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Superformance

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Superformance LLC
Company typePrivately Owned (since 2005)
IndustryAutomotive
Founded1996 by Jim Price
HeadquartersIrvine, CA
Key people
Lance Stander, Current CEO; Jim Price, Former President
ProductsSupercars and turnkey Kit cars
WebsiteSuperformance.com

Superformance, LLC (Superformance Replicars) is a small American automobile company that builds, designs, and imports supercars and replicars. The company was founded as "Superformance International" by Hi-Tech Automotive Ltd in 1996. Today, Superformance has 15 authorized dealers in the United States[1]and 6 international dealers. SPF cars are sold as "turn-key kit-cars" in the United States to bypass complex emissions and safety regulations. In December, 2005 Hi-Tech Automotive transferred the ownership of its subsidiary, Superformance, to the Hillbank Automotive Group, which is privately owned by Lance Stander.[2]

All Superformance cars are originally built at Hi-Tech Automotive's 270,000 square foot plant in Port Elizabeth, South Africa before they are disassembled for shipping.[3]

Current models

As "kit cars", 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. example of a Superformance Shelby Daytona Coupe "roller" immediately after being unpacked from its container.

Superformance Shelby Cobra MKIII

Superformance MKIII at the Scarsdale Concours

The Superformance Shelby Cobra MKIII (SPF MKIII) is a replica of a 3rd generation Shelby Cobra. 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.

Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

The Superformance Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe (SPF Coupe) (also known as the "Brock Coupe").

Superformance GT

The Superformance GT (SPF GT 40) is Superformance's newest model. The first SPF GTs to be built are replicas of the famous Ford GT40 MKII A that finished first, second, and third overall at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 1966. The SPF GT differs from other Ford GT40 replicas in that it is the "only one to be built with a monocoque chassis that is an exact replica of the original".[4] In fact, over 90% of the SPF GT's parts are interchangeable with the original MKII A.[5] The SPF GT is so close to the original that it is currently being evaluated for historic racing eligibility.[6] Some major differences between the two cars include the addition of a hidden air conditioning unit, modern brakes, and a conversion to left hand drive layout. Right hand drive, non-airconditioned versions are available, although at a substantially higher price. The SPF GT has the "Gurney bump" as an option for taller drivers.

Upcoming versions will include the MKI and FIA versions.

Former models

Superformance S1 Roadster

The Superformance S1 Roadster (SPF S1) is a modern rendition of the Lotus Super 7. The S1 was specifically conceived to accommodate “6-foot 4-inch, 250-pound Americans,”[7] a feat that few Lotus 7 replicas could accomplish. Apart from the increased size, the S1 has several aerodynamically beneficial features, weatherproof soft top, windows, adjustable foot pedals, heated front windshield, heating and air conditioning, as well as a 5 cubic-foot lockable trunk. The SPF S1s are generally powered by a version of Ford's 2.0L Zetec inline-4 (either turbocharged or naturally aspirated).[8] The production run of the S1 has ended.

See also

References

  1. ^ Superformance Official Website: Dealers Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  2. ^ Superformance Official Website: Lance Stander Buys Superformance International, Inc. Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  3. ^ Superformance Official Website: Factory Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  4. ^ "only production model to be built with a monocoque chassis that is an exact replica of the original" Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  5. ^ more citations of claim available Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  6. ^ autoblog.com Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  7. ^ All-New S1: 3rd paragraph Accessed Dec 28th 2006
  8. ^ Superformance S1 Roadster Accessed Dec 28th 2006
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