Of the many Shelby Cobra replicas built over the years, only one version was produced as a turn-key factory-built car that met US DOT safety and EPA emissions standards. Built in Ontario, Canada by Aurora Cars Limited, the GRX was offered through select dealerships in North America and only 177 cars were reportedly completed before the company fell into bankruptcy. Using a tubular frame designed and built in-house, the GRX was based on the original “slab side” Cobra first seen in 1962 and is powered by a 302ci “high-output” V8 used in the early 1980s Mustang GT. Said to be #11 of less than 200 produced in total, this 1980 Aurora GRX is now being offered for auction by its owner out of Quebec, Canada showing approximately 20k miles on the odometer.
Built over a dual-plane tubular space frame, the body of the GRX was constructed from fiberglass using a mold created from a genuine 289 “slab-side” Cobra. The body was covered in five layers of acrylic lacquer and wet-sanded for a high-quality finish. The body of this GRX was originally painted red and professionally refinished in blue sometime in the 2010s under prior ownership. Equipment includes chrome bumpers with over-riders that satisfied the US DOT “5-MPH rule”, chrome Talbot-style side mirrors, a three-point chrome roll bar, side markers, fender vents, Shelby Cobra badging, “Powered by Ford” fender badges, and dual polished exhaust tips that exit out each side of the rear bumper. The 15” chrome knock-off wire wheels are mounted with Pirelli P4 tires.
The interior is upholstered in black Connolly leather featuring low-backed bucket seats. Amenities include heat, a locking glovebox, an upgraded Alpine stereo, a leather-wrapped AC steering wheel, a dash-mounted rear-view mirror, and chrome-rimmed Smith instrumentation. The seller reports the interior to be highly original and in very good condition with all features and instrumentation working properly.
The GRX is powered by a Ford 302ci V8 derived from the third-generation Fox-body Mustang GT 5.0. It was factory rated at 175 HP and drives the rear wheels through a BorgWarner 5-speed manual transmission and a Salisbury limited-slip differential. Performance features include a 4-wheel independent suspension with coil springs and a rear suspension derived from the Jaguar E-Type with inboard disc brakes.
This sale will include a clean title, owner’s manuals, and associated literature.
Comments (19)
Sold for $40,000
$40,000 offer from Romeo, MI (48065)
Bid in the amount of $30,500
Bid in the amount of $30,000
Bid in the amount of $29,000
Bid in the amount of $27,000
Bid in the amount of $25,000
@Brcjets DOT XM 98 J014 8080
@Brcjets Do not know, probably a missing frame for the license plate
@Brcjets You are right there is a bolt missing. It will be fix before delivry.
How does the rear license plate attach? Why so many holes in that location?
Can you share the date codes on the tires.
Thanks,
Picture #41,
It looks like an attachment bolt is missing from the roll bar.
Thanks,
@Webster1966 Hi, I checked it yesterday, there is no damage , the undercoating has a scratch and with the shadow, it make look as damage, but there is no damage and the car do not show any sign of any accident or impact. Thanks René
On pic #60 on the bottom right there appears to be a damage to the glass fiber body. Or is it something else that just looks like a damage? Are there any other damages to the glass fiber body? These has a tendency to crack over time. Nice car BTW!
I personally like the narrow body, and “smaller” engine cars are often more fun to drive in real world conditions.
Welcome to this auction, I am ready to answer any question you may have.
This Aurora Cobra is the 11 of 177 to be made in cooperation with Ford Motor company.
@tdskip you bet, these narrow body are harder to find. Only 177 had been made, this one
is number 11, one of the first to be made.
Thanks
René
This has to be a TON of fun to drive.