The 2024 Backdraft Racing RT4 Classic Edition represents a meticulously engineered fusion of 1960s aesthetic purity and 21st-century mechanical prowess. Assembled recently and acquired through Velocity Motorcars of Nashville, this roadster bridges the gap between historical reverence and modern performance reliability. By utilizing a fiberglass body on a contemporary chassis, Backdraft has created a vehicle that offers the raw sensory input of a traditional Cobra replica while benefiting from high-end components like a Roush-tuned powerplant and a Tremec TKX gearbox. With only 1,700 miles recorded, this Lighting Blue example provides an opportunity to bypass build wait times for a turnkey performance machine.
Lighting Blue Finish and Multi-Tone Over-the-Top Stripes
The exterior design of the RT4 is characterized by its wide-hipped fiberglass bodywork, finished in a striking Lighting Blue. A complex stripe package in Silver, Race Red, and Steel Gray runs the length of the car, extending even to the underside of the front-hinged hood. Functional details are abundant, including a prominent hood scoop, a single driver-side roll hoop, and LED headlights for improved visibility. The ceramic-coated side-exit exhaust pipes feature perforated heat shields, protecting occupants while emitting a distinctive V8 growl. Raydot mirrors and quick-jack bumperettes complete the period-correct look, while 18-inch Halibrand-style wheels with safety-wired knock-offs provide a muscular stance.
Black Leather Buckets and Sabelt Racing Appointments
Inside the cockpit, the RT4 balances track-ready safety with modern comforts. Low-back bucket seats are trimmed in black leather with ventilation grommets and contrasting red stitching, while diagonal-stitched microsuede accents the transmission tunnel and door panels. For high-speed security, Sabelt camlock four-point harnesses are fitted for both the driver and passenger. Despite its open-top nature, the car is equipped with a cabin heater and a Bluetooth-capable speaker for enhanced usability during extended tours. The driver interfaces with a microsuede-wrapped Sabelt steering wheel and a clear array of auxiliary gauges, including an 8,000-rpm tachometer and a 200-mph speedometer.
Roush 427R V8 Authority and Tremec TKX Gearing
Mechanical performance is anchored by a Roush 427R V8, an engine celebrated for its durability and explosive power delivery. Rated by Roush Performance at 550 hp/558 PS and 535 lb-ft/725 Nm of torque, the engine features a Holley carburetor atop an Edelbrock intake manifold and MSD ignition components. This output is managed by a Tremec TKX five-speed manual transmission, which was designed specifically to handle high-torque applications in a compact footprint. Power rack-and-pinion steering and four-wheel disc brakes ensure the chassis remains composed, while the Nitto NT555 G2 tires provide the necessary traction for the 427’s significant torque.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | Roush 427R V8 |
| Transmission | Tremec TKX 5-Speed Manual |
| Chassis/Platform | Backdraft RT4 (1965 Roadster Replica) |
Navigating the High-End Roadster Replica Landscape
The 2024 Backdraft Racing RT4 competes in a market tier occupied by other premium builders such as Superformance and Factory Five. Its unique selling point lies in the “RT4” chassis architecture, which often incorporates BMW-sourced suspension components to provide a more refined ride than older, live-axle replicas. While a Superformance car may offer a higher degree of licensing authenticity, Backdraft is frequently preferred by those who intend to actually drive their cars, thanks to the ergonomic cockpit and improved cooling systems. In the current 2026 market, low-mileage builds featuring the Roush 427R engine command a premium, as they represent the highest factory-supported performance tier for these roadsters.
New-Build Integrity and Maintenance Provenance
Ownership of this RT4 is simplified by its nearly new status and the inclusion of contemporary service records, including a recent oil change performed in September 2025. The car is titled in Tennessee as a 1965 DFKC RST, a common registration path that can simplify emissions requirements in many jurisdictions. Included accessories such as a tonneau cover, fire extinguisher, and the original owner’s manual ensure the vehicle is ready for immediate use. While a lien currently exists on the title, the clean Carfax report and the reputation of Velocity Motorcars of Nashville as the original dealer provide a high level of confidence for the next investor.
The Modern Benchmark for 1960s Spirit
This 2024 Backdraft Racing RT4 is a masterclass in modern muscle car assembly. Between its 550-horsepower Roush heart and its bespoke Lighting Blue aesthetic, it stands ready to deliver an authoritative and visceral driving experience that captures the essence of the classic American roadster.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
