Photography by Jan Morgan
Driver’s Notebook: Real Retro
August 1, 2005
Of course, there are some cues that recall the best parts of the ’60s cars. The Brock Coupe interior, with its retro-flat instrument panel and plainly labeled toggle switches, is a refreshing sight after the multifunction knobs, push buttons, plastic rockers, and pictographs of today’s performance cars. The simple white-on-black Stewart Warner instruments are laid out for maximum visibility, and warning lights are minimal.
Driver comfort is ensured by comfortable, leather-upholstered seats with
adjustable lumbar support. The interior features liberal use of Alcantara on the
dash pad, headliner, and door panels. The wider frame and bodywork provide
plenty of shoulder- and headroom. This is a Grand Touring car, so the rear
window lifts up, allowing access to the ample rear baggage shelf and storage
lockers. The windshield is heated, and an effective heating and air-conditioning
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The unmistakable rear end applies Doctor Kamm’s principles. Smooth
fiberglass bodywork aids aerodynamics for a .29 drag coefficient. (Click image to enlarge)
All Superformance cars are delivered fully assembled, sans engine and
transmission. Everything necessary to complete the installation, from the oil
pan to the radiator hoses, is included with the car. Superformance recommends
the Roush 402 RC (carbureted) or IR (fuel injected) crate motor, which is a 402
cu in Ford small block, mated to a Tremec T56 6-speed transmission. Completed
cars are priced from under $90,000.
Once the engine and transmission are installed, the vehicle is ready to drive, or ready to win the local concours d’elegance. The fiberglass bodywork and show-car-quality paint are perfect in execution. The wiring and plumbing are finished to aircraft standards. Workmanship throughout is simply first-rate.
Our yellow test car came from Dennis Olthoff, a Superformance dealer in North Carolina. This particular car was equipped with a fuel-injected Roush 402 IR, producing 501 hp.
Dennis’ father, Bob Olthoff, was a driver for the British Willment (ACW) racing team, running the Cobra Coupes in Europe. Olthoff was the most successful Cobra driver of all time, winning more races in Cobras and Daytona Coupes than anyone. Both Bob and Dennis were responsible for development of the Coupe here in the United States. Sadly, Bob passed on last year, but Dennis continues as a Superformance dealer, Brock Coupe racer, and development consultant.
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History aside, it is the way this Brock Coupe works that makes the car
desirable. Brock’s original shape has been thoroughly massaged with curved side
glass and smoother lines, giving a very low drag coefficient of .29, an
excellent number for a performance coupe. It passes through the air with nary a
ripple, and allows the Coupe a top speed of over 200 mph with the recommended
Roush powerplant. At over 100 mph, with the windows open, there is almost no
cockpit turbulence, and very little air enters through the side windows. (Click image to enlarge)
The Coupe has all the right ingredients for a demanding driver. The gear lever is stout, the linkage and shift feel, firm. The pedals are floor hinged and available with extensions for those a little short in the inseam, such as myself. The steering is power assisted, accurate, and affords the Coupe a surprisingly tight turning circle.
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