Keith,
What do you mean by my true colors? I just want to say that since Kirkham is now producing an exact replica leaf springs Cobra, there are probably quite a few parts that are common between an early Cobra and an AC Ace or Bristol. Suspension parts, bushings and even some body parts. So owners of these early car should be able to benefit from this as well. For example, for somebody wishing to install a rack and pinion system for racing.
I owned a MKIV, I drove a couple other, no comparison with the Kirkham. Just open the hood, the whole inner fender system is completely different, open the hood of a Kirkham and it's exactly the same as a MKIII. A couple years ago, I had some engine work done and the car was sitting next to an SC MKIII owned by LA's biggest car collector, his engine was out as well, both cars were identical except that the chassis welds on my car were far cleaner.
I just sold my MKIII Kirkham 427 for almost twice the price of a MKIV here in the US, it is virtually indistinguishable from an original. You can see some pictures of it below. As far the little hardware you mention, it is available everywhere, The smiths instruments, I had them made since the modern cheap plastic parts made today don't resemble the original. The car went to Europe, I am sure the new owner will be as happy as I was.
And Yes, let's face it! What is generating this renewed interest in vintage ACs' lately? It's the Cobra people, with Mark IIIs' going for a $ million + and "Leaf Springs" 1/2 of that, people are now looking at the old ACs'. And this is good, they were really undervalued until recently here in the US and they deserved more.
For anyone interested, this is what a Kirkham looks like under the hood! These pictures taken before I painted the car.
And my MKIV, no comment.
Regards,
Emmanuel [
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