AC Owners Club Forum

AC Owners Club Forum => General Forum => Topic started by: Baz on December 25, 2016, 16:36:48

Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: Baz on December 25, 2016, 16:36:48: Many years after being given lifts in a cobra in the 60s I finally am resident in one place with some disposable capital and in a position to indulge my fantasy. With the price and scarcity of original models, I would appreciate some guidance on which is the best and nearest to the original of the continuation ,replica , new builds ,that are available and would not see me drummed out of the regiment if I turned up in one. Any comments biased or unbiased cloud be appreciated . Thanks in advance
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: Baz on December 25, 2016, 21:06:55: Sorry typo should say would be appreciated .
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: rsk289 on December 26, 2016, 15:59:20: Hi Baz,
   You might want to take a look at the 289 Register forum:

   http://www.the289register.com/phpBB3/index.php

   Roger
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: Bill P on December 26, 2016, 18:55:26: Baz
   Superformance 427 fibreglass, factory built, ready to run £70/80k
   Kirkham 289/FIA 289/427, buy as a kit, built up on the road, £80/100k
   Fibreglass replica kits built £20/50k see www.totalheadturners.com
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: nikbj68 on December 26, 2016, 21:32:43: Hi Barry, and welcome.
   What a nice position to be in.
   A lot depends on which Regiment's Dinners you wish to attend!
   Realistically, the Autokraft/AC MkIV/Superblower/CRS are the only 'latterday' Cobras that would be welcomed to an ACOC event, but you need to actually view some cars, and decide what is more important to you.
   Ditto Bill & Roger's comments.
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: administrator on December 27, 2016, 09:29:20: One of our members built a very nice Kirkham for himself a while ago. When he had finished, he said could have bought a Mk IV for the same money - prices are quite variable so it's worth keeping an eye open. The general consensus is that the build quality of the Mk IV is the best of all ACs.
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: paho on December 27, 2016, 10:13:34: My intention was to self-build but my son-in-law and his father thought I should buy a second-hand car that was a "runner". I found an AC on Car and Classic which was also advertised on the forum. I now own an AC which I use and enjoy while restoring slowly plus I gained 18 months of enjoyment by not building myself.
/Paho
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: Bill P on December 27, 2016, 11:22:28: Baz

   More thoughts, if buying a built kit car be sure to give it a thorough check over. Also, check the ID on the car.

   The Autocraft Mk IV, etc are good cars and are ACs.........

   I forgot to mention Hawk Cars as they provide 289 replicas rather than the 427 shape provided by most other kit car manufacturers

   You will find Gerry Hawkridge of Hawk Cars and Nigel Hulme of Superformance UK most helpful

   "You makes your choice and you pays your money"
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: BE774 on December 27, 2016, 19:43:30: Barry,

   If you build a kit it will need to pass the SVA type approval test, which requires all sorts of deviations from the real Cobra specification. If buying a built or partially finished kit, make sure it complies with the regulations so it can be registered, or it could cost you a fair bit of money to make it comply.

   AC CRS Cobras usually sell in the £40k to £50k range; AC MkIVs perhaps double that, and Lightweight MkIVs perhaps treble.

   Finished Hawk replicas possibly in the £25k to £40k range.

   Other kits from £5k to £50k, excluding the exact replicas such as Kirkhams.

   Hope that helps. Good luck!

   These are all rough guide prices, but give you an idea.
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: Baz on December 28, 2016, 18:03:05: Thanks everybody great help anymore thoughts keep them coming Baz
Title: Continuation/replica/ new builds
Post by: peterpjb on December 28, 2016, 20:39:47: "nearest to the original" means original style frame, orignal style suspension and aluminium body: available only from Kirkham and DB

"continuation car" means nearest to the original and original manufacturer: available only from Shelby American Inc.; CSX 6000 (Cobra 427), CSX 7000 (Cobra 289 FIA), CSX 8000 (Cobra 289 street) and AC Cars LTD ( Heritage Series, Cobra 260)