Another Unidentified Cobra

[rstainer]

Aaron Gee sent me this photograph of an FIA Cobra testing at Silverstone three weeks ago:
   
   
   
   The cobra is in the style of 39 PH (CS 2131), owned by Jon Minshaw from 02 to 06. 2131's current owner has no knowledge of the car pictured above.
   
   The car's door reads 'Alan Minshaw' but the Minshaws haven't replied to a car identity enquiry.
   
   I'd much appreciate any information that Forum users have or can acquire.
   
   RS

[shep]

I saw 39 PH today, and it is alive and well, and currently in Byfleet. Aarons's Silverstone shot looks lovely, but it looks awful new and shiny!

[TLegate]

Somebody brought 39PH for breeding purposes?

[nikbj68]

quote:Originally posted by TLegate: Somebody brought 39PH for breeding purposes?

Well you would, wouldn`t you? Breeding stock don`t come much better!
   Andy, there aren`t many Cobras that don`t look new & shiny, even the old ones!
   Most of the racers look better than new(even the old ones) as they are so pampered compared to their used'n'abused life in period.
   Hopefully I might get some info at Cholmondeley, if not before. [:)]

[rstainer]

The car is owned by Alan Minshaw and looked after by Valley Motorsport, Wrexham. Valley grew out of  the Demon Tweeks in house race team, Demon being the Minshaw family business.
   
   It would be good if this string could be be kept fairly close its question (information about the Minshaw cobra)and not diverted with philosophical speculation or other observations.
   
   RS

[aaron]

I would like to point out that I did not take the photo.

[TLegate]

Nice to know I'm becoming philosophical in my old age! I'm been accused of many things in my time, but that's a new one....
   
   Sorry - sliding off track again - bad habit. If I discover anything of a factual nature, I shall return.

[nikbj68]

Another shot of the Minshaw Cobra, on track this time, taken from the Sportscar Digest report on the test day:
   
   

[aaron]

I think we have now established this is a 39PH lookalike replica.

[nikbj68]

Have we? What more do we know than in June?

[rstainer]

The register (on the website) sets out the known facts. Aaron's observation is correct.

[nick Godridge]

There are so many "replicas/copies/ressurections/continuations/ registered as historic vehicles" around around that I sometimes wonder what the name AC actually means and if it has any value when it comes to Cobra's.
   I fully understand and the desire to make money and expand a limited supply, but the secrecy around some vehicles, and what seem to me to be deliberate attempts to blur the issue of manufactured date with "historic vehicle registrations" is depressing.
   So much so I sometimes think I should dump my MK1V as being a product of an industry trend that disturbs me greatly.
   For a long time believer in originality and AC enthusiast, its a depressing situation.

[shep]

I've heard that Prozac works well on depression! Seriously though, there will always be those who attempt to turn their home made replicas into bundles of cash, by fudging the truth. It is not just ACs though, as Aston Martins, Ferraris, Jaguars, Bentleys etc all suffer from the same problem. Even buying a MK1 Ford Escort Mexico requires much research as a real one costs 5 times the price of a replica. Then there are fake watches, and perfumes, not to mention ladies handbags and branded clothing. All manufacturers fight hard to protect their brands, but in this world of Eastern sweat shops, it gets more difficult each day. I suggest doing your homework, buying from a reputable seller, and enjoying the fruits of your labours. After you with the Prozac

[TLegate]

Not sure I understand why owning a genuine AC Cobra (MkIV et al) is depressing. I would own one because I want one to drive and because I would enjoy the experience. The fact there are a few less less-than-honest people who attempt to profit from the marque would never deter me. I now know there are dishonest people in every profession, starting at the top level down...but 'twas ever thus!

[rstainer]

FIA Cobra replicas (including clones) are not made 'to make money' or 'attempt to profit' - there's no money in it at all. They are built for two reasons:

To have much better race performance - a well-constructed replica/clone can be 100kg lighter, 300% stiffer and 50+bhp more powerful than a Cobra in correct period FIA specification

To enable more aggressive racing by using more expendable machinery.

   I don't believe that any user of an FIA replica/clone would add to this list or shorten it. Further, a replica/clone cannot be passed of as an original to a careful buyer; all that's required is a thirty second look at the ACOC or SAAC register.
   
   Finally, any ideas about the Minshaw cobra? I don't think it was raced at all this year.