Kirkham 427S/C and AC MKIV

[Jim Engel]

Hello everyone,
   
   Just joined this site and enjoy the information on it.
   Been a Cobra owner for over 20 years.
   Have a AC MKIV and a Kirkham 427 S/C
   
   AK1201
   KMP026
   
   Jim

[dkp_cobra]

Hi Jim,
   
   what would you say what is the main difference between these two cars for you? The look, the way how they drive, the quality of build?
   
   Regards, Peter

[Jim Engel]

Hi Peter,
   
   The two Cobra`s are different in many ways.
   
   The MK IV is what I call user freindly, a 1987 model
   with fuel injection and it looks like a 427 street model.
   The ride is smoother, and with power brakes a much easier
   car to operate.The workmanship as far as paint and interior
   are excellent. I purchased this car new and i am the orginal
   owner.
   The Kirkham 427 S/C is carburated, and not having a choke with
   a pretty desend cam makes starting it when cold a technique,
   after that no problem. When running the sound alone will
   scare you the death.
   The ride is firmer and the brakes require more foot pressure
   because of the girling s/c brakes. Their is noting like it,
   when you are driving a 427 Cobra.
   I bought a rolling chassis from Kirkham and built this car
   myself. Their aluminum bodies are the best, and all the parts
   that they manufactuer are excellent.
   I could go on about these two Cobra`s forever but I`am not,
   I enjoy them both in diffence ways.
   
   Regards,
   Jim
   AK1201
   KMP026

[Emmanueld]

I know I will make the MKIV people unhappy again (and for that I apologize) but there is nothing like a real MKIII since it is what the Kirkham is minus the CSX number of course. For all intent and purpose, a properly built Kirkham with a proper 427 engine drives like the original car. There is nothing like it. The MKIV is much more sophisticated but is also a very tamed car and the original kick in the pants, wild ride feel is gone, too much weight and not enough power, it feels like a TR6 with 2 more cylinders. The original is a driver's car, a wild ride and the Autocraft is for a nice quiet Sunday afternoon ride with the wife. Actually, come to think of it, my 428 now drives and feel pretty much like a Cobra with a little less wind and more comfort. Power wise it is not that far from the Kirkham which engine was dynoed at 500hp and 550Lbs of torque at 3200 RPM.
   
   Emmanuel []
   CFX054
   EX KMP207
   EX AK02

[dkp_cobra]

As a MK IV driver I have no problem to hear that a MK IV doesn't drive like a MK III. To tell the truth I am happy about that because I believe that I am not such a good driver to ride a beast like a MK III with a 427 on a sunday afternoon with my wife at my side.
   
   Even Shelby said about a MK IV in an interview that it's the same car he built 25 years ago but with hellish less power. But there are things they (Brain Angliss) have improved. But it is still a car of fun for the weekend. (I read this in the german magazin: "Motor Klassik 11/1987).
   
   Regards, Peter

[Jim Engel]

http://s248.photobucket.com/albums/gg192/jimengel_photos/?action=viewÂ

[nikbj68]

For and on behalf of Jim Engel!
   
   

[Jim Engel]

Hi Nikbj68,
   
   Thank-you for posting my two pictures, I have to learn how to post them that way.
   
   JIM
   KMP026
   AK1201

[nikbj68]

Posting photos info Here, 5th post down. []

   I spy a Boss Pony in your stable too! Very nice.
       

[Gus Meyjes]

Aren't Kirkhams just da bomb?!
   
   
   
   Gus KMP411,AEX674

[Emmanueld]

Gus, great cars!
   
   To end this topic, we are all AC and car enthusiasts. Original ACs' have become very pricey and out of reach to many. Even Mark-IVs and Kirkhams are now out of reach to many as well. So let's not put down people who are trying to share a bit of fun. I think we should welcome everybody who wishes to share their passion for AC cars this will keep the brand alive for many years to come and keep these pages more lively.
   
   We all share the same passion after all!
   Emmanuel[]

[cobham cobra]

Err....well said Emmanuel,
   Are you feeling OK [?]
   []