One for Barrie Bird!

[Chafford]

You're not alone!
   
   http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/ac-cobra-2010-12850074?base=1216&vertical=Car&Range=Price:Min,Max~1&eapi=2&sort=default&cr=1&__N=1246
   
   This must have been a very complex project! Cost $325,000 AUS or £211,000.

[B.P.Bird]

Sad really - a huge amount of work for a pastiche. I have never spoken to the vendor and the use of a false chassis plate does not command respect, but there are not many people in the World who could achieve this. No relevance in the A.C.O.C. I admit, but skill and determination of this order does deserve recognition does it not ?

[nikbj68]

Not strictly true to say in the advert that it is either exact, being built on a coilsprung chassis, or that it`s the only one ever built, as I recall at least 2 in progress back in 2007, as evidenced by this photograph, which you can click to take you to the discussion of it!
   
   
   
   As you say, Barrie, the skill & work involved does deserve credit, but the price is very high for a replica that`s not quite right; with 'labours of love' you can never recoup the hours & blood, sweat 'n' tears that go in to a project.

[Chafford]

Interesting this is being sold as a 'manufacturing project' including wooden body buck
   
   
   
   
   
   The shape would benefit from a coat of paint though - I don't think brushed aluminium suits the car.

[nikbj68]

Aaah, but bare ali is 'period correct'; for the Le Mans test, A98 was devoid of paint, and even headlights!
   
   Also devoid of the rear spoiler & bonnet vent, it was only capable of 155mph on the Mulsanne, almost 10mph slower than 39PH had gone the year before!
   If you believe the caption on the AC Heritage website, the test car(no.4) was in fact a sister car to the race Coupé (no.3)...
   
   
   
   ...or is it more likely that it`s the bonnet in the foreground, and that the number changed between practise & race?

[Chafford]

I bow to your much greater knowledge, Nikipedia! [][]

[Gus Meyjes]

That is a beautiful car. Personally, I like the shape of A98 better than the Daytona Coupe.
   
   Makes me wonder what Kirkham will start charging for the Cobra Coupe they are developing now.
   
   Gus

[Gus Meyjes]

For those of you with Facebook: The Kirkham Daytona Coupe
   
   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150973168640775.477582.66078830774&type=3

[Chafford]

quote:Originally posted by Gus Meyjes
   
For those of you with Facebook: The Kirkham Daytona Coupe
   
   https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150973168640775.477582.66078830774&type=3
   

   
   You'll have to speak to Gerry Hawkridge to get one in the UK. Optionally with original leaf-spring suspension.Orders being taken now for March 2013, according to David Kirkham.

[SB7019]

Gus.
   
   I too prefer the shape of the A98.  It has a grace and subtlety that is only matched by the comments of it's current owner.
   
   The  replica version for sale is close but fails to really hit the spot. The front and rear valances are far too low and bulky, the windscreen and side screens do not have the curves that  make the original flow so well and  the angle of the nose is too severe.  Be interesting to see if it finds a new home.
   
   Nik- I suspect you will now forever more be known by your new nikname!!    Will you also be releasing some Nikileaks?

[Gus Meyjes]

You may have to defect to Sweden...

[nikbj68]

I can assure all that there are no Nikileaks...I`m the sole of discretion and the salmon of doubt. []