A sublime looking example of the respected Dax Cobra recreation
A rare example in boasting a 5.3L V12 Jaguar engine as opposed to the usual V8
A clearly well cared for and very lightly used example ready to enjoy
5-speed Gertrag gearbox
retains the Jaguar 2.88:1 limited slip diff
The Appeal
Dax is one of the most recognised and respected producers of replica Cobras. The Essex based company began by creating fibreglass mouldings for cars back in 1968. In 1975 the AC Ace’s designer, which was the foundation for the original Cobra, became a director of Dax. His name? John Tojeiro, and that’s when the Cobra replica became known as the Dax Tojeiro. Dax is still going, too, under new ownership and the Tojeiro is still part of its catalogue, but now it’s called the Dax 427.
This example is in a fine, lightly used condition and has been in the same diligent ownership since 1992. The displayed mileage is thought to represent its mileage since the Dax was built in 1989. The car runs very well and the sound of the big V12 exhaling through the big, twin side pipes is a petrol head’s delight.
The History and Paperwork
This Dax is based on a Jaguar V12 donor car which was registered in 1977
The Dax is thought to have been built in 1989 according to accompanying documents
The Jaguar V12 was extensively rebuilt before fitment
This was at a cost of over £4,500 in the late 1980’s
The current owner acquired the Dax in 1992 from Autodrome in London
At that stage the Dax was noted as having covered 110 miles
Before purchase the owner had the Dax appraised by Jaguar specialist, Classic Spares
The report ends “to sum up this is a vehicle far above the average”
Since 1992 the current owner has covered around 6,000 in the Dax
It has been diligently stored and maintained in that time
There is a wealth of interesting paperwork included
The current V5 is included in the name of the owner
The current, advisory free MOT is also included in hard copy
This is valid until May 2024
Numerous earlier MOTs are also on hand as are previous tax disks
Many invoices are present detailing repairs and maintenance undertaken
There is also the original sales invoice from 1992 and a copy of the appraisal letter
A Jaguar V12 Haynes Manual is also included with the car
A fitted tonneau cover is present
The Interior
The Dax features a well fitted and finished cabin
Complete with body hugging leather bucket seats with four-point harnesses
A wood and alloy Mota-Lita steering wheel is fitted
The cabin of the Dax is a focussed, yet well finished environment for driver and, optional, passenger. There is very little here that is superfluous to enjoying the driving experience provided by a 5.3L V12 fitted to a light, GRP body.
The bucket seats are heavily bolstered and finished in soft grey leather. This is stitched into padded box pleats and Willans, blue, four-point harnesses are fitted to secure the occupants against the inevitable G-forces. The carpets are finished in a light tan shade and are edge bound in leather, further emphasising the luxury ambiance of the cabin. The carpet extends into the door cards, with the upper sections finished in grey leather.
The bluff dashboard is finished in padded grey leather. A full set of white on black Smiths gauges are set into this dashboard, with the speedometer and tachometer sitting ahead of the driver. The Mota-Lita steering wheel is a three-spoke alloy item with a varnished wooden rim. The leather top roll of the dashboard extends around into the door tops and the rear lip of the cabin. Tinted Perspex sun visors and clear Perspex side wind deflectors are fitted. A delightful set of embossed Dax alloy foot pedals are fitted.
The well-shaped boot is finished in carpet and in a fine condition. The zipped tonneau cover is currently stored here and included with the car.
The Exterior
The Dax is finished in an attractive deep blue metallic livery
The generous chrome brightwork shines deeply and is well finished
The car sits on a set of staggered Halibrand style alloy wheels
Some later Cobra recreations or tributes can be a little overdone and lose the original purity of the AC Ace’s delicacy to which the Cobra treatment only added. Not in this case, however. There is no mistaking, of course, what this car is paying tribute to, but it is nicely balanced and free from any gaudy additions.
The Dax body is made of gelcoat finished GRP, hand-laminated in high-heat distribution resin. The condition is generally very good for the age of the car exuding a deep shine and seeming to boast an appropriately thick and smooth finish. There are some surface cracks noted on the nose and the odd chip was noted here and there.
The generous amounts of chrome are also well presented with the signature stainless steel side-pipe exhausts catching the eye immediately. The big bumper overriders, front and rear, are also a key feature of the design. Only the chrome on the face of the tubular roll-over hoop was noted as having deteriorated. The alloy stone guard panels fitted to the front edge of the muscular rear haunches are also a recognisable Cobra feature.
The Halibrand style Cobra wheels are staggered front to rear with much deeper, polished rims evident on the latter. These split rim items consist of black finished centre sections and polished alloy rims. They also feature alloy, mock three eared spinners at the centre. A mixed set of quality tyres are fitted. The fronts are Pirelli P6000s and the rears are Goodrich Comp T/As.
The Mechanics
Fitted with a fuel injected V12 5.3L Jaguar engine
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a manual transmission
The car has clearly been diligent maintained and is ready to drive away and enjoy
Some may say that a Cobra replica should only ever have a V8 power plant. When the alternative is the iconic 5.3L Jaguar V12, however, then things aren’t quite so clear cut. Most petrol heads will argue that more cylinders are always better, and it makes for a much rarer example of the respected Dax.
Removing the bonnet panel reveals a very clean and organised engine bay, very much filled with the iconic V12. The condition is excellent with only a little of surface corrosion noted on the radiator top. The Dax started promptly during our visit and the car makes a wonderful V12 sound which is loud but surprisingly civilised.
The underside of the car appears straight and solid and well presented given the age of the car. Almost inevitably there is a little scratching to the underside of the nose given the low and purposeful stance of the car.
The vendor reports that the car runs very well and provides a highly engaging and enjoyable driving experience. He did comment that the Dax benefits from a regular run with very low usage sometimes resulting in some initial rough running.
Summary
The Cobra was such a seminal car that it spawned probably more replicas and recreations than probably any other. Inevitably these are of varying quality and authenticity. Dax, however, quickly cemented a reputation as the best of the best when it comes to Cobra replicas and, so, are very sought after and desirable.
This example is a gem. It looks amazing and is just the right kind of head turning. The deep blue over grey leather livery gives it a classy look and the quality of the fittings and execution are very impressive indeed. Clearly this car has been lightly used and the opportunities to sit behind a high-capacity V12 of any type is fast becoming a vanishingly rare privilege. For your chance to add a storming V12 Cobra tribute to your collection be sure to bid today.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
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