AK 427 Cobra Roadster
Registration no. not currently registered
Chassis no. AKG2CPB0111427143

Rightly regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the muscular, fire-breathing Cobra succeeded in capturing the hearts of enthusiasts like few of its contemporaries. Only 1,000-or-so Cobras of all types were built between 1962 and 1967, but such was the model's enduring popularity that production was resumed in 1982 under the auspices of Brooklands-based Autokraft.

In parallel with Autokraft's 'official' MkIV version, a worldwide cottage industry of replica-builders emerged to satisfy the continuing demand for the legendary Cobra, making it arguably the most popular 'kit car' of all time.

The car offered here is in the popular Cobra 427 style and has been built by the vendor using a kit from long-established and highly respected 'fake snake' specialists AK Sportscars Ltd of Peterborough, purchased in January 2011. Constructed over the last three years, it incorporates a ladder-frame chassis and Jaguar XJ40 (XJ6) running gear, while the power unit is a 383ci (6.3-litre) Chevrolet 'stroker' V8. The latter was built on a reconditioned 1978 cylinder block by Huddart Engines of Crewe, specialists in American V8s, using otherwise all new components. Other noteworthy features include a Tremec TKO 500 five-speed manual gearbox, Salisbury limited-slip differential, 18" Image wheels, and a stainless steel engine bay and ancillaries. The car is not quite finished, the vendor advising us that the interior is '90% complete' and the electrics '85% complete' with only a few items requiring attention. The vendor further advises us that all components are fully compliant with the requirements of the UK's Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) regulations. The Cobra comes with a V5 registration document for the Jaguar donor car to assist with its registration.