2007 AK Cobra 5.7L V8 Sportscar

AK Sportscars of Peterborough began in the mid 1980's when two friends, who both had a passion for fine cars, got together. They had the ability to expertly design, mould and craft chassis-up replicas of AC Cobras . What started as a hobby now produces around 40 kits or complete builds of the most well-respected replica Cobra's in the industry every year. The most sought-after replicas being those constructed and tested by the superbly talented AK Sportscar team themselves.

The car offered here today is perhaps one of the finest they have ever created. Registered in 2007, the body parts for this car had actually been crafted some three years earlier. This resulted in them being perfectly settled and this also meant that, when painted, the finish of the Iris Blue paint to the panels was impeccable and the usual waviness that you often see on painted fibreglass was not present. With contrasting Sutton Silver Le Mans stripes and that characterful poised look that Cobras so wonderfully accomplish, this car really is something to behold....and that's before you've even heard it!

The heart of these cars is the engine and that came courtesy of a 5.7 litre Chevrolet V8 small block, originally found in a 300hp Chevy Impala, but with Edelbrock head and Carbs the power output now is closer to 350hp. Benefitting from stainless steel tubular exhaust manifolds, competition cams, hydraulic lifters, billet pulleys, facet fuel pump, stainless steel radiator tank, chrome rocker box with "T' handles, silicon hoses, Aeroquip branded hoses, stainless steel washer bottle and electronic ignition all housed in a stainless steel engine bay, it's a wonder the riveted bonnet fits at all. The gearbox is a Getrag 5-speed manual box, like those favoured by many Jaguar drivers, and also present is Jaguar independent rear suspension. The car has disc brakes all round.

Further benefits that set this Cobra apart are largely in the detail. A powder-coated chassis gives longevity, correct replica Halibrand wheels with Cobra-badged spinners give "the look', as does a stainless fuel tank, stainless steel twin roll hoops bolted to the chassis (but removable if preferred/brave enough), stainless side exhaust pipes, glass wind deflectors and blue perspex sun visors, triple wipers, alloy splash plates on the rear wings, Le Mans style alloy filler cap, and of course the obligatory towel-rail stainless steel bumpers front and back with over-riders.

In the cabin you'll find two period-looking, but extremely comfortable, cream leather seats with 4 point Willans harnesses that are capable of accommodating even a very tall driver, blue carpeting, a chrome fire extinguisher, a start button as opposed to key-turn and with the car is a full cabin tonneau. The boot is carpeted with a discreet storage cubby hole, plus battery isolator switch and trickle charge connector.

Purchased by our vendor in February 2011 with only 800 miles from new, the car now shows just 1,850 miles at time of cataloguing and will be sold with current MoT to April 2014, UK V5C registration papers and current road tax meaning that, insurance permitting, she can be driven home from the auction.

Finally, and very importantly, the vendor has instructed that the bespoke license plate "FA51 COB', reading "FAST COB' will accompany this Lot which has a value in itself of more than £5,000... Happy Bidding!