SOLD: AC COBRA 289 (GARDNER DOUGLAS 'GD427')

Vehicle Information

On behalf of a client, we are absolutely delighted to offer this truly stunning AC Cobra 289 replica for sale.

This is a 1991 build Gardner Douglas ‘GD427’ kit. It is based on an AC 289 MkIII and wears badging on the front wings subtly denoting this. The chassis (number 027) is a ‘triangulated backbone’ with a semi-mono construction body. The donor car/ engine was a 1976 Rover SD1 and thus this GD427 is equipped with a Rover V8 3. 5 litre and LT77 5-speed manual gearbox. The attention to detail is fantastic with the standard Rover rocker covers having been replaced with ‘COBRA’ embossed items and period chrome ‘Edelbrock’ pancake air filter and swirl pot. It also features stainless manifolds. It is correctly registered with the DVLA as a ‘Gardner Douglas AC Cobra’ which not all are. This means a period age-related number plate is possible (no requirement for a ‘Q’ registration).

All of the original correspondence with Gardner Douglas is included in a very extensive history file. Ordered by former club chairman, Mr Byron Richards, from Gardner Douglas on 11/ 03/ 1991, the kit was delivered 22/ 04/ 1991 and took 18 months to build. There is a copy of the Spring ’92 ‘GD Link’ newsletter where an article written by Mr Richards explains how he spent two years visiting ‘Snake’ (Cobra) kit suppliers before deciding that the GD427 was the best on offer. There is a picture included of his then newly completed chassis build. There are a number of additional GD Link newsletters within the history file which depict further history of the car such as being on show at Stoneleigh.

The car retains the original ‘bright red’ chassis as documented during time of build. Having covered less than 5,000 miles (and only in the dry reports the current custodian), there is no corrosion whatsoever. Originally Maroon, and wearing the registration MPM 397P, the car was repainted by Mick Hadley Autos (Brierley Hill) in December 2003 to this rather fetching Aston Martin Grey Metallic, complete with twin black stripes. The combination suits the car wonderfully, it is truly stunning and makes a change from the more ubiquitous Le Mans blue examples.

Further enhancements include the ‘proper’ Halibrand wheels which are shod in nearly new Falken Ziex (205/ 60R15 front and 225/ 60/ R15 rear) tyres, period chrome overriders and headlamp protectors and a gorgeous Moto-lita wooden rim steering wheel. The period bucket seats are also trimmed in leather to match the exterior colour scheme. Though there is a Sony CD player (complete with 6-CD multi-changer in the boot), this is concealed beneath the passenger side dash – and thus it retains the authentic look of an original Cobra cockpit.

There is an astonishing wealth of invoices from (amongst others):

- Prodrive

- Autobrass

- MRA Rover Specialists

- Rover Part International

- Speedy Cables

- TWR (Tom Walkinshaw Racing)

- ABCA Radiator Services

- Real Steel

- John Craddock.

In October 2003 the engine was removed and underwent a total rebuild by Prestwood Garage Ltd of Stourbridge, which is documented. The carburetor and steering rack was also replaced at this time. It has also had a new Mohair hood too. Since the rebuild the car has covered a very modest ~1,600 miles. Stored from 2010 until 2018 it has recently been re-commissioned by the knowledgeable and well-respected team at Aldon Automotive Ltd in Brierley Hill. The work undertaken by Aldon Automotive in 2018 totalled £5,876 and this included;

- Roll hoops fitted – this entailed lifting the body from the chassis

- All chassis mounts replaced

- Rear suspension removed for full rear brake overhaul

- Brake calipers, discs and quick release brake bleed-valves replaced

- Petrol tank removed and fuel lines replaced

- New battery installed and battery leads replaced

- New HT leads and spark plugs installed and distributor serviced

- Carburetor cleaned

- New thermostat

- Heater hose replaced

- New Falken Ziex tyres fitted.

In 2020 the car returned to Aldon Automotive Ltd and had the following work;

- New fuel pump

- New speed sensor including new odometer (documented replacement). The original item has been retained showing the last recorded mileage also. This bill totalled £2,145 and the car has only covered a few hundred miles since.

Additional history within the file includes all old MOT certificates which have been retained dating back to 1998. The car is currently MOT'd until 05th May 2023.

Following the original owner it was purchased by Mr Michael Attwood in 2000 before the current family ownership took place. The bill of sale to the current owners late Father in 2002 completes the paper trail of low (4) ownership history. The car has very evidently been cherished it’s whole life and is reluctantly for sale due to lack of use. The sale is a private sale. The private number plate is not included in the sale.

Any questions, or to arrange a viewing, please contact Douglas.

£ SOLD