AC Mk IV

[twogreens]

Dear All,
   I am looking to buy a Mk IV Cobra and would get grateful for any advice or pointers to look for when buying a car.
   
   Also, were there any changes made to the spec of the car over the life time of manufacture or where all Mk IV's created equal?
   
   Thank you & Regards
   Two Greens

[Guest]

OK I'm new on this site ... where are you located ... and what year car do your prefer ?? I have an 1988 AK3024 and I think these cars are great cars and nicely made. Mine is Britsh racing green with no scoop and np roll cage.
   
   Ron

[Taff]

I guess that I'm in the same position as twogreens. I'm keen to purchase a MkIV but have very little knowledge of what to look out for when spending such a serious amount of money. I prefer the aluminium bodied AK cars from the 80's as opposed to the CRS but purely because that's the model I originally fell in love with. (In the same way since I married my wife better models have come along but I'm still with my wife...and she's with me). I would like to know what typically can and does go wrong that I need to look for when viewing cars, what different options were offered by the factory (engines etc), could a 6 foot 5 chap with size 15 feet even fit in? I appreciate that these are quite basic questions but cars are few and far between so the chances for comparison are quite limited. I for one would be greatful for any sort of buyers guide and an idea about how much people actually pay for them as opposed to the sticker prices I see.
   Thanks.
   P.S. I'm in Marlow, England.

[MkIV Lux]

Hi guys....
   The chap to talk to is Alan Faulkner Stevens. He is the ACOC registrar for Mk IV Cobras and very knowledgable. And, very important, get the right literature beforehand. Mk IVs were produced over a period of some 10 years, from mid eighties.
   Differences do exist as to engine specs, trim, minor body items like scoops or no-scoops, short vs long nose, bumper set-up, rear fender lips, dashboard and interior trim, some in direct correlation to the period of production, some in correlation to overall configuration and chassis numbering AK.... cars, AKL.... cars, proper lightweight spec AKL.... cars with upgraded engines, 15 vs 16 inch wheels, anti-roll bars, roll hoop and other minor features .... I'm not sure if any of these differences are scientifically recorded.
   Normally you start the other way: having found a Mk IV for sale, you try to find out about its history and set-up.
   So first thing to do is to check chassis number against the register and some typical features to ensure that you really look at a genuine AC Mk IV. Photos of details help a lot to identify a car.
   Hope this is of any assistance to you to start with.
   
   Best regards
   Constant

[Alan Faulkner-Stevens]

Gentlemen, there are a number of MkIV cars available on the open market at the moment. Rod Leach has two and the Autotrader web-site has another two. I have checked the two open market cars against the Factory records I hold. Each car was built as the original owner desired so a cars final specification differs from vehicle to vehicle. My advice would be go so see as many as you can and buy the best vehicle within your budget. You won't be disappointed. As to the very tall prospective owner I have a friend of six foot five who fits easliy inside my CRS. Any help you need just get in touch and I'll try my best
    regards   Alan Faulkner-Stevens

[MkIV Lux]

AKL1450, LW body with standard 302 EFI engine is advertised for sale in Northern Germany.

[Mark-Anthony]

Taff,
   
   Can't help but agree with fellow welshman's feelings re wife - however 6'5" and size 15 feet!  I'm 6' tall (and 6' around!) and the cockpit of my car is huge (a CRS) I have even moved the pedal box back!  However try driving any prospective purchase first.  I have broad feet (F - fitting) and I HAVE to wear racing boots to drive mine.  Any footwear that's remotely normal (Loafers, Oxfords etc) will have me depressing two pedals simultaneously.  There is - for me anyway - VERY little pedal room.  Can be really scary.
   
   My advice is: join the club, talk to everyone (they're all really helpful), do more research, see some cars and take your time, it'll save you money - lots of money.
   
   Mark-Anthony
   
   PS  Taff (et al),  Might be worth noting that:- Mk IV registrar though he may be; kind, useful, helpful, honest, pretty(?), though Alan Faulkner-Stevens may very well be -
   HE DRIVES A CRS!  There's a message there methinks.

[cobham cobra]

I agree with the previous comments and would also suggest you may want to call Alan Smith at Thunder Road in Woking. They are one of the main Cobra specialists. The do race support for some of the historic Cobras and also the prep and service for Rod Leach's cars. Thunder Road do not buy or sell cars, but do occasionally know of customers wishing to sell and they are very knowledgeable regarding the strengths and weaknesses of the cars. They have always looked after my car and I am very happy to recommend them.
   BTW "Big Al" at Thunder Road is not a little chap and he fits behind the wheel and is happy enough driving MkIV's
   Good luck - John.

[Taff]

Chaps,
   
   Thanks for all the advice. I must mention that I have already spoken to Mr Faulkner-Stevens and he is indeed a jolly helpful and polite chap ( he did, however, imply that I was a snob for preferring the aluminium bodies []- I'm just a little bit feminine and "dig scars" !). I will try the other sources you recommend as I am keen to avoid falling in love with a car only to find I don't fit.
   
   Many thanks once again.