GD 427 MK4 Cobra advice
Discussion
I am looking at a 2008 Cobra
GD 427 MK4
Registered in 2008 with only 2800 miles from new and factory built on the race proven Euro chassis using all new parts.
GM LS2 engine producing 425BHP.
Tremec six speed gearbox.
BTR Hydrotrack diff.
Mohair hood.
Tonnnaeu cover.
Twin stainless roll hoops.
Heated seats.
Four point race harnesses.
Three piece 18" wheels.
Motalita steering wheel.
AP racing brakes.
Can anyone advise me on these cars?Is this the Cobra to get? Am I a fool swapping in my Porsche 356 for such a car?
Many thanks
GD 427 MK4
Registered in 2008 with only 2800 miles from new and factory built on the race proven Euro chassis using all new parts.
GM LS2 engine producing 425BHP.
Tremec six speed gearbox.
BTR Hydrotrack diff.
Mohair hood.
Tonnnaeu cover.
Twin stainless roll hoops.
Heated seats.
Four point race harnesses.
Three piece 18" wheels.
Motalita steering wheel.
AP racing brakes.
Can anyone advise me on these cars?Is this the Cobra to get? Am I a fool swapping in my Porsche 356 for such a car?
Many thanks
Gardner Douglas cars have an excellent reputation, as does MD Andy Burrows and residuals are (usually) high.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3RHq7z5pnI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u3RHq7z5pnI
I think you could probably go further and say the GD is the best handling UK cobra rep (cue RAM and Magnum owners brandishing pitch forks and burning torches!). As stated it's not the most accurate, even in Mk4 guise whose body was splashed off a "real" AC MkIV it still doesn't look right to me when you compare to CSX chassis cobra or Kirkham. I've always had a problem with GD's rear wheels not having the offset nearly all other reps have as they (well I think if factory built anyway) don't use the shorter drive shafts - it looses part of it's aggresive look.
You probably couldn't get a more chalk and cheese comparison than a cobra and a 356 so I'm sure you'll find the experience interesting! My guess is, based on your current car, authenticity may be premium over ultimate road capability. Realistically you'd have to be on a track to explore the limits of a GD and I wonder whether living with something a little less capable in the twisty's but far more authentic may be more satisfying for you in the long run. I mean, 18" on a cobra?
(gonna feel some hate for that)
You haven't mentioned cost *edit* £47K(eek!) assuming it's that one on GD website that hits the ceiling moneywise for a GRP body cobra *edit* but Crendon and Hawk are regarded as most accurate in UK and this Crendon in the classifieds looks soooooo right (and it's a Ford big block, the torque on that thing will be phenominal - all boxes ticked!): http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3070004.htm
Seriously, look at that Crendon then look at the GD again - it's a no brainer for me, but that's based on what I'd want and therein lies the quandary - what do you want from it?
Best of luck with your search - a cobra, any cobra, with a largish V8 provides an experience hard to match.
You probably couldn't get a more chalk and cheese comparison than a cobra and a 356 so I'm sure you'll find the experience interesting! My guess is, based on your current car, authenticity may be premium over ultimate road capability. Realistically you'd have to be on a track to explore the limits of a GD and I wonder whether living with something a little less capable in the twisty's but far more authentic may be more satisfying for you in the long run. I mean, 18" on a cobra?
(gonna feel some hate for that)You haven't mentioned cost *edit* £47K(eek!) assuming it's that one on GD website that hits the ceiling moneywise for a GRP body cobra *edit* but Crendon and Hawk are regarded as most accurate in UK and this Crendon in the classifieds looks soooooo right (and it's a Ford big block, the torque on that thing will be phenominal - all boxes ticked!): http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/3070004.htm
Seriously, look at that Crendon then look at the GD again - it's a no brainer for me, but that's based on what I'd want and therein lies the quandary - what do you want from it?
Best of luck with your search - a cobra, any cobra, with a largish V8 provides an experience hard to match.
Edited by smash on Tuesday 2nd August 21:13
Some really fantastic replies, thanks guys. Where do I start to hopefully respond effectively and equally to all for their contributions to the discussion?
Well I guess we could start with the cost the car could be bought for? Circa 36 to 39K is the figure in mind. Whether it is worth that I as a Cobra "Virgin" have no idea. As for the bset car for that price I am not sure. At least that is my budget as I know what my 356 is worth.
I agree they are 'worlds apart' I guess I am looking to change as the 356 while beautiful to admire in the garage is a museum piece on the road.
The GD looks a nice car, I have been advised that good Cobras are worth paying for. The spec seems nice; red with cream leather.
One question that does put my mind in a state of quandry is the driveability of the Cobra for weekends away. It does have a tonneau yes but when the heaven opens what does everyone do?
Regards all
Well I guess we could start with the cost the car could be bought for? Circa 36 to 39K is the figure in mind. Whether it is worth that I as a Cobra "Virgin" have no idea. As for the bset car for that price I am not sure. At least that is my budget as I know what my 356 is worth.
I agree they are 'worlds apart' I guess I am looking to change as the 356 while beautiful to admire in the garage is a museum piece on the road.
The GD looks a nice car, I have been advised that good Cobras are worth paying for. The spec seems nice; red with cream leather.
One question that does put my mind in a state of quandry is the driveability of the Cobra for weekends away. It does have a tonneau yes but when the heaven opens what does everyone do?
Regards all
Sorry thanks for the link Wacky Racer. I also found this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqHsrcM2FRc&fea...
One thing I am worried about the GD is I want the car to sound beautiful and smell of oil. The GD engine looks a little "manufactured".
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqHsrcM2FRc&fea...
One thing I am worried about the GD is I want the car to sound beautiful and smell of oil. The GD engine looks a little "manufactured".
Don't worry they will both sound totally awesome - when the Crendon advert says you will rattle windows and set car alarms off in car parks it really is NOT joking. seriously. It's a very childish but hugely enjoyable experience.
With the underslung exhausts the GD will be the quieter car (from inside the cockpit) - the Ford Big Block with mild steel sidepipes will have a real deep thud/rumble you can "feel". Chevy's sound different and stainless steel exhausts sound different again. For me they're a harsher sound, not as nice but totally IMHO. Sound is clearly NOT the reason for buying a car though!
They'll both ride very well, they both use Jag XJ derived suspension and will be comfortable on a run - they won't be skitty and harsh. I don't know about the GD but expect the Crendon's steering to be heavy when parking etc. likewise the clutch.
Practicality wise they're equals - the boot on a cobra can hold more than you expect. A two man trip to Le Mans with tents is no problem. They are not really waterproof - with the roof up and side windows on you'll still likely get wet somewhere in a decent downpour whilst on the move. The Crendon for sale doesn't have a hood so you'd need to budget for that - £1000 would be more than plenty. The hood and sidescreens store in the boot when not on - a cobra hood doesn't fold down, it's a two piece frame thing - the whole thing has to come off for open top motoring.
MPG - that GD with the LS2 lump has the Ford BB squarely beat. Fuel injection vs carb.
Handling - the GD wins hands down.
Looks - you're a designer so you must have a good eye - which looks right to you? That GD MKIV is a very pretty car, the Crendon however looks like a real 427SC and in that respect they are worlds apart.
I personally feel the GD will feel a little safer than the Crendon - the Crendon with the Big Block and sidepipes will make you feel, dare I say a little intimidated/scared, and that makes opening the throttle and pulling the tiger's tail then hanging on for grim death truly all the more exhilerating when you do it!
Ultimately the cobra experience is about feeling alive - both these cars will do that in spades.
In the price range you're talking about I personally would not consider an AK, Dax or Pilgrim - all great kits it's just the GD and Crendon represent extremes in my eyes. The GD represents the best of modernity whilst the Crendon the best of authenticity. You may also find a real AC MarkIV around the £40K mark and that is another option altogether - you then get to say "No, it's a real AC" (this is a slightly contentious issue though!)
My choice doesn't matter - it's yours. Talk to GD (you've got their details). Talk to John Kerr at Crendon: http://www.crendonreplicas.com . Drive both. Go with your head or go with your heart. I only wish I was in your enviable position (and buying the Crendon!)
With the underslung exhausts the GD will be the quieter car (from inside the cockpit) - the Ford Big Block with mild steel sidepipes will have a real deep thud/rumble you can "feel". Chevy's sound different and stainless steel exhausts sound different again. For me they're a harsher sound, not as nice but totally IMHO. Sound is clearly NOT the reason for buying a car though!
They'll both ride very well, they both use Jag XJ derived suspension and will be comfortable on a run - they won't be skitty and harsh. I don't know about the GD but expect the Crendon's steering to be heavy when parking etc. likewise the clutch.
Practicality wise they're equals - the boot on a cobra can hold more than you expect. A two man trip to Le Mans with tents is no problem. They are not really waterproof - with the roof up and side windows on you'll still likely get wet somewhere in a decent downpour whilst on the move. The Crendon for sale doesn't have a hood so you'd need to budget for that - £1000 would be more than plenty. The hood and sidescreens store in the boot when not on - a cobra hood doesn't fold down, it's a two piece frame thing - the whole thing has to come off for open top motoring.
MPG - that GD with the LS2 lump has the Ford BB squarely beat. Fuel injection vs carb.
Handling - the GD wins hands down.
Looks - you're a designer so you must have a good eye - which looks right to you? That GD MKIV is a very pretty car, the Crendon however looks like a real 427SC and in that respect they are worlds apart.
I personally feel the GD will feel a little safer than the Crendon - the Crendon with the Big Block and sidepipes will make you feel, dare I say a little intimidated/scared, and that makes opening the throttle and pulling the tiger's tail then hanging on for grim death truly all the more exhilerating when you do it!
Ultimately the cobra experience is about feeling alive - both these cars will do that in spades.
In the price range you're talking about I personally would not consider an AK, Dax or Pilgrim - all great kits it's just the GD and Crendon represent extremes in my eyes. The GD represents the best of modernity whilst the Crendon the best of authenticity. You may also find a real AC MarkIV around the £40K mark and that is another option altogether - you then get to say "No, it's a real AC" (this is a slightly contentious issue though!)
My choice doesn't matter - it's yours. Talk to GD (you've got their details). Talk to John Kerr at Crendon: http://www.crendonreplicas.com . Drive both. Go with your head or go with your heart. I only wish I was in your enviable position (and buying the Crendon!)
Edited by smash on Wednesday 3rd August 07:45
Guys, thanks very much for the positive comments about Jake (the Crendon).
Just stop it already, OK?!
It's hard enough moving him on, albeit for another V8 project, but you're really making it more difficult! 
The GD is a fine car, without a doubt. To compare it to a Crendon is chalk and cheese though.
What I can confirm is what's been said about Ford Big Block power, sound/noise/music (whatever you wish to call it!), torque, and looks. I really think an aweful lot of folk would be most surprised to see/feel just how quick Jake is around corners, too.
Whatever you decide to do, OP, have a load of fun. You'll wonder how on earth you lived without this sort of fun for so long!
All the best,
C.
ETA - steering's not heavy, neither's the clutch (unless you're a girlie! LOL)
Just stop it already, OK?!
It's hard enough moving him on, albeit for another V8 project, but you're really making it more difficult! The GD is a fine car, without a doubt. To compare it to a Crendon is chalk and cheese though.
What I can confirm is what's been said about Ford Big Block power, sound/noise/music (whatever you wish to call it!), torque, and looks. I really think an aweful lot of folk would be most surprised to see/feel just how quick Jake is around corners, too.
Whatever you decide to do, OP, have a load of fun. You'll wonder how on earth you lived without this sort of fun for so long!
All the best,
C.
ETA - steering's not heavy, neither's the clutch (unless you're a girlie! LOL)
Edited by Caractacus on Wednesday 3rd August 08:37
For the same price you may be able to find an AC CRS (Carbon Road Series). This is the cheapest of the AC Cobra MK IV derivatives with a carbon fibre body but still a high quality motor car.
There's an enthusistic following at the AC Owners Club so you may wish to ask for advice on their forum:
http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum.asp?FORU...
Plenty of outlets for parts and service as well - e.g. AC Heritage, Redline Engineering and even Hawk Cars who also provice original bodies and spares for the original Cobra and (AC) MKIV.
There's an enthusistic following at the AC Owners Club so you may wish to ask for advice on their forum:
http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/forum.asp?FORU...
Plenty of outlets for parts and service as well - e.g. AC Heritage, Redline Engineering and even Hawk Cars who also provice original bodies and spares for the original Cobra and (AC) MKIV.
Edited by Chafford1 on Friday 12th August 18:46
PauloBellende said:
Thanks Smash, great comments. If you know the cars really well with a budget in that area what would you go for?
if you want a modern feeling cobra, then a LS engine is fantastic.IF you want a "old school" feel, then an old school motor is the way to go. I've had both in cobra replicas, and for me, the LS wins hands down.
But if you want a very nice old school GD, there is one recently placed on cobra forum and ph for 30k, which is absolutely spot on
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