SP Rides: Perfection on Wheels

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By Michael Kitchens

Pia Teves has experienced what many have failed to achieve — a lifelong pursuit of automotive perfection obtained and fulfilled after years of want and need.

When he first met his wife more than 30 years ago, Pia promised her that someday he’d own the car of his dreams. Then while watching the movie “Romancing the Stone,” Pia became enraptured by a stunning Shelby Cobra used in the film. At that moment, Pia’s quest for perfection truly began.

His dream was fulfilled when he stumbled upon this cherished treasure: a 1965 Shelby Cobra replica that is absolutely immaculate. This ride is factory built by Backdraft Racing and imported from South Africa. The car’s handlaid fiberglass body is full of sexy curves and glistening steel rivets accented with chrome goodness such as the gorgeous polished, stainless steel exhaust pipes. It is truly a breathtaking work of art.

This car isn’t just pretty because under the polished hood sits a jawdropping Roush Racing crate engine stomping out over 520HP with 505 pounds of torque on tap. Hearing this baby storm down the freeway is quite exhilarating particularly since it weighs only 2,600 pounds. The Dart Racing block has been bored and stroked to 402 cid and fitted with Roush aluminum heads and stainless steel valves. It features a Holley 770 carburetor with an Edelbrock Victor Jr. intake manifold and also possesses an MSD Ignition, an upgraded radiator and a push-fan for more efficient cooling.

Pia knows that drivers must possess a light touch when handling this beauty, as its immense power will smoke the tires at a touch. Holding all this power together is a Tremec TKO 500 that can hold 600HP to the vintage Halibrand replica wheels.

The wheels are fitted with Goodyear Eagle F1s and feature a special locking mechanism custom-engineered by Pia to keep them in place. With this much power, the brakes need to be up to the task so they are fitted with BMW M5 series powder-coated to match.

The interior is wonderfully upholstered and fitted with a decent amount of gauges and switches sure to please anyone with a penchant for shiny things. The AC Cobra steering wheel is finished with a fine wooden grain and sets the spartan gray interior off. The 5-speed gated shifter by Tremec is perfect for downshifts and the immediate thrill gained from them. Safety is kept in mind thanks to the driver side rollover bar and polished fire extinguisher.

As perfect as this car is, Pia isn’t afraid to drive this rocket. “I’m on this earth to enjoy and drive it,” he says. “It’s been rained on before, but it’s meant to be driven.”

It takes a car like this, finally obtained, that reminds you never to give up on your dreams.

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