Just beautiful on every level. This extremely rare and meticulously built Cobra Recreation has just arrived at Shore Classics and it doesn`t disappoint. With extensive, fully photographed build history (2008-2014), this fabulous AS 427 presented in unmarked Imperial Blue has been constructed and engineered with the driver in mind. Looking for something heavy and uncomfortable that will scare the neighbours? Well, this isn`t it. But if you seek a hand-built sports car that focuses on safety, practicality and user-friendliness, this could be it. And with a properly tuned and recently rebuilt Cologne V6 under the bonnet, it still has the ability to turn heads and raise a smile.

Auto Speciali was founded in March 2006 by Jonathon Lane Harris and Keith Kirk previously of Venom Sportscars and both manufactured and supplied component kits for their new project, the AS 427, a superbly detailed Cobra Recreation. Based largely on Ford Granada underpinnings, it is uncertain just how many cars were either factory-built or supplied as kits but it is likely to be just a few hundred with the company being wound-up in October 2011. Designed with the assistance of an race engineer working for Maclaren, the power-coated space frame chassis was considered one of the best and when fitted with double “A” arm suspension and fully adjustable coilovers, the car was said to handle better than other more expensive recreations.

Our car was evidently purchased in component form in 2008 by a qualified engineer and classic car restorer based in Wallasey, Merseyside. Detailed invoices reflect an 18-month build period with the 427 gaining IVA Approval in November 2009 albeit there has been significant further investment since. Supplied in a white gel coat, the GRP body was properly painted (£2800) in January 2010 in Ford Imperial Blue with a full rebuild of the 2933cc Cologne V6 in January 2014 by Ric Wood Motorsport at a cost of £2659. The specification included a full re-bore, new pistons and rods, crank regrind and polish, fast road camshaft, polished and ported heads, new injectors, new oils and water pump. A month later, the Type 9 gearbox was rebuilt with Lotus ratio conversion by Alan Voigts Gearboxes of Wallasey at a further £783. More recently, the ECU has been re-programmed increasing power and torque to 330lbs/ ft resulting in quite astonishing acceleration.

The mechanical specification also features stainless steel manifolds and full-length stainless side pipes, a heavy-duty competition clutch, Ford limited slip differential, twin fuel pumps, triple filters, swirl pot and bespoke aluminium fuel tank. The cabin boasts black leather race seats with Cobra harnesses, a full set of clocks, removable Momo steering wheel and gear knob and an efficient heater. The 427 has the benefit of power steering.

The photographs tell the story here. Having covered just 5, 700 miles since the build was completed (and 1700 on the rebuilt engine), the car unsurprisingly presents almost as new. It is genuinely immaculate inside and out with perfect stainless steel brightwork, glass and carbon fibre stone guard trim. Turn the key and the V6 fires immediately into life sounding purposeful without being deafening. On the road, it is quite sensational with blistering acceleration, pin-sharp steering and balanced handling encouraging spirited driving. The power steering takes the effort out of low-speed manoeuvres and is still nicely weighted on the open road. Uprated Ford brakes complete the package. It really is a very easy car to live with and would make the perfect companion for a continental road trip, more in the mould of a GT than a raw, road-going racer.

The car comes with a comprehensive history file including a large quantity of bills and receipts for parts, a CD with over 200 photographs documenting the build, the original IVA Approval Certificate, a quantity of MoT Certificates and 2 sets of keys. It further comes with full weather equipment including side screens and a full mohair tonneau cover. A fresh 12-month MoT will be issued on sale.

A beautifully engineered and presented Cobra Recreation with impeccable provenance.

Shore Classics is based on the West Dorset coast within easy proximity of both Weymouth and the County town of Dorchester. As classic and vintage dealers, we offer full brokerage facilities. So if you require some help and guidance with selling your classic car or motorcycle, just give us a call today.