AC Cobra 427 replica by AK Sportscars

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The offspring of the union between American racer Carroll Shelby and English sports car maker AC, the Cobra mated the brawn of Ford American V8s with the agility of the AC Ace two-seater roadster. 

Equipped with a variety of engines varying in size from the earliest 4.3 to the late 7-litre V8s, Cobras monstered race circuits, country lanes and freeways alike, becoming an automotive legend along the way – being blamed for the introduction of the 70mph speed limit in Britain when one was clocked at over 180mph on the new M1 motorway.

Since the demise of AC, a host of ‘homage’ Cobras have been offered – often completed to a very high standard – usually with composite bodies and with a range of V8 Ford or Chevrolet motive power.

This 1998 composite-bodied Cobra replica is by Peterborough-based AK Sportscars, acknowledged to be one of the best Cobra kit builders in the country. It has been specced and built to give outstanding performance while maintaining the look of a period road racer, being based on an actual Cobra that resides in Italy. A testament to the skill of its execution is the fact that this car was shown at the Goodwood Revival in both 2009 and 2011.

This example is equipped with Chevrolet’s legendary 5.7-litre ‘small block’ V8 mated to a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox. For a short time it was even fitted with a WEIAND super-charger but is now back to standard, so the driver can be sure that the chassis and Jaguar running gear are easily capable of handling the motor’s considerable power. Further period and performance touches include Halibrand alloys, Smiths instruments, four-into-one side pipes with heat shields, ‘pit’ jack lifters and a ‘Le Mans’ fuel filler. Willans four-point harnesses and a fire extinguisher are welcome safety features. A car cover is also included.

The car’s build is documented in a comprehensive photo album, with many additional receipts and documents filed by the meticulous, enthusiast owner. With only 9,500 miles on the clock and a recent fettling by AK Sportscars, this roadster represents a very tempting entry into the cult of the Cobra. For the epic exhaust note alone it has to be a steal at the guide price suggested today.