AC Cobra, which is best ?

[Tazar]

AC make variations of the classic Cobra and now have a 4cyl version. Lots of Mk4s and some Mk4s with Mk3 modifications. Then there’s Superperformance and Shelby Cobras. Then various kit Cobras which are dealt with elsewhere.

So which is the better driver, a Mk4 from AC , a Superperformance or a Shelby ?
Which is the truer Cobra in it’s design and manufacturing?

[Oaky]

Hagerty’s recent review and Alan Faulkner -Stevens might prove useful in your research

[ratrod 2]

Tazar said:

AC make variations of the classic Cobra and now have a 4cyl version. Lots of Mk4s and some Mk4s with Mk3 modifications. Then there’s Superperformance and Shelby Cobras. Then various kit Cobras which are dealt with elsewhere.

So which is the better driver, a Mk4 from AC , a Superperformance or a Shelby ?
Which is the truer Cobra in it’s design and manufacturing?

Owned a AK and two Rams some years ago, both were very well built with serious V8's ,two being Chevy Corvette's

one a race 327 built in the States and the other a mildly tuned 350, with a Ford 302 in the third,

AK do a excellent job apart from fitting a horrid cheap looking Halfords steering wheel more suited to a Vauxhall Corsa than a Cobra but

which can be easily changed though. Why do they do that after building what is otherwise a great car ,

The Gardner and Douglas Cobra's seem underrated for what ever reason, the fit and finish always looks good to me apart from the wheels always

look to narrow with the rear ones having hardly any dish at all,again these can be changed along with the steering wheels which looks similar to

the one's fitted to the AK's,

Not sure if Dax and Ram are still around ,don't hear much about them these days but if they are they were pretty good depending on who built them

and the budget ,

Hawk would be my choice either in glass-fibre or aluminium , Jerry Hawkridge is still around building his cars whether a wide body 427 or the 289 ,

either with the narrow body or what would be my choice a 289 FIA car fitted with the Le Mans top,

The Superperformance would be equally as good though again with the wide bodied 427,289 or 289 FIA, quite rare over here ,

To me has the added bonus of being lhd which gives it a nice authentic look ,I believe "Le Mans Coupes "in Crawley are importing

them now,

If you have deep pockets have a Tool Room copy built , as close as you will get to the real deal ,

There is someone on here, mention no names who could tell you all about doing just that ,

As for the MK4 ,most seem to have a pretty standard 302 unless different spec when ordered,

still quick but not exciting , The last of them were made in carbon fibre i believe fitted with a Lotus Esprit turbo V8,

Not sure who's idea that was ,although cheaper than the aluminium 302 engined MK4's it just doesn't sound like that was a

great decision to me. Did visit the factory when in Brooklands as a mate of mine was sales manager around that time ,

Rows and rows of Mk4's ,he was told if asked they were all sold awaiting delivery with a wink. If you showed any interest

there was every chance you would get a call to say it's your lucky day and a buyer has cancelled his order,choice of colour of course,

Edited by ratrod 2 on Thursday 2nd January 23:08

[silber]

I haven't driven one but saw them when went for a ride in the new Cobra last summer, but AC will build you a classic with some modern updates to brakes, lights etc. https://ac.cars/ac-ace-ac-ace-bristol/ They have some engineers with proper pedigree there and they looked well finished.

[ratrod 2]

silber said:

I haven't driven one but saw them when went for a ride in the new Cobra last summer, but AC will build you a classic with some modern updates to brakes, lights etc. https://ac.cars/ac-ace-ac-ace-bristol/ They have some engineers with proper pedigree there and they looked well finished.

That is awful , would be embarrassed pulling into the pits at Goodwood in one of those,

Lost the whole essence of what is a Cobra,

If it doesn't replicate what is the point.

Ok for a footballer i suppose, Sorry to be so harsh i'm sure someone will love it, just not me.

[Trev450]

ratrod 2 said:

silber said:

I haven't driven one but saw them when went for a ride in the new Cobra last summer, but AC will build you a classic with some modern updates to brakes, lights etc. https://ac.cars/ac-ace-ac-ace-bristol/ They have some engineers with proper pedigree there and they looked well finished.

That is awful , would be embarrassed pulling into the pits at Goodwood in one of those,

Lost the whole essence of what is a Cobra,

If it doesn't replicate what is the point.

Ok for a footballer i suppose, Sorry to be so harsh i'm sure someone will love it, just not me.

Have to agree. Takes away the very soul of what makes that car so special.

[Tazar]

I’d forgotten Hawk. Over the years I’ve seen a few of their cars and been very impressed with build quality.
What am I going to use it for? Mostly early morning drives, some long distance trips to Le Mans , a few track days, sometimes as a daily driver. I’m now of a pensionable age but I enjoy my driving. I no longer motorcycle but not averse to all weather conditions. I live in Dorset so have some good driving roads down here out of holiday season.
Then there’s dealers like Total Headturners for used examples.

[WTFWT]

https://db427.com/db427sc

These are gorgeous in the flesh and highly regarded. Expensive though…

[will smith]

If you want one that has been approved by Mr Shelby himself, you will need a Superformance!
Not a “ kit car” and all parts are still available from the factory
After the initial depreciation, they hold their money well
Known quality
V8 of varying capacity ( usually Ford)

The best out there

Edited by will smith on Tuesday 7th January 15:36

[floatingjimi]

will smith said:

If you want one that has been approved by Mr Shelby himself, you will need a Superformance!
Not a “ kit car” and all parts are still available from the factory
After the initial depreciation, they hold there Money
Known quality
V8 of varying capacity ( usually Ford)

The best out there

Yes Sir.

[floatingjimi]

Have to agree with Will Smith there.

Have had two and one on the way, the only reason my current car is up for sale.

It is a factory built car not a kit. One you go past the obvious - Shelby signed them off as official reps, the solid after sale values you get to the car itself.

I live in Malvern and I'm sure similar roads throughout the UK. What I mean by that is crap surface but also some stunning drives.

My previous TVRs and many other major marque cars suffer in terms of squeaks, teeth shattering lack of soaking things up etc - not so with the two I have had. Once you get past the joy of silly performance and great sound it really is a super comfortable car to drive.

I know of a few that are dailies in the months we can use them. Its simple but great engineering. Thats all we want isn't it?

Once you know its the car for you - its then just a choice of flavours - Engine size, mk1 through to IV - Colour interior. Hairy chest or subtle.

On top of how good they are, the aesthetics also help. Classic touches in the cabin - locks, etc.

[Tazar]

Superformance is really the way I’m thinking but the next step is who or where I go to source one?
What’s the best route to purchase one and who understands them best?

[will smith]

Hi
Le Mans coupe Ltd in Surrey are the official imported of superformance, they currently have 1 for sale I believe, however, they are strong on their prices
I currently own 3 superformance cars and I know of another
Just drop me a PM and I’m happy to have a chat
Either way, good luck with your search as they are far and few between.

There is never an issue with the. V5 as there can be with other “cobras” which have been assembled and not registered correctly

[Desert Dog]

Superformance SP01610 sitting in Dubai, complete with Colorado VIN number and California Vehicle Information Label.

[will smith]

Superformance sitting in Derbyshire,