Cobras

[james S]

Guys,

I am new round these parts having run a string of Porsches and a Lotus as my second car for the last 15 years.

I now fancy something a bit more left field, and have always loved the idea of an AC Cobra.

It would need to be a replica (continuation?) rather than the real thing, but beyond this I know nothing about them. I'd be keen to know the ones to lok for and the onrs to avoid.

I found this is the classifieds, which looks lovely, but I'm wondering if 425 BHP might make it a bit liary. I recently sold my 996 GT2 as I found the power more than I wanted on the roads, but it was perhaps more the nature of the power (two big turbos) that did it

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/3657855.htm

Any thoughts welcome - thanks James

[hedgefinder]

a continuation isnt a kit car, they were factory produced Cobras and will generally cost a lot more than a kit car.

The Dax is a kit.

[thescamper]

I suggest that you talk to Gerry Hawkridge at Hawk Cars.

[Dave Dax builder]

Hi James.
If you like that car then be sure to check the V5C (Log book) and see if it says "Dax" in the section for Vehicle make.(This goes for all kit cars)
If it says :- Jaguar, Daimler,Ford, or anmything else other than Dax then walk away as it is incorrectly registered and you will have a world of poop on your hands.

[james S]

Thanks chaps.

I am totally new to this, so all help gratefully received

[ian_uk1975]

One word of advice... be prepared to spend a lot of your time fiddling, fixing and tweaking! Think this applies to all kit cars, not just Cobras.

Make sure you know who built the engine (assuming it's not just a crate motor). Ask the seller for blueprinting data for the engine... anyone who's built an engine should have this (rod/mains clearances, ring gaps, cylinder wall clearance, etc, etc). Having this data is at least an indication that the engine was built with the attention to detail that is essential for reliability (and power).

[james S]

Thanks Ian,

Good to know. I don't really have time / expertise for too much fiddling to be honest. Is this always the case even with the more expensive kits like the DAX one linked above?

Thanks
James

[Furyblade_Lee]

A properly constructed Cobra replica should not really be any more problematic that a Lotus! The main gripes with kitcars are usually electrical and earthing related. Make sure the car you buy has a decent, tidy wiring loom as a good indicator. If new or properly reconditioned parts have been used then a. Lightweight low mileage car should not put too much strain on components designed to haul a 2 ton Jaguar around for 20 years. If it was built using 20 year old Jaguar bits hammerited black then that's not ideal.... And the closer to stock an engine is or tuned correctly that should not give you grief either provided the cooling system is up to scratch. A fire breathing monster on 4 carbs might be a bit temperamental. Just don't buy a dog, ask a few questions and live your dream. A good idea is every autum give the car to a specialist, get them to service, MOT and repair any niggles that may have appeared during the summer, keep on top of it and you should not have many problems

[james S]

Thanks Lee - all useful stuff.

James

[ian_uk1975]

james S said:

Thanks Ian,

Good to know. I don't really have time / expertise for too much fiddling to be honest. Is this always the case even with the more expensive kits like the DAX one linked above?

Thanks
James

I owned a good Dax (De Dion chassis) and now own an AK (see my profile for details). In my experience, owning a Cobra is like owning a classic car; there's always something to tweak or fix. These cars can and will consume a lot of your time, just in general up-keep alone. Since every Cobra is a little bit different, each car will have its particular quirks and set of 'engineering compromises'. It certainly helps to be mechanically-minded.

If you're short on time AND expertise, I'd recommend you buy a brand new ready-built car with a warranty. Dave Brookes (DB Replicas) is the main Dax build agent and regularly posts on here as well as on the Cobra Club forums.

Looking at your profile, all your previous cars, incl. the Exige, have been mass-produced stuff. Owning a kit car or older classic car is a totally different ball game. I'm really not trying to put you off, but it's all too easy to let your heart rule your head and jump in feet first. Best go into these things with your eyes wide open. Don't get me wrong, I love my AK and I loved my Dax, but both have given me many a skinned knuckle and tested my patience on occasion! Also being somewhat short on time, the end result is that I seem to spend more time admiring mine in the garage/on the drive than I do actually driving it. The girlfriend isn't too keen on riding in the Cobra either, since it's too loud, too powerful and too windy, which further limits how much I use it! On a nice warm, summer's day with the sun shining, blue skies, dry roads, the Cobra is an awesome machine though

Many kit car owners (as with classic car owners) view the whole fettling thing as part of the ownership experience and many guys love getting their hands dirty and spending countless hours in the garage tweaking and fiddling. If you're one of those guys, go for it. If not, I'd advise you to buy new/almost new from a known builder/specialist dealer with a warranty.

Drop me a PM if you'd like a chat. If you're anywhere near Northampton, you're also welcome to have a look at (and a ride out) in mine, if it would help with your decision.

[james S]

Thanks Ian, very helpful and just the sort of info I need. I had hoped that a big, simple(ish) engine in a lighwieght body, put together by a proper company, and with the minumum of electrics might reduce fiddling to a minimum, so your advise is very helpful indeed.

Thanks

[macky17]

Just bought a Cobra replica from Total Head Turners near Epping. Great bunch of blokes with an extensive range of cars. They will spend as long with you as you need explaining everything and although you will pay a slight premium on purchase price, they will fettle, adjust, change anything whatsoever you want on the car before you take delivery and won't charge much to do so.

It has to be said - a Jaguar-based, more expensive car with a larger engine is likely to be more high-maintenance than a cheaper Sierra based car (Pilgrim Sumo) with a Rover V8 - much simpler creatures. Also, an older car which has been cherished and had all its niggles addressed might be just as reliable as a brand new one. In case you're thinking a 200hp 3.5 V8 engine might lack the firepower you're used to with the GT2, drive one first. I'm coming from a 600hp GTR and before that a 530hp 911TT and this Cobra is so incredibly entertaining that you really don't miss the grunt. Only around 900kg remember so still M3 ish performance (with a lot more torque). And yes, a 420hp monster will test your driving skills even more than the GT2 did...

[james S]

Thanks.

I'm beginnig to wonder if this might be a better choice in a few years time when I might have bit more time / interest in tinkering. They just look so stunning and the noise...........

[macky17]

Life's too short. Go for it.