looking info autokraft mark4 - Page 3

What'saCobra? · #41 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 06:25 AM

We agree. Unless you are trying to flip the car for a margin in the next few weeks, even a less than perfect MKIV is easily worth $50K, even if they sell a little slow at much more than that.

The car has a real history of merit, a very high build quality, a nice design variation and excellent mechanical potentials that will take any engine/tranny combination or upgrade the owner could dream-up.

Maintenance is easy and cheap, not much different than driving an old MG or Sprite and engines/trannys are swapable at will. Repairing the body, while a specialty, isn't much different than fiberglass, just usually different people. But, it shouldn't be smacked too hard as a complete replacement would be pricey, like any fine toy. You could always get something nice from the Kirkham boys and bolt that on as a replacement; so, it isn't impossible.

The workmanship is top drawer, with high quality finish on all interior and exterior surfaces, plus high spec. bits. A few things are idiosyncratic, like the wiper motor escapement and Salisbury axle set-up if you change ratios, but there are now enough specialists around the US that even those are available at sensible service rates.

Parts are pretty much all available from a handful of vendors, but don't expect anyone from a FORD dealership to have any idea of what you have or are looking for... they are completely at a loss to comprehend any issues. Having said that, there are plenty of great folks around that would love the opportunity to service any issues on your new MKIV, you just have to search them out. But, you will not have to find a Hans or Herr Schmidt to fix your 30 year old MB190 with astronomical parts prices, hen's teeth availability and geld investor service rates.

Consider also that while FF and Superformance will still build another nice runner tomorrow for the next available customer, there will be no more MKIV's being built by AC. This is not a slam at the former. They build very nice autos indeed.

The other day i had the pleasure of visiting McMichael Motorsports across from Road Atlanta raceway for the first time and was suitably impressed with the build quality and sparkle of their new Superformances and their shop. No kidding, they were beautiful. And what nice folks. Rob, the owner, was particularly knowledgable and gracious, with an open interest in all things Cobra. And he has everything you ever wanted, Cobras of any sort, Daytona Coupe, GT40, Roush motors... the works.

But, he also had a very nice MKIV available i would recommend to your interest. Like any used vehicle it had a few issues that need your patient attention and a bit of skill, but the price was very fair at that consideration. And it was real, with an all aly bodyworks and a nice history. i would choose to modify the dash slightly to suit my personal taste, but it would be a nice patient project on which to learn several skills and the dash's details.

i still think MKIV's are sleeper investments and are meanwhile great drivers that become serious equipment with a stroked Windsor installed. And you can do the engine build/swaps yourself, if you wish. Don't try that on your Maser/MB/Lotus.

You will not make a killing on a quick flip, perhaps, but you will not find the sister cars built-out to a poor quality and later re-selling at $15K either.

Mark IV · #42 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 08:22 AM

Yeah,
What Whatsa said......

Rick

Trevor Legate · #43 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 10:32 AM

I'll drink to that..........

What'saCobra? · #44 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 11:54 AM

i heard one of our precious lame-stream-media types tell a radio host that the 'insurgents' in Iraq reacted to the death of Zarqawi by angrily bombing another 12 people yesterday morning.

When the host, Imus, asked how did he know that was the response, since they do that every day anyway and it was nothing new.

The reporter admitted, after a bit of stumbling, that Imus' point was correct and that he had no way of knowing that was the response; but he then blamed his microphone/earphone feedback for the mis-speak.

Similarly, you'd drink to anything, so that ain't much news, is it?

Of course, so would i.

Trevor Legate · #45 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 01:21 PM

Told you before - stick to the BBC World Service old boy. Cheers & Tally Ho.

1Bigfish · #46 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 01:50 PM

I bought my AC MK IV AK1131 in 02/06. The car had 637 original miles and is stunning. The engine is carb which I prefer. It just looks better! I think 1986 was the first EFI year. My engine is original but 1985. Nicely modifies, aluminum heads & intake, Holley double pumper, performance cam, stainless headers and exhaust. She is right at 350hp.

My childhood dream car was an AC Cobra. Now at 52 when I can buy things, I started looking at the "kits". I got bogged down and confused. When I found the Autokraft MK IV. I quickly researchs the car and found out that this is the only true AC Cobra. I paid top dollar for a top dollar car.

On the subject of the Autokraft MK IV. This is the Mr. Shelby's Series 1000. His ad reads "First make history together. Then repeat it." The question is:Is it the car or the man? If it is the man then we should be buying Dodge Shelbys. If it is the car, then this IS the car. AC build the car as the Ace and the Bristol. When Shelby made the seen, AC still built the car, Shelby installed the powertrain. AC continued to build Ford powered AC Cobras in Europe and a few in the US after Shelby went with the Mustangs. The car is the car. When people say it was not the real AC because Brian Angliss bought the company, somebody has to have ownership. Ford was 50% owner by 1986. This is as much a Ford product as any Shelby. Now if Mr.Shelby wants to job out to the Cobra reproduction companies to build his new cars that is fine. They will be Shelby Cobra reproductions. Only an AC Cobra is original now and forever. My Cobra is aluminum, my boat is fiberglass.

Trevor Legate · #47 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 02:08 PM

Hear hear!!!!! Time for another glass of red and some popcorn.

computerworks · #48 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1Bigfish

... found out that this is the only true AC Cobra. .

uh, Big..... no.
But, that's OK.

No need to stretch to justify your car... the MkIV's are nice...real nice.

Not a Shelby Cobra...but nevertheless, a nice Cobra recreated by Angliss and Autokraft.

Post some pictures for us.

You give an interesting take on the "my replica is real" discussion from a different corner.

Neat.

What'saCobra? · #49 (**permalink**) 06-09-2006, 04:35 PM

Listen! Listen!

Well 'nuff said! A good point, proper enthusiasm and a great set of wheels.

Sure, i recall when Brian got £100K for a new MKIV and Lightweights were more money!

And i paid only $3750 for a clapped-out then B Production factory Le Mans Replica 213x that i promised my wife would someday sell for $1Meg. Of course, i was wrong. It is likely now worth over 2 and didn't actually ever sell for 1, so there.

But, MKIV's are great cars, particularly if the motor is freshened properly, as there is nothing fishy about them, except Big 1.

Post some pix, please, and tell us what is your next upgrade bit or event; while you es'plain what an oldie is doing in such a great set of wheels.

Here, it's Friday night, take a sip of this red...