Lot 133 - 1989 AC Cobra by RAM

RAM Automotive cars, although similar in appearance to the other Cobra replicas, are totally different under the double-skinned fibreglass shell. Instead of a ladder frame chassis, there is a full space frame which was developed in conjunction with the race car constructors, Reynard. Adrian Cocking is the man behind RAM Automotive, an ex-Dax employee who left to set up his own business. The very nature of the RAM's chassis construction gives increased rigidity over most ladder frames and offers benefits in the car's handling. Jaguar top and bottom wishbones are hung onto the front of the chassis and used in conjunction with up-rated road springs and dampers. At the rear of the car, a modified Jaguar XJ series rear axle is used with narrowed drive-shafts. The space frame design offers the safety conscious a well braced body shell; there are many impact absorbing zones and the driver is surrounded by substantial framework. Also the fuel tank is set deep into the chassis behind the seats for protection. Most RAM Cobra replicas were fitted with a mildly tweaked Rover V8 engine; in some cases a large American V8 unit was used giving similar performance to the original Shelby Cobra.

This meaty, 5.7 litre Ford Windsor engine, dated to 1971 example with fitting side exhausts, was built in 1989. Registered currently as a 1966 Jaguar S-Type but having been allocated the unique chassis number 5ABTVRO3532136717 by the department of transport, it has covered just over 5,000 miles from new and sounds absolutely fantastic. Recently discovered in a garage after being stored for many years, the Cobra has been recommissioned and given a clean bill of health with an MoT test certificate valid until October 2020. Sitting on replica Halibrand wheels and supplied with the tonneau and softtop, this example has the four-speed manual T10 gearbox and coil over shock absorbers with near new calipers. Fitted with electric fans, heater for comfort and a to produce that sound, a Holley carburettor with sports air filter mated to the four branch manifold, this car has everything a Cobra should have and will stop traffic dead with a blip of the throttle. Interested parties should note that this example, although presented with a current MoT test certificate, it is not supplied with a UK V5 registration document and thus the next owner will need to apply for one.

Interested parties should note that this vehicle is not sold with a V5 registration document but has a new MoT test certificate and has been granted a chassis number by the DVLA in order for the new owner to successfully register.