1994 AC Cobra Evocation
auctions.single.seller.popular
auctions.single.seller.view-count
auctions.single.seller.images
Highlights
• Stunning attention to detail
• 4.0 litre V8
• Cheetah Cobra kit
• Fully documented build
The Background
Built by AC Cars, the Cobra took off when Carroll Shelby asked AC to modify a car to accept a V8 engine. After the first choice of a Corvette engine was dismissed by Cornette, the second choice was Ford, who wanted to compete against Corvette.
This is what led to the success of the AC Shelby Cobra. The Cobra 427, on which this replica is based, was a newly designed chassis developed for the MK III. Unfortunately, the Shelby team missed the homologation for the 1965 season, which left just 56 out of 100 cars produced, making it one of the most valuable Cobra variants.
As they couldn't race them, 31 of the cars were fitted with windscreens, detuned and sold, which is the style that this AC Cobra replica we have here has taken on.
This is what led to the success of the AC Shelby Cobra. The Cobra 427, on which this replica is based, was a newly designed chassis developed for the MK III. Unfortunately, the Shelby team missed the homologation for the 1965 season, which left just 56 out of 100 cars produced, making it one of the most valuable Cobra variants.
As they couldn't race them, 31 of the cars were fitted with windscreens, detuned and sold, which is the style that this AC Cobra replica we have here has taken on.
The History
This beauty is a 1994 AC Cobra replica, which has been built using a Cheetah kit. The Cobra is based on an uprated and strengthened Jaguar chassis, and uses a Jaguar rear axle for the drive and a V8 up front for the powerplant. Meticulously built by the original owner, who clearly had an eye for all the details, has seen the build carried out with absolute precision.
Built as pretty much a racecar for the road, the seller has given the car some use throughout the summer months, but has decided its not getting the use it deserves, and so has decided to part ownership with this wonderful looking road racer.
It should be noted that this car was subject to a Cat-N Insurance Claim in July 2018. The vendor tells us, " The previous owner had a prang and the near side rear panel was damaged. His insurer decided to CAT N the car and paid out for him to get the bodywork repair done. It’s was literally a section of fibreglass about 30cm x 20cm" The repair was done and bodywork repainted.
It should be noted that this car was subject to a Cat-N Insurance Claim in July 2018. The vendor tells us, " The previous owner had a prang and the near side rear panel was damaged. His insurer decided to CAT N the car and paid out for him to get the bodywork repair done. It’s was literally a section of fibreglass about 30cm x 20cm" The repair was done and bodywork repainted.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present and shows 4 previous keepers since the build in 1994. It is also listed on the V5 as an AC Cobra Replica which is a good thing and very rare to happen.
There is an extensive history file with the car, which covers the whole build from the bodywork, suspension, gearbox and engine. It is all there, adding more confidence about just how meticulous the build was.
Also present is every MOT certificate, with the last MOT carried out on 16th November 2021. Only minor defect at the time was a steering gator which was replaced instantly.
Making up the extensive history file are a nice amount of invoices for parts and work carried out over the years right up to current day.
The Interior
Inside, the Cobra has been finished off nicely. The small leather bucket style seats on runners are in very good condition with no wear to the edges of the seats. (normally the seats are fixed in Cobra kits) Holding you in place and giving that race car feel are the Willans harnesses.
The dashboard fascia has been covered in faux black leather, with the individual instruments centrally mounted showing the all important gauges sunken into the dash, which are all working and can be easily glanced at whilst driving. The odometer has a reading of 15,561 miles.
There is a Kenwood CD player mounted to the right hand side of the centre console, and the speakers have been placed just behind the seats. The wood rimmed Mountney steering wheel does have some slight wear to the lacquered finish. Placed next to this is a modern electronic fan and heat sensor monitor. Which gives accurate engine temp readings and shows fan in operation.
There is a Kenwood CD player mounted to the right hand side of the centre console, and the speakers have been placed just behind the seats. The wood rimmed Mountney steering wheel does have some slight wear to the lacquered finish. Placed next to this is a modern electronic fan and heat sensor monitor. Which gives accurate engine temp readings and shows fan in operation.
The Exterior
Finished in bright red with a white stripe, it is a refreshing change from the usual blue you see most Cobra's finished in, (not that there's anything wrong with blue).
The body of the Cobra is made by Cheetah and is reported to be a very solid kit. The doors, bonnet and boot look to align as well as they should. There is an AC badge sitting pride of place on the bonnet. The lights are free from any chips or splits. There are age related scuffs, some stone chips dotted around the body in places, some blistering of the fibre glass and some cracks but only as you would expect, since it was finished in 1994. (see close up pics in the gallery)
If someone wanted to get this bodywork back to showroom level it would need a respray in places.
Looking at the car from the side profile doesn’t disappoint! The 427 Ford badges mounted just above the vents are a nice touch, and the side exit exhausts just scream that this car has power. This is followed by the 60’s race style tyres filling the wheel arches and the polished roll over bar. The smooth rear end holds another AC badge to the boot lid, and the small chrome bumpers are in good order.
The wheels have been finished in Satin black with a cobra centre cap. General XP2000 tyres help put the power down at the rear, and Pirelli P4000 steer you in the right direction, all of which have a good amount of tread remaining.
The Mechanics
Powered by a 4.0 litre V8 made by Rovertec, the Cobra is reported to start up just as it should, and, as you can imagine, sounds amazing idling through the side exit exhausts and even better thundering down the road.
The gear change is reported to be smooth and precise, and the car pulls well through them all. Recently, the Cobra has had a sports clutch fitted and a flywheel skim, at a cost of £1,773. There has also been some work done to the electric water pump and wiring, which came in at £831.
Sitting just as it should, the car is reported to handle amazingly but definitely one that needs to be treated with care because, built like a race car, it won’t be as forgiving as a modern day car in the way of handling. There has also been a wheel alignment carried out in September 2021, to prevent any uneven tyre wear.
The Appeal
What's not to love about the look of an AC Cobra, and then you have the sound. The whole thing just comes together to create one of the most stunning looking cars to come out of the 1960’s.
Yes, this is a continuation / evocation but at a fraction of the cost of an original.
It really is as close to looking like an AC Cobra, for the money, as you can get. Making it stand out even further is the stunning red/white colour scheme.
A well built, well maintained and stunner of a car, waiting for its new owner. It goes breathtakingly well, sounds amazing and makes jaws drop. GO!
****** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance claim in 07/2018 ******
****** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT N insurance claim in 07/2018 ******
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the sellers discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1994
- Make AC
- Model Cobra Evocation
- Colour Red
- Odometer 15,561 Miles
- Engine size 3900
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Town Reigate
- Location Surrey
- Country United Kingdom
21
bids
- RA•••• £20,800 21/12/21
- xe•••• £20,500 20/12/21
- RA•••• £20,000 20/12/21
- xe•••• £18,000 20/12/21
- Mi•••• £17,500 20/12/21
- Mi•••• £17,000 20/12/21
- Mi•••• £16,500 20/12/21
- an•••• £14,500 18/12/21
- EP•••• £14,200 18/12/21
- C_•••• £13,950 17/12/21
The Gallery
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
- If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
- If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
-
- Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
- We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
| Bid Amount | Increment |
|---|---|
| £0 to £9,999 | £100.00 |
| £10,000 to £49,999 | £250.00 |
| £50,000 to £99,999 | £500.00 |
| £100,000 + | £1,000.00 |
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.