Highlights
- Outstanding history file
- Built and maintained by the current owner
- Pontiac ‘400’ 6.6-litre engine
- Borg Warner Super T-10 transmission
The Appeal
If you’re in the market for a top-class replica of the ever-loved Shelby Cobra, the Dax 427 is the one that usually fits the bill. Dax, formerly known as Tojeiro, have remained the undisputed market for more than 30 years, and have steadily and continuously improved upon the product with a painstaking attention to detail. Manufactured from a robust multi-tube box-section chassis, extensively braced, and shod in a gel-coat finished GRP body, hand laminated in high-heat distribution resin. The result is an extremely rigid finished product, accurately depicting the handsome appearance of the Cobra from all angles.
The Dax presented here was built by the current owner between the years of 1995 to 1997, and carries with it a tremendous amount of paperwork relating to the parts purchased from DJ Sportscars to make this project a reality. Hard work, dedication and continuous love and appreciation has led to this lovely example being presented in excellent condition to this day, ready for its next adventure with a new custodian.
The History and Paperwork
- The first orders to DJ Sportscars on the 12th of August 1995
- Build completion in 1997
- Vehicle registered on the 1st of September 1997 with the DVLA
- Invoices from DJ Sportscars continue for the Dax all the way up until 2008
- V5C present and correct, ready for transfer of ownership
- MOT certificates present
- All previous MOT’s online show clean passes from 2009 up until present day, absolutely no advisories to be seen
- Meticulous maintenance undertaken by the keeper to ensure the vehicle stays in great order, and it shows!
- Original Dax construction manual present, along with other Dax booklets
- Two original keys
The Interior
- Dax luxury trim kit
- Fibreglass dashboard with glove box, trimmed with green leather
- Moto-lita steering wheel with black leather trim
- Dark green carpets
Every Dax is different. It’s up to the owner of the vehicle to make it their own, and to build it to their own standards - thankfully the owner of this lovely example had rather high standards to meet, resulting in a very well built cockpit that's pleasing to look at.
Opening the driver side door we’re welcomed to a sea of light green leather and dark green carpet, quite the contrast to the dark exterior, however it appears rather luxurious for a kit car. Both seats are well presented, both showing some gentle signs of use which is common of any leather, but show no signs of any damage or rips throughout and all of the stitching appears to remain intact. Ahead of the driver seat, the Moto-Lita steering wheel remains excellent, good leather condition and the metal three-spoke centre shows good brightwork.
Across the dashboard it appears to all be well kept, trimmed in a matching leather to the seats. All of the gauges are reported to function properly with no temperamental issues, and the switchgear all remains functional too. This Dax is fitted with the optional dashboard glove box lid, which also appears trimmed in the same leather as the dashboard - a very factory looking finish, expertly done. The lines of the dashboard flow around onto the top of the door cards, which again present themselves rather well. The leather shows some very gentle hints of age, more so on the passenger side beside the door latch.
All of the carpets appear in good shape, both on the floors and over the transmission tunnel where the elegant gear shifter and a stowed away fire extinguisher rests. There are some designs of use as to be expected but no damage to shout about.
Over all, this Dax is rather well built - most examples end up stripped out with no comforting aura, but not here. The cockpit remains an exciting and comfortable place to be, with a striking colourway. It truly sets it apart from the rest of them.
The Exterior
- Black exterior with white ‘Shelby’ stripes
- Handsome brightwork
- Stainless steel side exit exhausts
- ‘Centreline’ Style wheels
Striking, aggressive, with a purposeful stance. The Cobra has always been an attractive bit of eye candy, therefore these replica cars are exactly that. Dax remains to be one of the most popular UK kit car manufacturers for nearly 40 years, due to extensive technical specification and accuracy in the bodywork - this is the closest most of us will get to owning the real thing.
At the front of the Dax, the paintwork does show signs of use with scattered stone chips and some scuffs on the lower part of the bummer, just under the central intake. The body panels here appear in good shape, and remain in place with a sturdy feel. Brightwork on the bumper bars and around the main headlights appear to be well maintained, with only some minor age related marks - the lights themselves appear to be free from any damage and remain entirely functional.
Moving around to the side of the sportster, our eyes are instantly drawn to the aggressive side-mounted exhaust pipes protruding from the hearty engine underneath the skin. A real indication of power. Paintwork around the sides looks to be in good shape, with no apparent damage apart from the normal stone chips in areas. The doors appear to fit quite well with consistent shut lines around the seams.
All four alloy wheels look to be in good shape, there are some hints of age and could use a bit of polish to bring them back to life. All the wheels are shod in Pirelli P600 tyres which are reported to be in good condition.
To the rear of the vehicle much of the story remains the same, some stone chips are spotted and the paintwork could use a little polish - but then again, pretty much all black cars could. The light housings are all intact and are functional, and the brightwork on the bumper bars is lovely and bright.
The tonneau cover is present as well as the soft top cover and the removable side windows - everything looks to be excellent with no rips or tears throughout and excellent stitching.
The Mechanics
- 6.6-litre Pontiac 400 V8 engine
- Manual four-speed T-10 transmission
- Jaguar XJ6 suspension and axles
- 2.88:1 Powerlock rear differential
As is the case with most of these lovely sportsters, it’s outfitted with a lump of a V8 engine upfront producing a healthy amount of power, as well as a healthy amount of noise to go with it. The owner has fitted a Pontiac 400, which is a 6.6-litre V8 from a 1976 Pontiac Trans Am Formula 400, which thanks to its production years makes it one of the more reliable and stronger cast blocks. Mated to a Borg Warner Super T-10 4-speed manual transmission and a 2.88:1 Powerlock rear differential, it makes for a smooth and driver engaging experience.
Fitted with Jaguar XJ6 Series 3 suspension and axles, and GAZ shock absorbers the drive remains as comfortable as it does exciting. Corsa B EPAS power assisted steering with speed variable controls makes for easy manoeuvrability, too.
The engine has been outfitted with an Edelbrock Performer Intake and camshaft, with a Holley Street Avenger carburettor and stainless steel tubular headers. MSD electronic ignition, a high-torque starter motor and a high power alternator keep things ticking along excellently.
The owner has religiously maintained this vehicle, ensuring that it remains in great mechanical order for any amount of driving thrown at it. As can be seen from the outstanding MOT history, the car has never been in any spot of bother thanks to careful and loving enthusiast ownership.
Summary
This handsome kit-car is one admirable symbol of dedication. Purchased, built and maintained by the same keeper, you can be sure that this has been a cherished example, and the decision won’t have come lightly to sell it on.
Any enthusiast would be lucky to own such a well cared for Dax, with a mountain of paperwork along with it showing the progression over the years. A true needle in a haystack.
BEFORE YOU BUY
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