Lot Ended
Description
Only 21,600 miles from build and 7.500 miles on fresh 400ci V8
engine; Tremec 5-speed gearbox; huge history file; superb condition; a
spectacular car in all departments
Over the years, many firms
have had a go at producing AC Cobra replicas, but one name has always stood out
above the rest: DAX. In business for over 50 years, they have established a fine
reputation for the quality of their kits which give far superior ride and
handling characteristics compared to most of their rivals.
No real
surprise as the director of engineering at DAX was none other than John Tojeiro,
designer of the original and brilliant AC Ace chassis back in 1953, later used
to great effect in the legendary AC Cobra of the mid-1960s – basically an Ace
with a massive American V8 shoehorned under the
bonnet.
This wonderful DAX is a
replica of the Cobra Le Mans cars with a fastback hardtop, the rear windscreen
lifting up hatchback-style to allow access to the boot and the Le
Mans-style fuel filler cap mounted on the rear deck behind the driver’s seat.
Built by a previous owner in 2002, it comes with three box files of
history to document the build, subsequent maintenance and upgrades so we can
only give you the briefest summary here.
Originally fitted with a Chevy
350ci V8 and a Tremec TKO 5-speed gearbox, other features include: stainless
steel roll-over bar and seat hoops; halogen headlamps; interior professionally
trimmed in white leather by Touch of Class Upholstery of Mid-Glamorgan; Willans
Supersport harnesses; 17” Halibrand wheels; stainless steel side-exit
exhausts.
In July 2018 when it had
covered just under 14k miles, the car was sent to Thunder Road Cars of Cheshunt
for a major upgrade and professional check-over which cost £9,858. This included
ditching the 350ci engine in favour of a fully rebuilt Chevy 400ci (6,600cc)
short block high performance ‘Bowtie’ unit, with Eagle forged crank and Eagle
H-beam rods – “good for 600bhp” according to the invoice.
The top end was also rebuilt at the same time with various
performance upgrades, vapour blasting of the inlet manifold, new Holley carb and
secondary carb, new high-torque starter motor, new alternator, high performance
clutch kit etc.
Aside from routine servicing,
other invoices of note include:
August 2020 new Pirelli
Cinturato 235/45/17 front tyres at c.15k miles
March 2021
suspension set up and corner-weighted by Avit Motorsport of Notts
August 2021 differential rebuilt at a cost of
£1,725
October 2021 independent rear
suspension overhauled and set up by Jaguar specialists M&C Wilkinson of
Doncaster at a cost of £3,730
June 2022 new rear Michelin
Pilot Sport 255/45/17 tyres at c.19k miles
As you can see in the photos,
this Cobra replica looks absolutely spectacular and has only covered 21,624
miles since it was built 24 years ago, and only 7,500 miles on the freshly
rebuilt 400ci engine. We are told that it is currently producing around 450bhp
with scope for plenty more if desired.
We are also told that it
drives as well as it looks, being ferociously quick when required but perfectly
docile in traffic. Starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around
on site, it has an MOT until May 2027 with no advisories recorded.
Supplied with a large history file and two sets of keys, this Cobra
replica is ready for a new owner to enjoy right away. With jaw-dropping looks
and an earth-shaking exhaust note, it will draw crowds of admirers wherever it
goes.
Consigned by James
Dennison – 07970 309907 – [email protected]