Highlights

Hand-formed 1.5mm aluminium (3003 grade) body using traditional tools and English Wheel
Jig-assembled seamless tube chassis to original Cobra drawing dimensions
Ford FE Series 427ci side oiler with Edelbrock performance heads and manifold
CSX3009 “Ollie the Dragon” reincarnation

The Appeal

DBR (David Brookes Replicas) started replicating Cobra’s in 1992 alongside an already well established business which was heavily involved in restoring classic vehicles. Due to the superior quality and craftsmanship that emanated from David after producing his first replica Cobra, it was purchased from a German Cobra replica dealer - who very quickly realised the astounding workmanship involved. This kickstarted the business venture and by 2012 over 150 replica Cobra’s had been hand made.

The story behind the outstanding craftsmanship in these replicas is enough to realise just how special they are - and you’ll struggle to find others on the market quite as accurate as this. Specialising in original specification parts, these cars are the closest you will ever get to the original without spending millions.

The History and Paperwork

Registered in 2017
Up to date V5
MOT valid until August 2023
Rich profusion of documentation
Photos from the engine assembly
Invoices and quotations from the commission of the vehicle
Cam grinding specification sheet
Engine build specification sheet
Holley carb adjustment manual
Southern automotive owners manual
Invoice for stainless steel exhaust system manufacture and ceramic coated in black

The Interior

Connolly hide leather trimmed, steel framed racing seats
STR Nascar style 4-point harnesses
Period correct Moto-Lita 15” wooden rim, split spoke wheel
Carpet lined flooring with leather bound mats
Leather trimmed aluminium dashboard
Original style pedals with AC logo
Original type flick and rotary switches
Smiths original spec mechanical gauges
Original style relays and fuse box with original pattern loom, updated to meet current regulations and standards
Two 12v outlets under the dash to accommodate ancillaries
Stainless steel roll bar with rear brace, powder coated black
Removable convertible top, side screens and tonneau cover

When it comes to replica vehicles, originality is the most important factor. Especially when it comes to the interior - this is the most tactile area of any car, and the space where the custodian will likely spend the most amount of time. It elevates the whole experience when things are done right - and this is exactly the case with this example.

Connolly hide trimmed racing seats in period correct style and shape welcome you to the small, yet serious cockpit of this lightweight roadgoing rocket. The seats themselves are in fantastic shape thanks to seeing very little use since the time of manufacture, there are no defects to pick up on here. To accompany the seats, you’re held firmly in place by the STR lightweight 4-point racing harnesses.

The 15” Moto-Lita wooden steering wheel is a constant reminder that you’re sitting in something special. Featuring the same split spoke design as the original Cobra cars, along with the original style of gauges and switches carefully placed across the dashboard, it really places you in a part of history that only a lucky few were able to be a part of.

The addition of the removable soft top and the tonneau cover offer greater flexibility for driving options - whether you want the top down or not, you’ll turn heads dramatically rolling down the street as that huge carb-fed V8 grumbles through the stainless side pipes.

The Exterior

Only 3,839 miles since completion
Hand-formed aluminium body (3003 grade)
Ceramic black coated stainless exhaust system
15” one piece aluminium Halibrand replica wheels - tri-spinner centre nuts
Complete vehicle respray in Wimbledon White, fantastic condition
CSX3009 Racing livery
Avon CR6ZZ 245/60R15 front and 295/50R15 rear tyres

Being in the presence of this car really pulls you back through time to the 1960’s, when CSX3009 was basking in the glory of racing wins. Arguably, one of the most successful Cobras to date. All of the curves, edges and lines expertly hand-crafted throughout the bodywork have remained incredibly straight and true. Thanks to being manufactured to the original Cobra specification drawings, there are no inconsistencies.

Painted in beautiful Wimbledon White, with a full set of Essex Wire corporation decals applied atop. It should be noted, thus livery is just vinyl and can be removed if the new custodian wishes to return the car to bare paintwork. However, we think it is an extremely handsome, and painstakingly accurate replication of the famous Cobra - including all the small details, even down to the Shelby VIN plate stamped CSX3009.

Being a completed car as of 2017 with a mileage of what can only be referred to as chump change. This Cobra really still is like a brand new car, inside, outside and underneath. There are no flaws to pick at here - this is an astounding tool-room evocation that is worthy of praise.

The Mechanics

Ford 427ci side oiler built by Southern Automotive
550bhp / 575lbft
Eagle 4.25” crankshaft
Eagle H-beam 4.7” competition connecting rods
Mahle forged pistons
Custom ground Demos hydraulic cams
Holley 4-barrel Street Avenger carburetor
Edelbrock Performer RPM aluminium heads CNC ported
Edelbrock Performer RPM intake manifold port matched to heads
Melling HV oil pump
Aviaid 417 oil pan
Holley HV fuel pump
McLeod clutch, flywheel and pressure plate with Quicktime blowproof bellhousing
4-speed Ford Top Loader transmission
Sailsbury 4HU differential
High performance 3” core radiator with Spal 16” fan
Girling ORA and CR calipers
Adjustable ATR coilovers
Double wishbone front and rear with tubular A arms

Wildly impressive. And somewhat intimidating, too. Firing up at the turn of the key with no hesitation as you’d expect, and well maintained using Fuchs Titan Race oil, changed every year regardless of how many miles the vehicle covered. As can be seen in the photographs, it’s quite the big lump of an engine, producing around 550 horsepower - in such a lightweight car that’s not to be sniffed at! Mated to a 4-speed close ratio toploader gearbox built by Dan Williams, the gear changes are smooth with a reassuring click as you row between them. The gearbox has also been serviced annually regardless of mileage, using Millers GL4 oil.

Originality plays a large part here, with the engine bay sporting the same original style layout with triple remote brake and clutch reservoirs, and the original pattern wiring loom with additions to ensure the car meets modern safety standards and regulations.

The cooling system incorporated is via a 3” high performance aluminium radiator with a large 16” Spal fan which can be tripped either automatically from the thermostat or manually from the dashboard. A 19-row Mocal oil cooler with original plumbing and stainless steel lines, however the owner informs us that he has actually disconnected this as it is a little too efficient and can cause the oil to run cold - even in the hot summer weather! We believe this could be better suited to racing applications rather than road use.

Fitted with an upgraded 42-gallon endurance fuel tank, which is a life-saver if you’re considering touring!

Handling here is an absolute pleasure thanks to the tubular constructed A arms and the rose jointed double wishbone suspension front and rear, along with the assistance from the fully adjustable coilovers. You won’t be second guessing this car's capabilities any time soon. This Cobra is certainly not for the faint of heart - in the owner's words, “there is no car more life affirming or exhilarating to drive than this”. And quite frankly, we believe him.

Summary

A proper, well sorted, aluminium bodied Cobra that will undoubtedly gather crowds wherever it goes - especially of those in the know of Cobra history.

This is a true race car for the road - so be under no impression it will be anything else. It’s loud, rowdy and barbarian in the wet. But honestly - that’s exactly how this car should be.

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