2024 Hawk 289 AC Cobra Replica

Highlights 

• Highly authentic, freshly-built AC Cobra 289 replica from a renowned supplier

• Excellent attention to detail

• Genuine, fully rebuilt 289cu 4.7-litre Ford V8 engine

• Dyno tested at 250bhp

• Robust MGB underpinnings

• Professionally painted by Kingswell Coachworks

• In superb condition throughout

• Just 514 miles on the clock

• Fully IVA tested and UK registered 

Overview

There's no denying just how iconic the AC Cobra is, and Carroll Shelby's idea of shoehorning a massive great V8 engine into the achingly beautiful AC Ace was a stroke of genius, quite frankly. Hugely capable and competitive in motorsport, it will forever be regarded as one of the true greats of the automotive world. The trouble is, most of us mere mortals will likely never be able to afford the genuine article. Built in small numbers and now prohibitively expensive for those that want to keep both kidneys, the AC Cobra is all a bit pie in the sky. But there is another way, and that's with a replica.

They do say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery and, with myriad companies offering pre-built facsimiles or build-your-own-at-home kits, the Cobra is now more common in replica guise than it is as the real deal and can thankfully be enjoyed at a fraction of the price. One such company – Hawk – does it better than most and its 289 series is rightfully revered as a stand out within the industry.

Renowned for their quality, authenticity and performance, the 289 cars are exceptional, accurate replicas of the earlier 289 model AC Cobras. Built upon tried and tested MGB components underneath, the 289s are incredibly easy to maintain and with an authentic shaped bodyshell they remain true to that original Cobra ancestry. 

This particular example is fully UK registered and was completed by the vendor in 2024, built over the course of two and a half years with help from well-known West Sussex kit car builder, Phil Thompson. Not only does it look spectacular, having been professionally painted by renowned classic vehicle restorers Kingswell Coachworks, but it also comes complete with a genuine “cut-out” 4.7-litre 289cu Ford V8. Fully rebuilt by highly regarded engine builder, John Wright in Rushton, and dyno tested at 250bhp, it goes and sounds the part, too. The full spec can be found below but make no mistake, this is one seriously sorted Cobra rep with Hawk boss Gerry Hawkridge reportedly describing it as one of the best he's ever seen. High praise indeed.

History and documentation

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 01 Jun 2024

• Vendor is the first and only registered keeper

• In current ownership since new

• IVA tested

• Original purchase invoice from Hawk Cars LTD

• Engine rebuild invoice

• Dyno test results as reported by the vendor

• Engine age statement from the Vintage Hot Rod Association

• Numerous invoices for multiple MGB parts

• Various other supporting invoices for parts and work carried out

• Recently featured in the 289 Register magazine and TKC magazine

• The car is yet to have its first MOT

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 514 indicated miles

Interior

• New as part of the build

• In top condition throughout

• Leather bucket seats

• All dials are either originals with reprinted faces or new from Speedy Cables

• Carpets, tonneau cover and hood provided by SM Trimming in Chiddingly

• The vendor reports that the hood and side screen have never been used

• Wood-rimmed steering wheel with AC horn button

• No signs of any damage or marks to the upholstery, door cards or trim

• Carpets are clean with no evidence of any water ingress

• Boot space is tidy and the car comes complete with a full size matching spare wheel and tyre

• The engine bay looks immaculate 

Exterior

• In stunning condition

• The car was sprayed by Nigel Baker at Kingswell Coachworks in 1960 Jaguar pearlescent grey

• Paintwork appears to be flawless

• All shut lines are uniform

• No evidence of any damage

• All brightwork presents impeccably

• There are no issues with the windscreen or light lenses

• Classic style number plates

• The 15” chrome wire wheels are in superb shape with no marks or blemishes to speak of

• Tyres are all classic Blockley tubeless radials

• Vendor describes the underneath is as good as new and the car has reportedly never been out on a damp, let alone a wet road

Mechanical

• Fully rebuilt 1965, 250bhp 289cu (4.7-litre) Ford V8 engine

• Tremec T5 five-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Hawk front suspension conversion with slightly elongated wishbones which give a 1/4” increase in track matching the original AC 289; this helps to sharpen up the steering and handling

• Original MGB wire wheel axle with Hawk anti-tramp bars and a Panhard rod working in harmony with telescopic dampers and bespoke Hawk spring packer kit with improved U-bolts

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car runs perfectly and has done so from new and sounds like a 289 should do

Summary

The quality and accuracy of this build is undeniable and the cherry on the top is that authentic 289cu V8 under the bonnet. With robust and reliable underpinnings complimenting the stunningly beautiful bodywork and interior, this freshly built and hardly used Hawk 289 is an absolute peach of a tribute to one of the greatest cars to ever grace tarmac. Carroll Shelby would be proud.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Uckfield, East Sussex.