"The B.R.A. (Beribo Replica Automobiles) 289 was the first Cobra replica to be produced in the UK with measurements taken meticulously from an original 289 Cobra. At the heart of the operation were two enlightened engineers, John Berry and Peter Ibbotson from Doncaster. Just 260 were made between 1981 and 1998 so numbers are rare and examples are highly collectable. B.R.A. also manufactured the 427 Cobra from 1984 to 1986 designed by Gerry Hawkridge (of Hawk Cars fame). These are rarer still with only 38 made.
Owned by the previous vendor for over 30 years, this Cobra 427 is presented in stunning metallic Azure Blue with white stripes and contrasting full tan leather interior finished with blue piping. All this sits on, we are told, a rectangular steel tube chassis as per authentic Cobras of the day. Power is from an all-alloy Rover 4.0 litre unit with a four-barrel Weber 500 carburettor on an Edelbrock 'Performer' inlet manifold. The John Eales JE 101 Sports camshaft with higher profiles improve performance further coupled with a five-speed Rover manual gearbox with Jaguar differential, brakes and running gear. The front wheels are shod with 235/60x15 with rears, 95/50x15 tyres, all Cooper Cobra 'E' marked tyres. Bespoke navy mohair all-weather gear, including tonneau, keeps passengers dry and, thankfully, Willans harness keep you strapped in. Well engineered, well built and, well, an all round flabbergasting sportscar to drive."