'Factory Five Roadster'

THE COBRA REPLICA SCENE IN THE UK.

Since the first Cobra replica appeared on the British market back in 1981 emanating either from DJ Sportscars or Metaline depending on who you believe, there has been a constant stream of manufacturers producing their slant on Carroll Shelby’s original (via AC Cars of course) and although it is not the biggest selling sector of the market place anymore (Lotus Seven inspired cars have taken over that mantle) it is still an area of great interest and sales.

There are nowadays 13 manufacturers in the UK (We’ll deal with the US market later) and between them they cover all pockets and tastes and it’s realistic to expect to be able to build a budget offering from circa £10,000, with top priced examples costing £70,000. The lower end cars will usually be four or six cylinder and probably won’t be painted (A good gel-coat will fool most people though) but you’ll still have a car that will be guaranteed to give you film star or Premiership footballer attention every time you pop down to Sainsbury’s. At the higher end of the market your snake will have a V8 engine, Wilton carpeting and leather trim, but as with anything in this industry it all depends on the depth of your pocket and ultimately what you want your car to be.

In the UK there’s a great social scene with the Cobra Replica Club attending all the major shows, and other dedicated club events as well as producing a good club magazine called Snake Torque. They have a membership approaching 1800 which tells you quite a lot. The club is run by enthusiasts first and foremost and if you are considering a kit purchase or acquiring a cobra replica second-hand they are a good source of information, as they are people who have done it and are aware of possible pitfalls and the joys of course. Contact membership secretary Marion Jones on 01329 312 011 or see the clubs excellent and informative website www.ac427.com.

Although sales of cobra replicas are not as strong as they were, the UK manufacturers still sell over 280 units between them each year and 40% of those sales would be attributable to Pilgrim Cars and their Sumo model which was the subject of the Discovery TV programme ‘A Car is Born’ back in 2000.

Every manufacturer in the UK concentrates on the Shelby ‘breathed-on’ 427 cobra with the bulbous arches and snarling engine, except Hawk Cars who make the lovely 289 style, which was evolved from the AC Ace, however, they have also just joined the 427 party by becoming agents for the US Kirkham range of replicas. (Kirkham have found fame because their excellent products are made in Poland in a MIG-fighter factory)

Two of the eighties top fake snakes have recently made a comeback with Madgwick Cars re-launching the very well thought of Southern Roadcraft SR V8 and the Unique Autocraft Python a very well respected car (with 2" added to the wheelbase) re-launched at the Car Craft show at Stafford 2002. Can these two icons regain lost ground? Well, yes I think they can because unlike other sectors of the industry fake snakes are not governed by trends. They are what they are; Cobra replicas are here to stay. Interestingly the Python is now available with the BMW 3-series as a donor, a move that is sure to find favour with potential customers. It’s looking as if the UK market is showing signs of awakening again. I have even heard rumours concerning the Libra Cars King Cobra being dusted down for a return. More news if it happens.

The Americans have had Cobra replicas for many years, indeed the first replica appeared before the original ceased production, although it was to be Steve Arntz who really popularised the car in the mid-seventies and since then thousands have been sold. Cobra replica sales dominate the US kitcar scene with road events like Kit Car Illustrated’s ‘Run and Gun’ roadtrip being ideal shop windows for the bigger American players.

The biggest volume seller is Factory Five Racing who currently shift nearly 800 kits a year. Their popular model is Mustang F8 based which are two a penny in the States and although not one for the purists it cannot be dismissed due to the numbers it sells. Interestingly, FFR also own the rights to the old very well established Contemporary marque although as yet they haven’t done much with it but time will tell. It is rumoured that they brought the rights mainly due to the 250 Cal Spyder. The Smith brothers are far too shrewd to just let it lay dormant though.

One of the only Cobra replica models not thus far seen in Britain is the wonderful Peter Brock designed Daytona Coupe although in the States it is very popular with R&D & Upstates replicas among the best. In all there are eight companies making Daytona replicas.

I have visited the States many times and have seen most of the US offerings, including the current Shelby American kits and I have to say that the best of Britain is not that far away from the better American cobra replicas, and out of the many manufacturers producing fake snakes it’s only the top ten that are really beyond reproach. These include Unique Motorcars, ERA, Shelby, Kirkham and a couple of imported products; the South African Superformance 427 and the Canadian Johnex which is described by some as Faberge egg like in its quality. All together the American makers shift close to 3800 cobra replicas per year.

Significantly the Shelby American company based in Las Vegas also now produce their cars in component form and arguments abound as to their right to be called original, although as the legend Shelby himself says "If it don’t say CSX on the chassis plate it ain’t genuine"(pronounce Jen-U-Wine) and indeed in the States he and the Ford Motor Company are involved in serious litigation with Factory Five at the moment over the word ‘Cobra’ and also the rights to the famous shape. It’s likely to be very long drawn out and mega expensive but we’ll keep you informed of any developments here at http://www.totalkitcar.com/.

Back in October 1998 I had the pleasure of attending the official grand opening of Shelby Americans Las Vegas operation and was given the chance to interview the legend himself – Carroll Shelby over the man from the BBC, which was at the time quite a coup for this young fledgling reporter (maybe I lie about the young). It was a humbling experience and one that I will never forget. I found him to be courteous and amusing as well as a little obstinate. Still when you have achieved what he has in his life I suppose you earn the right to be.

 Note: Companies in bold are Canadian.

Circa 1966 sees the first replica produced in the States while the original is still in production.

During 1975 Steve Arntz produces the first real credible volume selling replicas in the US.

By 1981 the first replica 427 hits the UK shores produced by DJ Sportscars closely followed by Metaline, Unique Autocraft and BRA.

In 1997Carroll Shelby commences production of his own ‘genuine’ Cobra kits in Las Vegas.

© SG Hole 2002 All rights reserved