What Cobra for up to £150k?

[Chimi]

Hi everyone,
   I am new to the forum and am looking for some general guidance on what Cobra to purchase?
   
   I am in the fortunate position of having up to £150k to invest in the right car. My research takes me towards a MKIV Lightweight but the MKIII 427's also look interesting.
   
   I would not be looking to restore and have limited mechanical engineering experience (which was tested as a prior TVR owner) and so would want a car that is generally quite reliable but also well supported by third-party garages in the South East.
   
   Any guidance would be much appreciated.

[BE774]

For that budget you should be able to find a Mk IV Lightweight, or alternatively if you have the room, a standard Mk IV plus a CRS. Or a Superblower. I think those are your only options.

[BBK]

quote:Originally posted by BE774
   
For that budget you should be able to find a Mk IV Lightweight, or alternatively if you have the room, a standard Mk IV plus a CRS. Or a Superblower. I think those are your only options.
   

   
   You should check out this Mk. IV Lightweight for sale in the U.S.
   
   http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Shelby-AC-Cobra-MKIV-Lightweight-by-Autokraft-/282560716547

[MkIV Lux]

quote:Originally posted by Chimi
   
Hi everyone,
   ....
   I am in the fortunate position of having up to £150k to invest in the right car. My research takes me towards a MKIV Lightweight but the MKIII 427's also look interesting.
   
   ....
   

   
   Welcome to this Forum, Chris,
   
   Guess you are looking for a genuine AC Cobra?
   As mentioned before, in the AC Cobra type models you find:
   - AC Cobra Mk IV (aluminium body) generally 302 ci carburettor or EFI but also 427 ci; chassis # prefix AK
   - AC Cobra Mk IV Lightweight (aluminium body) - lighter version with specific features; chassis # prefix AKL
   - AC Cobra Superblower (supercharged 302 ci) chassis # prefix ACG and ACSB
   - AC Mk IV CRS (Carbon Road Series = carbon fibre body 302 ci EFI) chassis # prefix CRS
   - AC 212 (Lotus V8 212 ci twin turbo charged - only 3 produced) chassis # prefix CRS(L)
   - AC Mk V (composite body, 302 ci EFI, only a couple produced in Malta)
   
   Would be interested to know what your understanding is of a MkIII 427?
   
   Currently you find a few LHD Mk IVs on the German and French market within the range of you budget.
   If you need more advice, feel free to ask.
   Cheers
   Constant

[Chimi]

Thanks for the feedback so far.
   
   The US Lightweight looks a nice car from the photos but would prefer right hand drive if possible.
   
   My understanding of the MKIII 427 was the Superblower variant although I would prefer a genuine aluminium body AC and I understand that the Autokraft variants are as good as you will get to an original?
   
   This one looks nice but above my budget!
   
   http://www.redlineclassiccars.co.uk/ac-cobra-lightweight-green

[BE774]

An asking price is only an asking price...

[MkIV Lux]

quote:Originally posted by Chimi
   
Thanks for the feedback so far.
   
   My understanding of the MKIII 427 was the Superblower variant although I would prefer a genuine aluminium body AC and I understand that the Autokraft variants are as good as you will get to an original?
   
   
   

   A Mk IV 429 is currently available inn France

[westcott]

I don't know what it is, must be something in between...plate shows COX 6503, COX started with 61xx
   
   https://suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=241296891&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&isSearchRequest=true&makeModelVariant1.makeId=203&pageNumber=3&scopeId=C

[MkIV Lux]

quote:Originally posted by westcott
   
I don't know what it is, must be something in between...plate shows COX 6503, COX started with 61xx
   
   ..
   

   
   .. and ended with 61yy
   
   no clue where this COX 65.. originates from

[SB7019]

Constant.
   
   I presume that the mk3 427 reference is to the AC built "Continuation" cars. If considering one of these people should check that there are not any issues with the DVLA regarding their status.
   
   Chimi.
   
   The US car does not appear to be a "proper" lightweight and looks more like a standard MK IV with some modifications.
   
   The Superblower is a MK IV with 302 ( not 427 ) engine plus Supercharger.  The interior has significant "improvements" that are not to everyone's taste.  If considering one of these you need to check if the fuel system and sensor placements have been modified to overcome underfueling issues that the car has in ex factory form.
   
   Good luck with your hunt - all variants can provide a tremendous level of enjoyment and their relative simplicity means that they can easily and cheaply maintained. There are quite a few well respected specialists in the South East.

[AC Ventura]

I have a '93 Mk IV. It's not a lightweight and looks like the ebay car. It has the same dash and FI engine. The owners club registry does not appear to support this being a genuine lightweight. AC Heritage could confirm. I though the lightweights had carburettors, 15" wheels and 1960's short nose. Always liked the colour combo, one of the few sports cars black suits.

[BE774]

Chris (Chimi) have you joined the AC Owners' Club? This will give you access to the Registrars and their records, which could save you from making a very expensive mistake.

[ak1040]

Hi I have a 1984 for sale that the factory modified in 89 i live in the south east .it well within your budget and the club knows the car very well ,give me a ring 07955389264  Neil it is AK1040

[Chimi]

I have not joined the owners club yet but thanks for the information.
    Neil - can you share some pics?

[ak1040]

Hi my car is on this room 1 Aug 2013 by Lux4i it is the red one