Registration - AVG 548D

Chassis No. - 1A9363BW

M.O.T. - TBC

Odometer - 13,123

Lean, powerful, and dripping with intent – the Cobra was perfectly named wasn’t it? This is a sensational example of a Cobra replica, carefully and painstakingly detailed to match the Caroll Shelby-inspired original. It was registered as 1966 Daimler, ‘AVG 548D’ uses a number of Daimler/Jaguar parts, including axles and limited slip differential. Under the bonnet is a Ford 3.0-litre V6 Essex engine, known for its strength, power, and versatility, as well as being easily tuneable; plus it’s in keeping with the Cobra’s era. It’s mated to a four-speed manual transmission, which naturally puts power to the rear wheels... and plenty of spine-tingling noise out of the side-exit exhausts. Showcased in classic Cobra sky blue with white racing stripes and roundels, and fitted with Halibrand wheels, the vendor describes the vehicle as "a Dax Cobra kit" which looks superb, and comes with a detachable Le Mans-style hard top to create a coupe. This includes a motorsport-inspired roof-mounted filler cap, which connects to the standard cap when used as a roadster. With an indicated 13,123 miles on the odometer, ‘AVG 548D’ has been owned by the vendor for more than five years having been purchased as an incomplete project, now offering the perfect opportunity to own a quality Cobra replica.

The original AC Cobra has one of the more famous back-stories in the automotive world. The thoroughly British and somewhat delicate AC Ace was powered by a straight-six Bristol engine, which allowed for a beautifully-balanced sportscar. At the same time, American racer Caroll Shelby was looking for a fine-handling car in which he could put a prodigious amount of power from a US-derived V8 – in this case Ford’s small block 4.2-litre unit, after Chevrolet politely declined because of potential competition for its Corvette. AC was picked, asked politely if they could alter the Ace to accommodate a larger engine, and styled appropriately to fit. The result was the Cobra, which is famously as tricky to handle as it is brawny in style. Larger, more powerful engines, and subsequent strengthening of chassis and improved suspension rolled out as the Cobra took victories across the globe in sportscar racing, including a sleeker coupe developed for the high-speed Mulsanne straight at Le Mans. The Cobra Daytona Coupe was entered in the legendary 24 Hour race in 1964 with the express intention of beating Ferrari, and won its class at the first attempt. The Cobra became so well known and successful that it even spawned its own nemesis. After a deal broke down between Italian sportscar firm De Tomaso and Shelby, the former’s 1967 model was named the Mangusta… Italian for mongoose. Because the mongoose is a cobra killer. Still, it is the Cobra that has lived longest.

· Stylish and well finished example of the replica 427 Cobra.

· Daimler donor chassis and components, with Ford V6 power.

· Just over 13,000 miles on the odometer.