AC Cobra Kirkham

This AC Cobra is based on a Kirkham bodied chassis, one of the first to leave the ex polish MIG fighter jet factory in Warsaw in 2000. The first are thought to be the best, being identically nut and bolt copied from an original AC. The aluminium body was hand beaten from aircraft grade aluminium, the use of modern CNC technology made the body not only perfect but also totally symmetrical which the originals unfortunately were not.  This vehicle has its body stainless steel riveted to the tubular birdcage sub frame. It also has option had a 42 gallon stainless steel le mans fuel tank fitted, twin fuel pumps as original pump fuel to a genuine Holley 750 double pumper carburettor, specially built in America by Ty Loftstrom of TPC racing. The engine was completely rebuilt by a well-known big block engine builder (American Speed Specialities) using an original Ford big block casting (1966).  All new heavy-duty items including crank, pistons, heads etc.  The engine was coupled to a new David Kee 4 speed top loader gearbox, Girling disk breaks all round as original. Braided stainless steel hoses and aircraft battery etc. But originality was especially important to this build. Most of the build works were carried out by Gerry Hawkridge who is located in east Sussex, a well know cobra expert.  An original AC limited slip differential was fitted to the rear axel and new Goodyear road/race tyres were sourced in America to complete the look. A tracker, Horizon is fitted with key-armed movement sensor. Electronic ignition is the only modern, unoriginal fitment, but nicely disguised within an original distributor cap. Edelbrock adjustable coilover shocks give this cobra a fantastic original ride. Because of the amount of the originality built into this car it is deemed historic and thus tax exempt.  It carries an original 1966 historic registration plate. This Cobra is truly as original as it could possibly be.  A genuine nut and bolt recreation.

Even Carrol Shelby now uses the Kirkham Brothers to supply chassis and body shells for his recreations.

Specifications
Frame: Ladder Type 4" x 0.120" wall round DOM tubing
Body: Aluminum, riveted onto a tubular substructure
Brakes: Front: 11.25 inche disc/aluminum Girling calipers
Rear: 11.13 inche disc/aluminum Girling calipers
Wheels: Front: 7.5 x 15 pin drive aluminum Halibrand
Rear: 9.5 x 15 pin drive aluminum Halibrand
Tires:  Front: P245/60D15
Rear: P275/60D15
Steering: Rack and pinion
Suspension: Front: Independent, dual A arm with coil over shock absorbers
Rear: Independent, dual A arm with coil over shock absorbers
Differential: Independent/aluminum Salisbury Limited Slip Diff
Interior: Simpson Seat belts
Leather Seats
Smiths gauges
Lucas switches
Mota-Lita 16" steering wheel
Fuel capacity: 42 Gallons
Weight: 2400lbs
Wheelbase: 90 inches
Track: 56 inches