Discussion
I think I finally settled on an AC Cobra, but I need someone to educate me in this minefield.
We can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
Can anyone help me on my quest, and if anyone has one relatively local to the East Midlands I’d love to meet up and find out a little more about experiences.
Many thanks
We can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
Can anyone help me on my quest, and if anyone has one relatively local to the East Midlands I’d love to meet up and find out a little more about experiences.
Many thanks
Get one that looks like a 289 - narrow body, understated , discreet rear exhaust . Lovely shape , unlike the hideous. steroid bulging 427 upon which most kits are based . Obviously a tweed jacket and tie would enhance the image further , and differentiate you from the bandana/ work boot stereotype.
Friend of mine near Nottingham picked up a Gardner Douglas Cobra a few years ago and still has it. We even took a trip down to the factory near Grantham where it was built so he could eye up a few extras. Really friendly and professional setup.
He did months of research before deciding to go for the GD and hasn't regretted it once. Though I'm sure the LS3 V8 with well over 400bhp has something to do with that.
Ill give him a call and see if he is happy for me to pass his number on, think he would definitely be able to help.
He did months of research before deciding to go for the GD and hasn't regretted it once. Though I'm sure the LS3 V8 with well over 400bhp has something to do with that.
Ill give him a call and see if he is happy for me to pass his number on, think he would definitely be able to help.
- EDIT*
Edited by CoreyDog on Sunday 8th August 09:42
https://www.gdcars.com/pre-owned?page=2
Considered to be one of the best, I built a Mk3 jag based one in 2003 and sold it in 2010.
I do prefer the more aggressive look of the Mk4.
Lots more advice available on the uk cobra club if you join up.
Considered to be one of the best, I built a Mk3 jag based one in 2003 and sold it in 2010.
I do prefer the more aggressive look of the Mk4.
Lots more advice available on the uk cobra club if you join up.
The brand is much less important than how it was built and by whom.
I had a dax, and now I have one based on a pilgrim.
Any of the companies that have been around a while can be the basis for a good car.
If you're into spending money then Dave Brookes and Anthony Hale are the real top end custom builders.
At the top end you'll get aluminium bodied, but then you're spending the same money as you would on a continuation model from AC themselves.
Other than that get a car that's built with decent parts, and has a build record.
And above all else, if you're buying prebuilt make sure it's been registered properly and isn't still classes as a ford Granada or equivalent.
For the record I prefer 427 over 289, but to each their own
I had a dax, and now I have one based on a pilgrim.
Any of the companies that have been around a while can be the basis for a good car.
If you're into spending money then Dave Brookes and Anthony Hale are the real top end custom builders.
At the top end you'll get aluminium bodied, but then you're spending the same money as you would on a continuation model from AC themselves.
Other than that get a car that's built with decent parts, and has a build record.
And above all else, if you're buying prebuilt make sure it's been registered properly and isn't still classes as a ford Granada or equivalent.
For the record I prefer 427 over 289, but to each their own
dalenorth said:
I think I finally settled on an AC Cobra, but I need someone to educate me in this minefield.
We can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
If you have a budget that can go to £130k, then you really should only be looking at a AC Mk.IV or one of the newer Shelby-American CSX/COB series cars..........forget any of the kit cars with that budget.We can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
For example....
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1368367
Or....
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1366894
Or....
https://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C1315161
sociopath said:
The brand is much less important than how it was built and by whom.
I had a dax, and now I have one based on a pilgrim.
Any of the companies that have been around a while can be the basis for a good car.
If you're into spending money then Dave Brookes and Anthony Hale are the real top end custom builders.
At the top end you'll get aluminium bodied, but then you're spending the same money as you would on a continuation model from AC themselves.
Other than that get a car that's built with decent parts, and has a build record.
And above all else, if you're buying prebuilt make sure it's been registered properly and isn't still classes as a ford Granada or equivalent.
For the record I prefer 427 over 289, but to each their own
Some sensible words here! You might get more response if you post in the Kit Car section. I was going to mention Dave Brookes too - he used to be a fairly regular contributor in the KC section, but hasn't been active for a while, it seems! (Probably too busy by the looks of his FB page.)I had a dax, and now I have one based on a pilgrim.
Any of the companies that have been around a while can be the basis for a good car.
If you're into spending money then Dave Brookes and Anthony Hale are the real top end custom builders.
At the top end you'll get aluminium bodied, but then you're spending the same money as you would on a continuation model from AC themselves.
Other than that get a car that's built with decent parts, and has a build record.
And above all else, if you're buying prebuilt make sure it's been registered properly and isn't still classes as a ford Granada or equivalent.
For the record I prefer 427 over 289, but to each their own
There is also cobraclub.com where you will get more opinions and information than you can shake a stick at!
Oh, and in case you didn't know, the National Kit Car Show is happening on August 28th & 29th at the National Showground in Stoneleigh (Warks) which might well be worth a visit for you. I've not been keeping up with which manufacturers are attending, but there is usually a significant club presence in the grounds. The only reason I am a little less than certain there will be a big attendance is because the event usually takes place on the Mayday bank holiday weekend, but has been disrupted due to Covid-19 - no show at all last year and revised date this year - and I can't go!!
For the record, I prefer the 289 like the earlier poster, but Cobras aren't really my thing - If I had that much money to spend on a car, I'd be talking to Lister Bell about a Stratos!
dalenorth said:
Thank you for your help guys, it’s much appreciated.
To be honest, if your really are in the £100k+ budget, you are pretty much in position to buy a new build to your spec from Shelby in the USA....as prices start at US$90k......less engine.IIRC Bill Shepherd Mustang in Byfleet is the Shelby UK agent, maybe worth talking to them first.
People frown upon the replicas but they are night and day from where they were 20 years ago.
Maybe a trip to the Gardner Douglas factory is in order to see one of their demos and take a look for yourself, I'm just picking them as I'm a big fan but to be fair the likes of Dax and Ak cars make some lovely cars.
Maybe a trip to the Gardner Douglas factory is in order to see one of their demos and take a look for yourself, I'm just picking them as I'm a big fan but to be fair the likes of Dax and Ak cars make some lovely cars.
dalenorth said:
I emailed superformance and they put me in touch with Le Mans Coupes in Sussex as their UK agent.
They can build one to spec mk2 or mk3 for circa £120k and they look awesome.
Anyone have any experience of these guys or their cars?
Superformance are an agent for Shelby as well, so is that 120k for a Superformance Mk2 or 3 or a proper Shelby CSX car built up?They can build one to spec mk2 or mk3 for circa £120k and they look awesome.
Anyone have any experience of these guys or their cars?
For your budget I would have the real thing and have that CSX 4000/6000/7000/8000/9000 chassis number rather than a 'replica'.
Have you driven one, OP? Stupid question but they are pretty unique experiences and not for everyone.
A friend had a superformance 427 in California, and he rarely took it out. He found it uncomfortable, unweildy and really quite stressful to drive. I would regard him as a competent driver well versed with the reality of big displacement engines, he's owned his fair share of big boy sports cars. I was a passenger many times and I similarly can't say I loved it - the novelty wore off very quickly.
A friend had a superformance 427 in California, and he rarely took it out. He found it uncomfortable, unweildy and really quite stressful to drive. I would regard him as a competent driver well versed with the reality of big displacement engines, he's owned his fair share of big boy sports cars. I was a passenger many times and I similarly can't say I loved it - the novelty wore off very quickly.
dalenorth said:
I think I finally settled on an AC Cobra, but I need someone to educate me in this minefield.
We can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
Can anyone help me on my quest, and if anyone has one relatively local to the East Midlands I’d love to meet up and find out a little more about experiences.
Many thanks
Autotrader.co.zaWe can’t afford an original but I’m looking at cars at £50k and some at £130k, but don’t know how to differentiate the models, costs, etc. I definitely don’t want something someone has built in their garage, that’s for sure.
Can anyone help me on my quest, and if anyone has one relatively local to the East Midlands I’d love to meet up and find out a little more about experiences.
Many thanks
https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/ac/cobra...
£21k
https://www.autotrader.co.za/car-for-sale/ac/cobra...
£21k
Edited by Register1 on Tuesday 17th August 16:45
Edited by Register1 on Tuesday 17th August 16:47
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