Cobra 427 S/C, Unique, 302V8, Tremec 5sp, Authentic, Many Options, only 5k miles

2002 427 S/C Cobra Kit
Ford 302 V8, Tremec 5 speed

There have been many Cobra Kit cars over the years, but it all started with Unique Motorcars, and, uniquely, they are still a thriving business after over 20 years. Their reputation for providing one of the finest kits money car buy is supported by countless reviews and happy customers, many of whom return annually to their Gadsden, Alabama headquarters for a meet.

The particular “Deluxe” kit utilized on this car consists of a factory built powder-coated chassis, 4-wheel independent suspension, 4-wheel Wilwood disc brakes, rack & pinion steering, Griffin aluminum radiator and fuel tank, all fuel and brake lines, and a Jaguar rear end.

The fiberglass body, which was carefully crafted from an original Cobra, is bolted one with all doors, lights, windshield, and dash in place. The leather seats are factory upholstered, roll bar and headers installed,… all that’s left is the powertrain.

In this car that consists of a high performance Ford 302 V8 with aluminum heads and finned Cobra valve covers, backed up by a Tremec 5-speed transmission with flywheel, clutch and "correct" forward facing shifter. (This setup is vastly superior to the original 4-speed).

The Ford V8 is fed by a high-rise manifold and high CFM four-barrel carb and the performance is stunning. This car is closer to the 289 Cobra in is appearance and driving characteristics, which many prefer and order from Unique. (The 289 was the original vision of the AC Cobra by Carroll Shelby.)

On Kit Cars you order every piece a la carte, and this one is loaded with a nod to authenticitywherever possible. It features front and rear bumperettes and overriders, twin electric fans, Compumotive Wheels ($500 each), Stewart Warner gauges, authentic wooden AC steering wheel, 5-point competition shoulder harness and seat belts, RayDot racing mirrors, Plexiglas wind wings, 20-gallon Aluminum gas tank, plus a Hartz cloth tan soft top (the finest material, same as used on Mercedes Benz and Rolls soft tops), a Hartz cloth tan Tonneau cover, side curtains (windows) with storage sleeves. (The top equipment alone was close to $5000 total, which is why you almost always se Cobras with no tops.)

Full premium carpeting lines the cockpit and trunk. A heater/defroster is installed (told you everything is extra!)Sound is provided by a brand new Kenwood Stereo with Bluetooth, MP3, remote control, removable face, and 4 Polk Speakers. This stereo is the only non-authentic touch, but the rear dividing wall is perfect for a clean, unobtrusive installation in a location where you can actually hear the sound, and the dash is left as it was on the original model. Fresh tires are Goodyear T/A radials with near full tread. (The car only has 5000 miles from new!)

History. The car was bought as a gift for an adult PHD upon her graduation by her loving husband, who helped her continue to care for and improve this car over 18 years. While the car is patterned after a 1966 AC Cobra, it is titled as a 2002. It is painted in genuine Jaguar British Racing Green (JLM11464HGG), which best captures the look and feel of a true British sports car and of the original AC Cobra. Like the AC, this car has straight back exhaust vs. side pipes (changeable, but I prefer the original AC slab side look and rear dual exhaust. Not to mention fewer thigh burns. If there is such a thing as an elegant Cobra, this is it.

I have owned both an original Cobra back in 1967 and two ERA Cobras, one as recently as last year, and can say that the performance, handling and build quality of this car is exemplary. It is much more usable than the 427s for everyday fun, and yet still has the kick in the pants acceleration that made Cobras famous. Its construction quality is without question on a very high level, and one can see why Unique Motorcars have thrived where others have failed. This is the least expensive way to get into the thrill of Cobra ownership and be as proud of what you purchased as those spending far more.

For more info, pls. call Michael at 631 553 5300