe was designed by Peter Brock, the designer of the original Daytona Coupe for Shelby American.
Production of the SPF Coupe ran from 2003 to 2009. 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.