1999 AC 302 Michel Cobra

1999 MICHEL MOTORSPORT COBRA COMPETITION ROADSTER
REGISTRATION NO. UCA 565 D
CHASSIS NO. LT04PE196173C
* Registered as a 'Michel Motorsport' on V5C
* The second of six built
* 5. 0-litre Ford V8 engine
* Endorsed and signed by Carroll Shelby and Phil Hill
* Left-hand drive
* Recent MOT

Notes
Believed built in the 1990s, and first registered in 1999, this unique and rare Cobra replica was ordered and specified by Michael Aguilar in the mid-1990s, and is the second of six such Cobras built at the Michel Motorsport factory. A long-standing member of the Philippines' Manila Sports Car Club, Mr Aguilar enjoyed the car for many years, competing at numerous events where 'UCA 565D' performed consistently on the track and at other events.

This authentic Cobra has an interesting history and is registered on an age-related 1966-period 'D' plate. Prior to road registration it was endorsed and signed by Carroll Shelby and Phil Hill when they visited the Michel Motorsport team at the Manila Sports Car Club in 1998. Their signatures are well protected on the inside the aluminium glove box. It is believed that only a handful of Cobras have been signed by both these motor sports legends. Written confirmation from Michel and the MSCC is on file regarding car's history and Shelby/ Hill connection.

On 9th January 2001, Mr Alexander Gray of Makati City purchased the Cobra from Mr Aguilar and continued to enjoy it on the Philippines until 2005 when a move back to Scotland forced him to sell the car. Since then, 'UCA 565D' has travelled the globe, being owned in Scotland, England, Wales. Portugal, Spain, France, and Belgium throughout two and a half decades.

This factory-built Cobra has a very well-engineered chassis and Rose-jointed suspension, and was constructed with strict attention to detail as a faithful reproduction of the original. Offered in excellent condition, the car features a tidy engine bay containing a 302ci (5. 0-litre) Ford V8 Cleveland engine dating from 1969. The latter is equipped with a Edelbrock Performer inlet manifold, 4-barrel Holley carburettor, new 157 flywheel, new Powermaster starter motor, new MSD ignition control, and a Holley fuel pump. Power is transmitted via a Ford four-speed manual gearbox. Other noteworthy features include period harnesses, steering wheel, dash, controls, and seats; and an alloy riveted cockpit and boot. Painted in the period Cobra Silver, the body boasts a riveted power bulge bonnet, Quick Jack rear bumpers, and custom tonneau cover.

In 2016/ 2017 full rebuilds of the engine and brakes were carried out, and the drive shaft seals replaced. Camber, tracking, and timing adjustments were checked, the Hallibrand wheels restored, and brand new Avon CR6ZZ tyres fitted.
In 2018 the transmission was re-built, driveshaft replaced and the rear diff refurbished and re-built as part of ongoing maintenance, not because of any found faults.
The rev counter was not working and I have just had this returned having been ?updated? and modernised to work with the msd ignition control.
This magnificent Cobra is ready to be enjoyed. Accompanying documentation consists of bills for recent work; some original Michel documentation, bills of sale, notarised deeds, etc; a V5C Registration Certificate; and a quantity of expired MoTs. Possessing a pleasing patina, 'UCA 565D' represents a unique opportunity to own what is believed to be the only Michel Cobra in Europe. A very usable and truly crowd-pleasing car.
I have absolutely loved owning her but a recent addition to the family is limiting my time to be able to use her and I believe cars are there to be driven and enjoyed not parked up in a garage. An absolute crowd pleaser and raring to go.