Description
RAM Cobra Replica 1986 – Adrian Reynard – Rover V8 230 bhp – One of Europe’s most authentic and rare RAMs
There are hundreds of Cobra replicas. And there are RAM Automotive. For enthusiasts, they represent the very best that’s been done in the world of Cobra replicas. Not only in terms of build quality, but above all because their design is entirely different from the other creations of the era.
Built in England by RAM Automotive, this Cobra Replica was first registered in 1986. Today it’s an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a car that’s both technically outstanding and administratively spot-on.
A real RAM Automotive
Unlike the majority of Cobra replicas, which are based on a simple ladder-frame chassis, RAM has a proper tubular chassis designed and developed by Adrian Reynard—an imaginative engineer who would, a few years later, become one of the big names in Formula 1. This chassis is one of RAM’s hallmarks. Its exceptional rigidity, low weight and particularly well-resolved design deliver remarkable on-road precision, to the point where many specialists consider a RAM’s road manners to be superior to those of many original Cobras.
The body is made in double-skin fibreglass. The front suspension features double wishbones paired with fully adjustable height-and-damper-rate coilover units. At the rear, you’ll find a Jaguar independent setup with brakes mounted close to the differential—also with four adjustable coilovers. A 3. 88:1 limited-slip differential completes a package engineered to provide exceptional road behaviour.
RAM also worked hard on safety:
* fuel tank integrated into the chassis behind the seats;
* numerous crash-energy absorption zones;
* particularly robust tubular structure.
We’re a long way from a simple home-made replica.
A chassis-backed engine
The aluminium Rover V8 develops around 230 horsepower and just 920 kg. It features in particular:
* Holley four-barrel carburettor;
* Offenhauser inlet manifold;
* Hurricane camshaft (Real Steel);
* high-pressure hydraulic lifters;
* 5-speed mechanical gearbox;
* twin lateral 4-into-1 exhaust.
The result is spectacular: an extremely lively, torquey and light car, with a sound that’s simply unforgettable.
A presentation true to Shelby spirit
Its gorgeous Cobalt Blue Metallic paintwork perfectly highlights the Cobra’s timeless lines. It comes equipped with:
* polished Halibrand 15-inch wheels;
* Bridgestone tyres;
* grey leather trim with a beautiful original patina;
* anthracite grey carpeting;
* bespoke instrumentation, including a standout custom-built anti-hourmeter marked in km/ h.
A brand-new, correctly reproduced hood tops it off, along with genuine AC side screens currently being finished by the trimmer.
Its biggest trump card: exceptional paperwork status
For a discerning enthusiast, this is probably the single most important point. This RAM is today registered on a French Carte Grise Collection. But more importantly, its registration documents state precisely what it really is:
Make: RAM
Model: Cobra Replica
That perfect match between the manufacturer, model, chassis number and administrative paperwork has become extremely rare. Many Cobra replicas on the French market have, over the decades, faced complex administrative situations: identity changes, registrations under another make, or files whose traceability is sometimes incomplete.
This can make selling on, inspection/ assessment, or certain administrative procedures more complicated—and can become particularly problematic in the event of a major claim requiring a thorough check that the vehicle complies.
With this RAM, the buyer gets an automobile whose identity is perfectly consistent with its original build, offering a level of peace of mind rarely found on this market.
A benchmark among Cobra replicas
RAM Automotive is widely recognised as having produced one of the best Cobra replicas ever built. Its Adrian Reynard-signed chassis, the quality of its construction, its exceptional road manners and its history mean it’s now among the most sought-after replicas.
And there’s one more historic fact, seldom mentioned: the RAM Cobra was the only Cobra Replica to receive, in its day, Carroll Shelby’s recognition and approval.
The examples that bring together all these qualities have become extremely difficult to find.
This car is aimed above all at a true enthusiast looking for a genuine RAM Automotive…
