HIghlights
- Hand built to very high standard by rolls royce engineer
- Fully overhauled engine, lightened and balanced by burton power
- 30,000 miles since original build in 1993
The Appeal
Unless you’ve got a spare few hundred thousand pounds in the bank, the chances of acquiring a genuine AC Cobra are pretty slim. Thankfully, there is a considerably less expensive solution and this one also packs quite a punch, but more importantly has been built to an exceptionally high standard and is bound to have wide appeal.
Built by a Rolls Royce engineer in the early 1990’s, it’s a pre SVA car with all the right 1960s brightware and numerous handcrafted unobtainable replica Cobra features which are totally unique to this car. Practically a classic in its own right, the current owner purchased it from the aforementioned engineer and builder in 2022 and has done less than a thousand miles since.
Previously sold as part of a divorce settlement, this keeper of a car is now being made available at auction by the current owner that needs to let it go due to moving home.
The History and Paperwork
- Donor vehicle (Ford Granada) first registered in 1977
- Built in 1993
- MOT and Tax exempt
- V5c present (refers to donor vehicle)
- Rare 5-digit Registration on Classic Black and Silver plates
- 30k miles since original build and although it's legally exempt, it's passed last years MOT with no advisories
- 2 sets of keys
The Interior
- Hand crafted full tan leather sumptuous interior makes the cabin feel like a very special place to be with all the right dials and controls you could want at your fingertips
- Willans 3 point harnesses
- Motolita wood rim steering wheel
- Full weather gear - hood, side windows and toneau cover
- Handbrake lever, recessed into the driver’s side of the trans tunnel
- Centre tunnel arm rest with useful storage underneath
- Handcrafted AC logo adjustable pedals
- Handcrafted AC logo steering wheel centre piece
- Illuminated heater controls (not the mini sliders typically used in Cobra replicas)
- Leather lined locking glove box
- Fully carpeted boot with space saver spare
- Full heat shield lined engine bay and bonnet underside
- Extensive engine bay removable maintenance access panelling
- Central locking doors solenoids
- Small amount of wear evident on seat belts but really that’s about all that detracts from the superb finish and condition
The one-off hand-crafted full leather interior is based on the Autokraft Mk Cobra design and won a Concourse first prize when first exhibited at a national car show. The car has also featured on Pilgrim's own show stand. If you've ever seen another Cobra with an interior looking like this, it would have had a six-figure price tag.
The Exterior
- The fibreglass body is in good condition all round. There is evidence of a bit of glass laminate fogging to be found here and there as illustrated in the photo gallery but it stands proud and looks wonderful in the sunshine
- Unique and handcrafted features of this car:
- Correct windscreen rake, most are far too upright
- Concealed bonnet and boot hinges Curved dashboard with 'correct' positioning of main gauges
- Stainless Steel 5 louver side vents (not the unattractive 3 plastic mouldings)
- Correct ride height (rear lowered 1.5" from standard spec)
- Hood fits nicely and is in great condition
- Wheels all look nice and clean and all four tyres have lots of tread on them
- Slight glass laminate fogging on the edge of the windscreen
- Standard front and rear bumpers also made available with the car but these will need re-chroming
- Lights all nice and clear and without damage
- Small crack in the windscreen (appx 10cm long) but it has been there since 1990s and has passed all MOTs since
The car is in superb condition, but it does have the patina of having been driven and enjoyed over the past 30 years. At some point in the future, as this is a real keeper, the new owner may wish to have it painted at some point. There is also a small amount of pitting on some of the brightwork but its hardly noticeable and anyway, adds to the cars charm and patina.
The Mechanics
- Galvanized Chassis with additional cross bracing
- Excellent oil pressure
- High quality Fiberglass (Pilgrim) body mouldings in marine grade black gelcoat finish
- 3-piece split rim Replica Halibrand 15" alloy wheels, spinners and new Cooper tyres
- All Stainless side pipes and heat shields
- Lightening, Balancing and Porting engine work by Burton Power (this Cologne V6 will happily rev to 6.5k and stay there)
- Fully reconditioned, super strong 4-speed Ford E Type Rocket gearbox
- High ratio diff
- Alloy race radiator with twin electric fans
- Mocal remote oil filter and thermostatic control cooler
- Oil system magnetic chip detector from an Aerospace jet engine
- Foam filled fuel tank and separate anti-surge swirl pot
- LP and HP filters Spax gas adjustable shocks
- All new brake lines, cylinders, discs, pads and overhauled callipers
- Current owner has had new V chamber gasket fitted, has the alternator refurbished and installed a new battery
Evidently the car has been built to a very high standard and by a very capable mechanic. Built to last and tackle some serious driving, It has roared down the Mulsanne straight in a procession of Cobras at LeMans and toured Europe through France, Italy & Switzerland.
The Summary
If you wanted the ultimate driving machine but didn’t quite have the dough, you might opt for an AC Cobra replica and choose to get it built by a Rolls Royce engineer should your budget allow. Opportunities like this don’t come along often and this is a chance to get a one of a kind very special kit car that is sure to provide many happy miles of engaging driving.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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