Are you dreaming of building your very own AC Cobra but feeling overwhelmed by the sea of kit car manufacturers? You’re not alone! Many enthusiasts find themselves torn between options, unsure which supplier will deliver the quality and performance they crave. Finding the right manufacturer is crucial. A top-tier factory not only provides premium materials and craftsmanship but also ensures a smoother assembly process, saving you time and headaches.
Imagine cruising in a stunning, custom-built Cobra that truly reflects your vision! Ready to turn that dream into reality? Join us as we compare the top AC Cobra kit car manufacturers, helping you make an informed choice. Dive into our guide and discover the perfect partner for your Cobra journey!
Related Video
Complete List of Cobra Kit Manufacturers
Product Details:
ERA Replicas produces replicas of the 427, 289FIA, and ERA 289 Slabside, known for their authenticity and engineering quality. Everett-Morrison offers Generation-IV Cobra kits in three forms, while Factory Five Racing is known for the Mk4 Roadster, the best-selling replica. Hurricane Motorsports provides a complete 427 Roadster kit, and Kirkham Motorsports specializes in aluminum-bodied Cobra recreations.
Technical Parameters:
– ERA 427 available in standard competition and street versions
– Everett-Morrison kits include Phase 1, Phase 2, and Accessory & Driveline
– Factory Five Mk4 Roadster can be built using Mustang donor parts or all-new
– Kirkham Motorsports offers six turnkey Cobra replicas
Application Scenarios:
– Recreational driving and car shows
– Racing events and competitions
– Custom car building for enthusiasts
– Restoration projects for classic car lovers
Pros:
– Highly authentic reproductions of original Shelby Cobras
– Well-engineered and designed kits
– Variety of customization options available
– Strong reputation and support from manufacturers
Cons:
– May require significant additional parts (e.g., engine, wheels)
– Complex assembly process for some kits
– Potentially high costs associated with complete builds
– Limited availability of certain models or components
Mk4 – Factory Five Racing
Product Details:
Mk4 – Factory Five Racing offers a customizable sports car kit featuring a robust frame design with enhanced safety and performance features.
Technical Parameters:
– Torsional rigidity more than doubled compared to original frame
– 0.10″ thick wall steel dash/cowl hoop
– 4″ round tube main rails made from 0.120″ wall DOM tubing
– Energy absorbing crumple zones at front and rear
Application Scenarios:
– Custom sports car builds for automotive enthusiasts
– Track racing and performance driving
– Restoration projects for classic car lovers
– Personalized vehicle design and assembly
Pros:
– Enhanced safety features including steel cage and impact bars
– High-quality materials used in construction for durability
– Customizable options for personal preferences
– Authentic styling with modern performance enhancements
Cons:
– Requires significant assembly and mechanical knowledge
– Potentially high cost for complete kit and additional parts
– Not a turnkey solution; buyers must source some components
– May not be suitable for everyday use without modifications
Superformance – Factory
Product Details:
Superformance offers a range of high-performance replica vehicles, including the iconic Shelby Cobra, Corvette, and Ford GT40.
Technical Parameters:
– Engine options include small block and big block V8 engines.
– Chassis constructed from high-strength steel and aluminum.
– Customizable features for performance tuning and aesthetics.
Application Scenarios:
– Track racing and performance driving events.
– Collector’s items for automotive enthusiasts.
– Showcasing at car shows and exhibitions.
Pros:
– High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.
– Authentic performance and driving experience.
– Wide range of customization options available.
Cons:
– Higher price point compared to standard vehicles.
– Limited practicality for everyday use.
– Maintenance and insurance can be costly.
Cobra Replica Kits – Shell Valley
Product Details:
Shell Valley Classic Wheels is the leading manufacturer of Cobra Replicas, specifically the 427 Cobra Replica, with over 40 years of experience. The kits can be purchased in various stages, from just the body and frame to complete turn key minus kits.
Technical Parameters:
– High tech fiberglass body reinforced with Kevlar and steel
– Fully adjustable 4-link race inspired rear suspension with coil-over shock
– Powder coated frame
– Standard rotors offered in drilled and slotted
Application Scenarios:
– Building custom sports cars for enthusiasts
– Restoration projects for classic car lovers
– Personalized vehicle builds for collectors
Pros:
– No donor car needed; all new parts are used
– Every part needed to complete the kit is stocked
– Pre-drilled and cut body holes for easy assembly
– Upgraded components and modern design features
Cons:
– Initial cost of the kit may be high ($12,995.00 for the basic kit)
– Requires significant time and effort to assemble
– May require additional tools and skills for assembly
AK Sportscars | AK Cobra, AKSS & AK40.
Buyers Guide to Shelby Cobra Kits & Replicas | Cobra Authority
Product Details:
Cobra replicas and continuation cars from various manufacturers including Shelby American, Kirkham Motorsports, Backdraft Racing, and Superformance.
Technical Parameters:
– CSX6000 – 427 S/C Cobra
– CSX7000 – 289 FIA Cobra
– CSX8000 – 289 Street Cobra
– Kirkham 427 KMS/SC
– Kirkham 427 Street
– Kirkham 289 Street
– Kirkham 289 FIA
– Backdraft RT4
– Backdraft RT4B
Application Scenarios:
– Enthusiasts looking to own a Cobra replica or continuation car.
– Collectors seeking high-quality replicas of classic sports cars.
– Individuals wanting a custom-built roadster with performance capabilities.
Pros:
– High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in replicas.
– Ability to customize specifications according to customer preferences.
– Access to a community of Cobra enthusiasts for support and information.
Cons:
– New turnkey Cobras for street use are not available due to regulations.
– Partially assembled cars require additional work to complete.
– High cost associated with purchasing and customizing replicas.
Cobra Kits – Kit Car List
Backdraft Racing Custom Cobra Roadster Replicas | Shelby Cobra® Replica …
Product Details:
Backdraft Racing specializes in custom hand-built Cobra roadster replicas, specifically the RT4 Classic Edition and RT4B Black Edition.
Technical Parameters:
– RT4 Classic Edition starting price: $58,900
– RT4B Black Edition starting price: $61,900
Application Scenarios:
– Classic car enthusiasts looking for a replica of the Shelby Cobra.
– Individuals seeking a high-performance custom roadster for leisure driving.
Pros:
– Custom hand-built quality ensures attention to detail.
– Variety of models available to suit different preferences.
Cons:
– High starting prices may not be accessible for all buyers.
– Limited information on specific technical specifications and performance
The Ultimate Guide to Cobra Kit Car Manufacturers – Monterey Car Week
Product Details:
Factory Five Racing offers Cobra replicas in Complete Kit and Base Kit forms, with prices of $19,900 and $12,990 respectively. Unique Motorcars specializes in Cobra roadster and 1936 Ford Cabriolet replicas. E.R.A. Replicas produces 289FIA, 427, and Ford GT40 replicas.
Technical Parameters:
– Factory Five Mk4 Complete Kit includes components for assembly but requires
– Base Kit requires parts from a 1987-2004 Ford Mustang.
– Unique Motorcars offers different finish levels for their kits.
– E.R.A. Replicas are known for their authentic reproductions of original Shelby
Application Scenarios:
– Building a custom Cobra replica for personal use or enjoyment.
– Participating in amateur or professional racing with the Challenge Car.
– Creating a classic car replica for shows or exhibitions.
– Restoring or modifying a classic Ford vehicle using kit components.
Pros:
– Wide range of customization options available.
– High-quality components and engineering.
– Established manufacturers with a long history in the industry.
– Ability to use donor parts from Ford Mustangs for cost savings.
Cons:
– Requires mechanical skills and knowledge for assembly.
– Initial investment can be significant depending on the kit chosen.
– Some kits may require sourcing additional parts separately.
– Complexity in ensuring compatibility with donor vehicle parts.
Classic Revival Cobra Kits Cars ǀ AC Cobra 427 ǀ Cobra Chassis
Product Details:
Classic Revival manufactures and restores high end sports cars specializing in Cobra Kits, particularly the CR-427 Kobra, designed for performance and comfort.
Technical Parameters:
– Custom designed suspension optimized for performance and comfort
– High tensile chassis for strength and safety
– Composite shell that is one of the most accurate on the market
Application Scenarios:
– Weekend drives
– Track racing
– Restoration of classic and vintage vehicles
Pros:
– Quality craftsmanship with over 60 years of combined experience
– Ability to build Cobra kits to any stage of completion
– Specialization in restoration of classic vintage sportscars and racecars
Comparison Table
Company | Product Details | Pros | Cons | Website |
---|---|---|---|---|
Complete List of Cobra Kit Manufacturers | ERA Replicas produces replicas of the 427, 289FIA, and ERA 289 Slabside, known | Highly authentic reproductions of original Shelby Cobras Well-engineered and | May require significant additional parts (e.g., engine, wheels) Complex | cobra-authority.com |
Mk4 – Factory Five Racing | Mk4 – Factory Five Racing offers a customizable sports car kit featuring a | Enhanced safety features including steel cage and impact bars High-quality | Requires significant assembly and mechanical knowledge Potentially high cost | www.factoryfive.com |
Superformance – Factory | Superformance offers a range of high-performance replica vehicles, including | High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail. Authentic performance and | Higher price point compared to standard vehicles. Limited practicality for | www.superformance.com |
Cobra Replica Kits – Shell Valley | Shell Valley Classic Wheels is the leading manufacturer of Cobra Replicas, | No donor car needed; all new parts are used Every part needed to complete the | Initial cost of the kit may be high ($12,995.00 for the basic kit) Requires | www.shellvalley.com |
AK Sportscars | AK Cobra, AKSS & AK40. | |||
Buyers Guide to Shelby Cobra Kits & Replicas | Cobra Authority | Cobra replicas and continuation cars from various manufacturers including | High-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail in replicas. Ability to | New turnkey Cobras for street use are not available due to regulations |
Cobra Kits – Kit Car List | kitcarlist.com | |||
Backdraft Racing Custom Cobra Roadster Replicas | Shelby Cobra® Replica … | Backdraft Racing specializes in custom hand-built Cobra roadster replicas, | Custom hand-built quality ensures attention to detail. Variety of models | High starting prices may not be accessible for all buyers. Limited information |
The Ultimate Guide to Cobra Kit Car Manufacturers – Monterey Car Week | Factory Five Racing offers Cobra replicas in Complete Kit and Base Kit forms, | Wide range of customization options available. High-quality components and | Requires mechanical skills and knowledge for assembly. Initial investment can | montereycarweek.net |
Classic Revival Cobra Kits Cars ǀ AC Cobra 427 ǀ Cobra Chassis | Classic Revival manufactures and restores high end sports cars specializing in | Quality craftsmanship with over 60 years of combined experience Ability to | classicrevival.com.au |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I consider when choosing an AC Cobra kit car manufacturer?
When selecting a manufacturer, consider their reputation, customer reviews, quality of materials, and the level of support they offer. Look for detailed specifications and ensure they provide clear assembly instructions. It’s also helpful to check if they have a dedicated customer service team to assist you during the build process.
Are there specific features I should look for in a kit?
Yes! Look for features such as a complete parts list, compatibility with various engines, and options for customization. Ensure the kit includes high-quality components and check if it has a good warranty. A manufacturer that offers upgrades or additional parts can also be beneficial for future enhancements.
How can I find reputable AC Cobra kit car manufacturers?
Start by researching online forums and communities dedicated to kit cars. Social media groups can also provide recommendations. Attend car shows or kit car events to meet manufacturers and see their products firsthand. Personal referrals from fellow enthusiasts can also lead you to trusted suppliers.
What is the typical price range for AC Cobra kits?
Prices can vary widely depending on the manufacturer and the level of customization. Generally, you can expect to pay between $10,000 to $30,000 for a basic kit. Keep in mind that additional costs for tools, paint, and assembly can add significantly to the total expense.
Do I need special tools or skills to assemble an AC Cobra kit?
While some mechanical skills are beneficial, many kits are designed for enthusiasts with varying levels of experience. Basic hand tools are typically required, but specialized tools may be necessary for certain tasks. Most manufacturers provide detailed instructions, and you can find many online resources and videos to help you along the way.