Description
AMM International is proud to present this striking AC Cobra Recreation, a professionally built, period-correct example finished in Deep Metallic Blue and powered by a freshly built Ford 302ci (5.0L) V8.
Originally constructed using a Rover 3500 donor platform and converted in the late 1980s (circa 1987/88), the vehicle is correctly registered on the V5C as a Historic Sports Vehicle. As such, it benefits from Historic Vehicle status including road tax exemption, MOT exemption and ULEZ exemption, although it has continued to be MOT tested regularly, with historic records present within the file.
At the heart of the car sits a fully rebuilt Ford 302 V8, built from scratch using new internal components including KB pistons and aluminium cylinder heads. The engine was installed approximately three years ago and has covered less than 1,000 miles since fitment. Photographic evidence of the installation is present. The engine presents in excellent cosmetic order and performs exactly as expected, starting cleanly, idling correctly with no hunting, no overheating issues and no unwanted mechanical noises.
Breathing through a 4-barrel carburettor and chrome air filter assembly, the V8 delivers the unmistakable Cobra soundtrack via an underslung exhaust system, loud, purposeful and entirely in keeping with the car’s character. Power is delivered through a Tremec 5-speed manual gearbox paired to a recently fitted clutch, offering smooth engagement and strong drivability.
The chassis is equipped with Jaguar front and rear braking systems, coilover suspension and an independent rear differential setup. On the road the vehicle tracks straight under braking with no differential noise, vibration or drivetrain knocks reported.
Externally the car is finished in Deep Metallic Blue coachwork complemented by chrome bumpers, polished aluminium stone guards, triple wipers, smoked sun visors and a chrome flip-top fuel filler. Panel fit presents well throughout and the underside is notably clean, tidy and structurally impressive, reflective of long-term garaged storage.
A rare removable hardtop finished in black accompanies the vehicle and fits correctly.
The body presents strongly overall, with only minor cosmetic micro-blistering visible primarily to the doors and lightly to the bonnet. This is superficial in nature with no cracks present in the fibreglass structure.
Inside, the Cobra features dark grey leather upholstery with matching carpets, both presenting in very good condition. The dashboard has been upgraded to a flat-style DAX layout housing classic reverse-sweep instrumentation in the traditional Cobra configuration. All gauges, lights, indicators and wipers are fully operational. The car does not feature a cabin heater and the cigarette lighter is not connected, typical of many driver-focused Cobra recreations.
Further interior highlights include Willans harness seatbelts, Moto-Lita steering wheel and twin Cobra keys.
The vehicle rides on 15” Halibrand-style alloy wheels, all in excellent condition, true, straight and free from curbing. They are fitted with BF Goodrich tyres showing strong tread depth of approximately 6–7mm. No visible DOT date markings were noted on inspection, therefore replacement may be considered based on age rather than wear.
The recorded mileage reflects the vehicle’s historic donor origins as a Rover 3500 prior to its Cobra recreation build. During the conversion and subsequent instrumentation change, the odometer was reset, meaning total lifetime mileage cannot be verified.
MOT history and ownership records indicate extremely limited use in recent decades. The current keeper has owned the vehicle since 2012, during which time the car has covered minimal mileage and remained consistently garage kept.
Total registered keepers showing on the V5C are nine, the majority relating to the vehicle’s early life as the original Rover donor prior to its Cobra conversion.
Registration & Documentation – Historic Vehicle Status, MOT Exempt (though tested regularly) Road Tax Exempt
ULEZ Exempt, V5C lists 5000cc engine capacity, Engine number recorded on logbook Donor VIN retained from Rover 3500 origin
Supplied with V5C registration document, historic MOT records, photographic evidence of engine installation and supporting history file.
While no original build invoices or early conversion photography are present, the vehicle presents to a professional build standard consistent with recognised Cobra replica manufacturers of the period.
A visually striking, mechanically strong and highly usable Cobra recreation combining freshly built Ford V8 power, Tremec manual transmission, Jaguar running gear and Historic registration benefits.
Always garage kept and clearly well cared for, this example is ready to be enjoyed immediately while offering further cosmetic upside should a future owner wish to refine paintwork presentation.
For further information or to arrange a private viewing, please contact AMM International.
