Continuation/replica/ new builds

[Baz]

Many years after being given lifts in a cobra in the 60s I finally am resident in one place with some disposable capital and in a position to indulge my fantasy. With the price and scarcity of original models, I would appreciate some guidance on which is the best and nearest to the original of the continuation ,replica , new builds ,that are available and would not see me drummed out of the regiment if I turned up in one. Any comments biased or unbiased cloud be appreciated . Thanks in advance

[Baz]

Sorry typo should say would be appreciated .

[rsk289]

Hi Baz,
   You might want to take a look at the 289 Register forum:
   
   http://www.the289register.com/phpBB3/index.php
   
   Roger

[Bill P]

Baz
   Superformance 427 fibreglass, factory built, ready to run £70/80k
   Kirkham 289/FIA 289/427, buy as a kit, built up  on the road, £80/100k
   Fibreglass replica kits built £20/50k see www.totalheadturners.com

[nikbj68]

Hi Barry, and welcome.
   What a nice position to be in.
   A lot depends on which Regiment's Dinners you wish to attend!
   Realistically, the Autokraft/AC MkIV/Superblower/CRS are the only 'latterday' Cobras that would be welcomed to an ACOC event, but you need to actually view some cars, and decide what is more important to you.
   Ditto Bill & Roger's comments.

[administrator]

One of our members built a very nice Kirkham for himself a while ago.  When he had finished, he said could have bought a Mk IV for the same money - prices are quite variable so it's worth keeping an eye open.  The general consensus is that the build quality of the Mk IV is the best of all ACs.

[paho]

My intention was to self-build but my son-in-law and his father thought I should buy a second-hand car that was a "runner". I found an AC on Car and Classic which was also advertised on the forum. I now own an AC which I use and enjoy while restoring slowly plus I gained 18 months of enjoyment by not building myself.
   /Paho

[Bill P]

Baz
   
   More thoughts, if buying a built kit car be sure to give it a thorough check over.  Also, check the ID on the car.
   
   The Autocraft  Mk IV, etc are good cars and are ACs.........
   
   I forgot to mention Hawk Cars as they provide 289 replicas rather than the 427 shape provided by most other kit car manufacturers
   
   You will find Gerry Hawkridge of Hawk Cars and Nigel Hulme of Superformance UK most helpful
   
   "You makes your choice and you pays your money"

[BE774]

Barry,
   
   If you build a kit it will need to pass the SVA type approval test, which requires all sorts of deviations from the real Cobra specification. If buying a built  or partially finished kit, make sure it complies with the regulations so it can be registered, or it could cost you a fair bit of money to make it comply.
   
   AC CRS Cobras usually sell in the £40k to £50k range; AC MkIVs perhaps double that, and Lightweight MkIVs perhaps treble.
   
   Finished Hawk replicas possibly in the £25k to £40k range.
   
   Other kits from £5k to £50k, excluding the exact replicas such as Kirkhams.
   
   Hope that helps. Good luck!
   
   These are all rough guide prices, but give you an idea.

[Baz]

Thanks everybody great help anymore thoughts keep them coming Baz

[peterpjb]

"nearest to the original" means original style frame, orignal style suspension and aluminium body: available only from Kirkham and DB
   
   "continuation car" means nearest to the original and original manufacturer: available only from Shelby American Inc.; CSX 6000 (Cobra 427), CSX 7000 (Cobra 289 FIA), CSX 8000 (Cobra 289 street) and AC Cars LTD ( Heritage Series, Cobra 260)