AC Owners Club Forum

AC Owners Club Forum => Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum => Topic started by: Hobo on July 31, 2012, 10:50:33

Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on July 31, 2012, 10:50:33
Dear all,
   
   let me introduce first:
   I’m 55 years old, living in Germany and a Cobra enthusiast for decades.
   I went all the years along with different replicas.
   Until now I was reader (reader-only) of the ACOC-forum for month and I got many useful information from. (Congratulation to this qualified forum and the experienced members) and with help of Bryan I can communicate via the forum from now on :-)).
   
   Beginning this year I decided to go for a more original Cobra.
   I believe a MK IV is the best for me, as this reflects the compromise between budget and historical bloodline back to the original best for me.
   (Yes I’m aware of the discussion what is an original and not  – I will do it my way - anyway :-))  ) .
   I let pass some opportunities to buy a Mk IV in the last month to learn more about the market and now dedected  in my neighbourhood a car for sale, however the car is confusing me a little bit.
   
   By registration it is AK 1073, VIN SA9AK3023HA017073.
   It should be a pure Mk IV, however it has some details of a  lightweight-version respectively it is heavy modified in the style of an 427 S/C car.
   AK 1073 is - to my knowledge - NOT described in the SAAC registry.
   
   In detail:
   The car is LHD (and I believe just from the beginning, as footboxes have unequal length and drivers side (left) is deeper than passenger side)
   The car is equipped with stainless steel sidepipes, single rollbar and 15”(!!)-Halibrand-style wheels (knock off) and bucket seats without any head rest.
   The dash is 427-style equipped with Smith Instruments (Classic range, chrome bezel).
   On the right rear fender you can find a recessed (!!) build in big Le Man fuel cap.
   The fuel tank is build in flat under the luggage compartment.
   The doors have the typical Lightweight equipment with MGTF door latch and no strengthening bar through the door (!!)
   It has a heater build in – however I couldn’t see any knobs to control the heater (inside the glove box ???)
   The footboxes (on the motor compartment side) are covered completely with a second layer of aluminium (I believe some insulation in between) and unfortunately no signs, chassis plate, identification plates or whatsoever are to be seen.
   The VIN-No is stamped on the frame (to be seen in the motor compartment)  and the AK-No is also to be seen at the top of the left front suspension.
   
   By registration it is a car from 1987 – therefore it should NOT be a “Lightweight”……however who put such a huge effort into a conversion of the fuel cap (recessed, relocation of the fuel inlet to the tank) and the doors only to get an 427 S/C style car??
   
   Due to my confusion I would like to ask you whether you know anything about AK 1073 – any information is welcome inter alia what has been the original configuration.
   
   Many Thanks.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Flyinghorse on July 31, 2012, 11:27:23
If you were to join the club you would have access to the Mkiv registry comments which might explain what you see with the car. Can join by paypal.
   
   http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/ac_membership.asp
   
   Alternately ask the registrar.
   
   
   Graham
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on July 31, 2012, 12:19:22
Welcome Speedy, sorry Hobo,[;)]
   
   Glückwunsch zum neuen Auto, you received a personal mail (2) via the forum.
   
   Uwe
Title: AK 1073
Post by: AK1161 on July 31, 2012, 19:51:52
Dear Hobo,
   Please contact me on my e-mail address as I may be able to help you.
   luke@stonesetltd.com
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on July 31, 2012, 22:12:00
The Word Registry entry is: AK 1073. Completed '85; LHD. Blue exterior. Shipped to M. Starke (GER). Present owner not known.
   
   Michael Starke in Münster, Germany was in the 80s and early 90s a well known Cobra dealer with a  workshop where he fabricated also aluminum bodys for RAM chassis with stainless sidepipes.
   
   So he was able to convert a car in the way you described it
   
   The workshop burned down and this was more or less the end of Starke's active cobra business. A burned down MK IV chassis out of this desaster was sold by Starke and is still offered today for 20 k € from Ralf Gorei.
   
   Untill today Starke is a oldtimer dealer and may help You with details.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on July 31, 2012, 22:42:18
Dear Westcott, thx for your PM and your information out of the World Registry.
   Exactly this things drive me crazy.
   Looking to the VIN SA9AK3023HA017073 the "H" means - to my knowledge - YEAR 1987 (date of completion) which is in line with the sellers information and the German documents.
   First ownership in Germany makes also sense, as I have seen 3 other German owners in the title(including the present owner - not me).
   I will ask the present owner to sent me a copy of the title to check whether Mr.Starke is in or not.
   Seems to be that the car has been converted into a "Lightweight"-version (by AutoKraft?? ) in 1995(?)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on July 31, 2012, 23:54:21
Hello Hobo,
   What is the configuration of the bumper suspension? Each side and each end, dual small diameter rods or large telescopic damper units?
   Is it short or long nosed?
   Is the single roll bar proper MkIV type?
   
   "however who put such a huge effort into a conversion of the fuel cap (recessed, relocation of the fuel inlet to the tank) and the doors only to get an 427 S/C style car??"-- car might have been crashed before??
   
   Is there any pictures of the car as offered?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 01, 2012, 00:16:51
MKIV Lux,
   
   before you scare him to death..... Not all cars have been crashed!
   
   Hobo,
   
   Many people put far more time, effort and money into these cars than you'd expect. It's certainly not unusual for people to change the configuration of there car to what they like and feel suits the car. Dashes and doors are normal stuff.
   
   If the stampings say AK and not AKL you can be pretty sure it's not a lightweight. Quick signs are leather edging around the cockpit and bumpers on dampers as opposed to solid bars. Lightweights have neither.
   
   All the rest will be down to the cars configuration when it was ordered, history and previous owners quirks.
   
   Relax, get the registry details, talk to people who've seen the car before and previous owners and then enjoy.
   
   Welcome to a wonderful world.
   
   :-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 01, 2012, 07:10:47
Good morning MkIV Lux,
   good morning REV,
   
   "scare me to death" ....no! Still far away from this.
   
   To make it more clear, I have an option on the car for next 10 days, car is not in my hands.
   I want to use the time meanwhile to check whether all and everything is bullet proof.
   If it turns out that something is wrong when car and money changed hands it will be harder to settle solutions. If the car is wrong - I will go for another offer.
   
   Back to details:
   There are no leather edging around the cockpit and bumpers on solid bars (no dampers).
   
   If the first “owner” has been a dealer and has used the car as a demo-car, than this could explain the difference between year of first registration (as to official title 1987) and year of completion (1985).
   
   Photos, yes in my hands on paper, but I have you scan them first and upload them - not today due to time constrains.
   (Can someone explain step by step how to upload a photo in this forum and what is the limit for the size?)
   
   Question of short or long nose and proper single roll bar MkIV type:
   Could someone tell me how to see the differences on a first sight?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on August 01, 2012, 08:00:14
You need to have a Photo Bucket account to post pictures here.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 01, 2012, 10:15:26
Hello Martin,
   Welcome to this Forum! I sent you an E-Mail.
   Best wishes,
   Jürgen
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 01, 2012, 11:36:26
Hi Martin & welcome. I did a little tutorial on posting photos HERE (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=145"), 5th post down. Good luck, hope the Cobra is all you hope it to be.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 01, 2012, 23:38:29
quote:
Originally posted by REV
   .... Quick signs are leather edging around the cockpit and bumpers on dampers as opposed to solid bars. Lightweights have neither.
   
   ....
   

   
   hello Rev,
   Gramatically spoken, your statement is not clear.
   I guess you really meant: lightweights have neither leather edging around the cockpit nor bumpers on dampers.
   On each side, Lightweights have two superposed solid bars holding the bumper (or the quick jack brackets).
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 00:48:03
Grammatically written, you mean!
   
   I'm fairly sure we all knew what I meant, but hey ho!
   
   I bow to superior grammar-logical fallacies.
   
   I was just trying to help.
   
   :-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Gus Meyjes on August 02, 2012, 01:50:16
Gotta love it when a Luxembourger is correcting a Brit on proper English!
   
   Although, if I'd get a buck for every time I'm asked how to spell a word in English by a native...
   
   Gus
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 02, 2012, 07:56:43
Dear all,
   
   at first many thanks for the support and information given.
   Yes, I did clearly understood what the meaning has been.
   
   Moreover I'm quite happy to see that also native speaker do some grammatical imprecisenesses from time to time, therefore I - as a non-native speaker - hope that the forum members will be tolerant to my writing / grammar ( and I promise to improve my English by exercise).
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 02, 2012, 08:18:25
Hi All,
   
   If the process for updloading pics to this forum would be less cumbersome, and Photobucket would not stumble over firewalls so often, I could post pics instead of trying to write and understand in a foreign language [;)]
   I better try again with Photobucket[:)]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Chafford on August 02, 2012, 08:35:13
quote:
Originally posted by MkIV Lux
   
quote:
Originally posted by REV
   .... Quick signs are leather edging around the cockpit and bumpers on dampers as opposed to solid bars. Lightweights have neither.
   
   ....
   

   
   hello Rev,
   Gramatically spoken, your statement is not clear.
   I guess you really meant: lightweights have neither leather edging around the cockpit nor bumpers on dampers.
   On each side, Lightweights have two superposed solid bars holding the bumper (or the quick jack brackets).
   

   
   Mk IV Lux - you'll have to brush up on your informal (UK) English!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 02, 2012, 08:45:48
quote:
....
   Mk IV Lux - you'll have to brush up on your informal (UK) English!
   

   
   I'll make an effort[:)]
   Just booked another week of vacation (with the MkIV) in the UK for early September. Hope it helps.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 02, 2012, 09:15:23
quote:
Originally posted by MkIV Lux: Just booked another week of vacation (with the MkIV) in the UK for early September. Hope it helps.
Wouldn`t happen to coincide with a modest meeting of the Sussex Golden Age of Motorsport Re-enactment Society, would it? [:o)] See you there!
   Hobo, thank you fro bringing me my word of the day, "imprecisenesses" which I shall try to get into as many conversations as I can. [;)]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 02, 2012, 09:42:31
Cannot make it to Goodwood.
   Will be in Norfolk first week of September.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 02, 2012, 10:02:10
quote:
Originally posted by Hobo
   .....
   
   Question of short or long nose and proper single roll bar MkIV type:
   Could someone tell me how to see the differences on a first sight?
   
   

   
   Hobo,
   here is a topic containing many pics of lightweights and others. Self- explaining.
   http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2059
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 10:21:07
Norfolk???? Where abouts?
   
   It's Gods own county and still has Grammar Schools!
   
   [:o)]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: bobbylangley on August 02, 2012, 10:27:01
Grammar schools....? You meant God's. Is the apostrophe not understood in Norfolk grammar schools...! Whereabouts is one word too. Here endeth the Surrey lesson. :-D
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 10:38:42
I'm actually from Lincolnshire.... The Potato is God here!
   
   Not an awful lot of use for apostrophe's on a tractor!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 02, 2012, 10:49:07
apostrophes... ;-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 10:51:22
Exactly!.... or should that be exzagly???
   
   ;-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: TLegate on August 02, 2012, 11:27:42
Stop beating up the Rev - tis the way Engerlish is spoke oop north in the flatlands of Lincolnshire. Innit? (BobL - it's a question mark at the end of "....grammer schools..", not an exclamation doo-dah) :)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: CRS9505 on August 02, 2012, 11:59:10
.....and I thought the question mark was "over" Grammar Schools. [:)]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 12:25:35
We need to hatch a cunning plan to send all our children to the continent for schooling!.... Or Surrey???
   
   :-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 02, 2012, 12:38:49
better go for Surrey - probably still more precisenesses there... ;-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 12:51:33
Aaah, but more inventive use of expressive language in Germany!.... :-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: cobham cobra on August 02, 2012, 13:48:01
I can understand your wish to send your children to Surrey, but unfortunately  Surrey is currently full – of cyclists (both Olympic and non). We have no more room, suggest you try Sussex.[8D]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 14:10:42
It wasn't just my children I was thinking of exporting, but I was rather recommending a lavish Surrey/Continental education upon all children of a school age. If a bike is the cost of joining the Surrey set then so be it!
   
   Judging by Mr. Legate's contribution Sussex isn't up to the mark I'm afraid. His needs would have been more than adequately served by a Lincolnshire Grammar! He could even have had a similar career, but instead of Cobras it would have been taking pictures of Porsches and Lambos!
   
   
   
   
   (http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/ak1023/porschetractor.jpg)
   
   
   
   (http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/ak1023/lambotractor-1.jpg)
   
   
   But it's not all bad in agriculture!
   
   
   
   (http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/ak1023/loren.jpg)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 02, 2012, 14:12:10
There appear to be a degree of unprecisenesses in adhering to the topic of this thread! [:o)]
   
   Might I suggest for them what care`s*, one of my favourite book`s*:
   
   (http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41M2sa%2BQRIL.jpg) (http://"http://www.amazon.co.uk/Eats-shoots-leaves-Tolerance-Punctuation/dp/1861976127")
   
   Now come along, Martin, scan some photos of your prospective purchase! [:D]
   
   * I find it physically painful to mis-apostrophise in this manner!!!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: cobham cobra on August 02, 2012, 14:37:36
No more cycles please, the roads are already full of would-be-wiggins and the Olympics will have given them added reason to “cycle Surrey” Lincolnshire sounds a much better destination.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Gus Meyjes on August 02, 2012, 14:56:11
quote:

   
   (http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/ak1023/loren.jpg)
   
   
   

   
   
   I'm moving...
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 02, 2012, 15:01:59
what is she hiding: a Ferguson or a Fordson? Based on colour, I would tip on an MF.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 15:06:03
Reality is Gus that I borrowed that pic from an American Site and so I wouldn't rush over if I were you.
   
   In Lincolnshire we have a saying "Never let the truth get in the way of a good story!"
   
   This is probably more indicative of home!
   
   
   
   (http://i616.photobucket.com/albums/tt244/ak1023/balance-togetherness-.jpg)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 02, 2012, 15:49:40
Aha! Cobra related photo!
   Bet Graham Shaw wished he had a farmer`s wife in Atlanta, 1964:
   
   (http://www.davemacdonald.net/gallery/Images/graham%20shaw%20in%20cobra%20roadster%20at%20augusta%20raceway%20in%201964.jpg) (http://"http://www.davemacdonald.net/gallery/closeups/cobraaugusta1.htm")
   
   (Dave Friedman photo, taken from Dave McDonald.Net (http://"http://www.davemacdonald.net/gallery/closeups/cobraaugusta1.htm"))
Title: AK 1073
Post by: AC Ace Bristol on August 02, 2012, 17:41:56
Meanwhile Back at the Ranch.....
   
   AK1073, has Been SOLD to  A N Other.
   
   Good luck with your search for a MK1V....
   
   All cycles Banned from Surrey for next two weeks. Go direct to Velodrome , Do not collect £200.
   
   Lern to Speeek proper like wot we duz and ucan nick a Cobra wen Leggat aint lookin.
   Roads in LUNDAN are cleer so yucan drive it lykyer stole it.
   
   Wear SideBurns "Wiggins Style" and yer disguise will Elp you blend in wiv the uvvers in LUNDAN.
   
   Which leaves Cobham Cobra  who has  New ENDURANCE kit, too practice with Blonde on Tractor.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 02, 2012, 17:52:14
http://tinyurl.com/c8ozq4l
   
   The first paragraph will cheer you "Surrey Boys" up"
   
   Best get yourselves a Tractor. Then at least you can hold everybody up!.... Even the caravans!!!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: TLegate on August 02, 2012, 18:01:26
I have been known to drive (four wheels) to the top of Box Hill from time to time in the company of Lady L, to partake of the view & culinary delights of t'caff. It was bad enough before, with the bloomin' bikes - must be totally impassable now, what with the blighters comin' darn from Scotland!!
   
   Just a passing thought appro to nothing - are tractors exempt from the Londinium congestion charge? Just asking...
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on August 02, 2012, 23:21:22
Not tooo bad Martin, nice looking car. Go for it or it, it has everything you wanted.
   
   Uwe
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 02, 2012, 23:21:34
Here they are!! Hope that you can see the photos!
   
   
   http://s1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/?action=view¤t=FotoMKIV1.jpg#!oZZ5QQcurrentZZhttp%3A%2F%2Fs1256.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fii485%2Fdf920bluebird%2F%3Faction%3Dview%26current%3DFotoMkIV0.jpg
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on August 02, 2012, 23:37:19
Nope, Come on, click the pic, copy the "IMG code"(s) and paste them all here.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 02, 2012, 23:57:31
A bit like this:
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/FotoMkIV0.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/FotoMkIV2.jpg)
   
   Do these "Cobra 500+" Rocker covers mean that it has a 460 engine?
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/FotoMkIV3.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/FotoMkIV4.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/FotoMKIV1.jpg)
   
   Well, the photos aren`t great, but it looks pretty damned good to me, love the colour, interior looks good. Does Mr. Ace Bristol`s comment about it being sold to "A.N.Other" refer to you, or did you miss it?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Gus Meyjes on August 03, 2012, 01:33:35
Wow, That is a very clean car!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 03, 2012, 08:20:06
Yes, there is a Ford 460 SVO installed (by rumor approx. 520 hp) , not too bad, but not my first choice (too big, too heavy), however engines can be changed.
   
   As I explained, I have an (call-)option on the car.
   The seller - a serious person - deleted the car from the web for the time being, due to the fact that he can't sell it to a third party during the time the option is valid.
   (therefore neither sold nor bought)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 03, 2012, 08:40:01
Looks a very nice car. It's been someones pride and joy!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: French Frie on August 03, 2012, 09:46:25
as a foreign langage member [}:)], I do agree : very beautiful car [8D]!
   it seems a lot of work was done on this car, and I would be interested in knowing the tag price (please let us know once acquired) !
   
   PS: kiddin' is easy (and funny [;)] !), but please, you Brits... show us your foreign langage skills [}:)] [:D] !
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 03, 2012, 10:19:18
quote:
Originally posted by French Frie
   ...
   PS: kiddin' is easy (and funny [;)] !), but please, you Brits... show us your foreign langage skills [}:)] [:D] !
   

   
   I am afraid that in that case this thread would irrevocably go astray.
   
   But seriously, Martin, the car looks really good.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 03, 2012, 10:27:45
quote:
Originally posted by French Frie
   
as a foreign langage member [}:)], I do agree : very beautiful car [8D]!
   ....
   PS: kiddin' is easy (and funny [;)] !), but please, you Brits... show us your foreign langage skills [}:)] [:D] !
   

   
   [;)][;)] ....
   
   Olivier.... your are an exceptional Frenchman (by your language skills)
   
   Hobo: this car looks very good [:)] though obviously with many modifs from its original factory spec. Hope you got more detail meanwhile as to its history. Have you spoken to the MkIV registrar?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: dart427 on August 03, 2012, 14:49:56
Last price in the web: €  89 000.-
Title: AK 1073
Post by: TLegate on August 03, 2012, 17:40:50
Speak another language?? But we have an Empire....!!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Gus Meyjes on August 03, 2012, 17:48:38
I'm with French Frie!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 03, 2012, 20:01:37
Je parlez fluent franglais, avec un peu de shouting pour those that n`est pas understand, ich sprechen a bit of deutschlish mit ein zwei-geschwindigkeit schlagbohrer; and also, mi hablo espanglish en mis vacaciones to order los cervezas and pollo arosto.
   That`s me lot. Shameful. I know. I Blame the government.[:I]
   
   I`m (ef)fluent in Bullsh** too, but then most of you knew that already![xx(]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Gus Meyjes on August 04, 2012, 00:35:13
hahaha!!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: French Frie on August 05, 2012, 01:08:43
quote:
Originally posted by TLegate
   
Speak another language?? But we have an Empire....!!
   

   
   You used to, as we did [:D] !  The last Napoleon we had lost the elections few month ago, and won nothing but a has been model [}:)] ...
   
   Nikbj68 : LoL !
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 11, 2012, 10:53:44
quote:
Originally posted by Hobo
   ...
   To make it more clear, I have an option on the car for next 10 days, car is not in my hands.
   ...
   

   Martin - are congratulations in order?
   Jürgen
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 11, 2012, 15:46:06
Not yet, sitting relaxed at the sunny North Sea coast.... having BBQ today. Next week I will know more.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 16, 2012, 20:52:58
Decission made.
   Finally AK 1073 found a new home.
   Many thanks to all giving me valuable information and advise.
   http://s1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/?action=view¤t=IMG_3887.jpg
   
   I had the chance to talk to M. Starke who has been the dealer for Autokraft in Germany in the 80th/90th.
   He provided me with a lot of information about the car.
   He is willing to collect all documents during the weekend and I will pick them up next week including the original invoice as well as the original specification, photos etc, etc.
   Meanwhile I also have the full historie of pre-ownership - in total 3 (without me), last owner kept the car for 12 years.
   What I can report about the car is the following:
   * the car have been ordered and build exactly like it is today - with exeception of engine, gearbox, sidepipes and some modification in the engine compartment (to enable the 460 SVO to be build in)
   * the car was completed in 1987, handed over by AK and driven by M. Starke personnally to Germany and handed over to the first owner.
   *the first owner tested the car one day only and ordered the 460 SVO incl. sidepipes. This modification took place in 1987 - since these days the car has been not modfied any more.
   * it seems to be that all other cars M. Starke (5-6 cars) ordered in this period have been build by Autocraft to the same specification. From the letters sent by Brian Angliss it can be seen that he mentioned it "lightweight" even the production-no starts with "AK" only - not "AKL" .
   There has been a yellow car with double black stripes which is mentioned as "reference car" for these 5-6 cars.(when I will pick up my documents I will try to find out which production-no this yellow car had).
   * even new, some of these car have been repainted by AK to get a colour more favorable to the German market.
   So far the information.
   
   By the way, I use to drive Cobra-Replicas - all with sidepipes, my 515 hp monster on long distance (2h or more) I drive with noise cancelling headphones and I'm not a softy - however this car is incredible loud. The car will delivered next week to a shop to get the sidepipes disambled - I will go for a underfloor exhaust system - anything else makes no sense.
   I want to live in peace - especially with the police officers.
   
   Last not least: To those interested in market value: I acquired the car in the low 80th (very low, €) .
   With the car came: second set of wheels (6-pin - magnesium), additional set of tires, spare windshield, Tonneau cover, soft top, new starter, generator, battery.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 16, 2012, 21:30:03
Conratulations Martin!!!!
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_3887.jpg)
   
   An interesting Cobra, which I trust will bring you miles and miles of joy!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: REV on August 16, 2012, 21:57:20
Looks a great car!
   
   Incidentally I had side pipes on my last car and agree with your statement entirely. I used to feel like i'd been boxed around the ears by the time I got anywhere.... Looked great though!
   
   :-)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 16, 2012, 22:52:11
@ nikbj68:
   oh computer!! will I ever learn it in my life?
   Tell me - step by step for a stupid person: How to create from the copied link of a photo a real photo - to be seen in this forum????????????????????
   (This is now my first priority for communication in this forum ;-)  )
Title: AK 1073
Post by: SB7015 on August 16, 2012, 23:36:17
See topic 'AKL 1351 for sale at Auction' for a picture of the yellow lightweight with two black stripes.
   Malcolm
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 17, 2012, 00:01:52
congratulations Martin, interesting car!
   Now you will be able to go for real long distance trips... like 900 kms a day; of course with under body pipes!
   Constant
Title: AK 1073
Post by: westcott on August 17, 2012, 08:25:00
Hey old man,
   click the IMG Code below the picture, copy and paste it to your message, done.
   
   Uwe
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 17, 2012, 09:14:07
Congratulations, Martin. A very good decision!
   Jürgen
Title: AK 1073
Post by: French Frie on August 17, 2012, 10:23:08
Continental congratulations [:o)], Martin !
    Great  you gathered all the infos  regarding this car, and I assume you made a great deal too, as k€80 is (IMHO) a very good price for such a MKIV ( especially compared to the hassle and the risk from importing one from the USA) .
Title: AK 1073
Post by: 302EFI on August 17, 2012, 10:51:57
quote:
Originally posted by French Frie
   ... and I assume you made a great deal too, as k€80 is (IMHO) a very good price for such a MKIV...
   

   I fully agree, especially in view of the clear and well documented history and the fact that the lightweight modifcations were carried out by Autokraft themselves.
   Jürgen
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 17, 2012, 12:18:00
Dear all,
   
   many thanks for congratulations :-).
   
   Moreover old man seems to manage to insert real photos :-))
   
   Next week I’m going to eliminate the sidepipes of AK1073 to install an underfloor exhaust system.
   I did my investigations how to route the headers, pipes and mufflers.
   However for me it is still unclear,  what the length of the end-pipes should be if they are close to “original” style.
   From different photos I could see different length.
   Some are short, ending same vertical line with the end of the body, others are longer ending at the vertical line of the rearend of the bumpers, some a cut in a rectangular angle, others having a non-rectangular angle.
   
   Finally I want end-pipes long enough that exhaust gases are not sucked back into the cockpit and short enough that I still have enough clearance if the car is loaded on a trailer.
   
   Question: What is the “original” length (in inch/cm measured ) and angle for the end-pipes? Any experience with the shorter version – will exhaust gases sucked back into the cockpit?
   
   
   Some examples (long and short version) I found:
   
   
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/Endrohre4.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/Endrohre71.jpg)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: BBK on August 17, 2012, 15:41:38
Hi Martin. Congratulations on your purchase. My car is the green one you show in your post (Ak 1216) with the longer tail pipes. I have a few AC factory brochures and also magazine articles in period and the longer tail pipes as shown on my car seem to match the brochure and article pictures. Also, my pipes are the,originals that came on the car from what I know, though the mufflers and catalytic converters were changed at one point.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: SB7019 on August 17, 2012, 18:20:24
Mine are the shorter variety and over the 18,000 miles it has driven I have never had any problems with the exhaust fumes coming in to the cockpit.  Taste in such matters is always very individual but to my eye the shorter ones look more integral with the shape of the car.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 17, 2012, 18:34:43
quote:
Originally posted by SB7019
   
Mine are the shorter variety and over the 18,000 miles it has driven I have never had any problems with the exhaust fumes coming in to the cockpit.  Taste in such matters is always very individual but to my eye the shorter ones look more integral with the shape of the car.
And sounds bloody fantastic, I  might add!!!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 17, 2012, 18:38:30
quote:
Originally posted by Hobo: @ nikbj68: Tell me How to create from the copied link of a photo a real photo - to be seen in this forum
Posting photos (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=145"), 5th post down. We look forward to lots of photos!
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 18, 2012, 00:43:07
here is AKL1417 in sideview; longest pipes; however side view like this brings in an effect of viewing angle!
   actually they are extending to the edge of the most remote part of the bumper (centre); car has flat underboot tank, so exhaust pipes sit  perfectly aligned with the tail lights;
   end of the pipe is cut at 90° angle
   
   (http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w34/MkIVLux/PICT0116.jpg)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 18, 2012, 09:59:50
@ MkIVLux:
   Did you every had any problems with clearance between tail pipe and street while loading the car on a trailer?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 18, 2012, 12:22:53
indeed, yes, that is a bit bordeline, especiall when as on this photo, the car's suspension was adjusted low.
   Also, my car sits on 16 inch tires (255/50 ZR 16 Michelin Pilot Sport), giving less ground clearance than with 15 inch rims and appropriate /60 or /70 tires. The end of the pipe is exactly 106.5 cms from the centre of the rear wheel nut, and ground clearance of the end of the pipe is 20 cms (now after I have raised the suspension for better overall ground clearance).
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 18, 2012, 18:30:29
Many Thanks, very useful information...I will take these into account for converting to underfloor exhaust system next week.
Title: AK 1073
Post by: cobham cobra on August 20, 2012, 12:16:25
Hi Hobo,
   welcome to the club and to MkIV ownership. Below are a few photos which may help you with your exhaust questions - John.
   
   (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o189/cobhamcobra/ACCobra1991016.jpg)
   (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o189/cobhamcobra/ACCobra1991014lowres.jpg)
   (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o189/cobhamcobra/ACCobra1991009.jpg)
   (http://i120.photobucket.com/albums/o189/cobhamcobra/ACCobra1991007.jpg)
Title: AK 1073
Post by: nikbj68 on August 20, 2012, 12:39:51
Very good of John to pop out to the garage & take a few quick snaps, eh?! [;)]
Title: AK 1073
Post by: SwissAKL on August 20, 2012, 22:25:10
Dear Martin, I sent you an email I hope you'd be able to answer it. I have a German market car that appears to have the stock exhaust line (although differing from German type approval/ homologation TüV/file) I can send you some picture of it. I may also have to correct my whole exhaust line, so interested in any progress on your side too !
Title: AK 1073
Post by: MkIV Lux on August 20, 2012, 22:40:21
7ACO has got a vertical tank, hence has better clearance under the boot to fit pipes closer to the body than we have with AKL cars featuring under boot horizontal tanks
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on August 21, 2012, 07:48:05
@ SwissAKL:
   Congratulations to this nice car.
   I will check the Email, however no answer before evening (I'm still busy with AK1073)
   
   Cheers
   Martin
Title: AK 1073
Post by: dkp_cobra on August 28, 2012, 14:40:09
Ho Ho Martin,
   
   back from my long vacation, what do I have to read? You bought a MK IV? What's next? An Aceca or an Ace [:D]
   
   My gratulations?
   
   Peter
   
   P.S. Did you get your Jag Diff back?
Title: AK 1073
Post by: Hobo on September 20, 2012, 11:56:08
Dear all!!
   It’s done.
   Sidepipes demounted and underfloor exhaust system installed.
   Many thanks for all the photos and information I got, all this very useful informations input have been used to create this wonderful installation.
   The cut-outs for the sidepipes are still open, this work will be done during the winter period.
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_4005_zpsc7cbcf4d.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_4003_zps650ae4ef.jpg)
   
   The system consists of:
   •   Single headers
   •   slip into a 4in1 piece (which will ease the installation of the headers of a smaller engine one day)
   •   the 4in1 piece is connected to a 70mm single tube
   •   on each side O2-Sensor can be installed for carburettor-testing/adjustment or later EFI
   •   the underfloor is really filled up with two dampers as long as possible to achieve max. noise reduction
   •   the pipe through the wheel house and tail pipe are 60 mm diameter.
   •   even the car has a fuel tank under the trunk,  the tail pipes could aligned as close to the body as possible
   •   as length of the tail pipes I choosed a solution in the middle not too long but not too short.
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_4000_zps8985b0d5.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_3995_zpsd67f8a7b.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_3996_zpsd3912dc5.jpg)
   
   (http://i1256.photobucket.com/albums/ii485/df920bluebird/IMG_3997_zpse8719da5.jpg)
   
   I’m personally very satisfied about the whole installation.
   
   But the best is: I could reduce the loudness significantly.
   With idle loudness is now down from 94 dB(A) to 74 dB(A) !!
   (Remember 10 dB(A) reduction means half the loudness)
   With 3000 rpm reduction is from 104 dB(A) down to 90 dB(A).
   
   Sitting in the cockpit you even can listen to the sound if the carburettor starts sucking the air into the engine, you really hear the engine not the exhaust.
   This is the most quiet Cobra I had in my life – I will like it.
   Don’t worry, there still enough sound to generate attention.