Ian and Brian Nicholls founded Southern Road Craft Limited in 1984 in Portslade, West Sussex, producing cars and kits. Their SRV8 Cobra replicates the original 427 AC Cobra, considered one of the best-ever Cobra UK-design variants and a mythological beast; with Jaguar running gear, MGB steering and Ford V8 power, it replicates a similar build spec and experience to that of the original vehicle. 

Uniquely, both chassis and body were TÜV tested in Germany to rigorous standards. Various V8 engines powered the vehicles, with approximately 600 produced; many were exported to the USA. Although production ceased in 1999, original components and body panels remain available. 

This particular example benefits from an extensive build history with exceptional features and is undoubtedly one of the best examples in the UK, registered as a historical vehicle from 1966.

Starting with the V5, note the number of former keepers as one [1] and ‘was registered and/or used, declared manufactured 1966’ and classified as a historical vehicle and therefore road tax and MOT exempt. (For peace of mind, an MOT will be provided). An extensive paper trail includes receipts for the original 1966 3.8 Jaguar saloon donor vehicle, including the build inventory between 1987-1990, together with receipts for comprehensive work since 2017. With so much detail within the extensive ‘documents pack’, the data can be easily referenced to collate the vital information for future parts, upgrades or performance details.

Built between 1987 and 1990 by a specialist builder to a very high standard, this example was sold and registered on 10 April 1990 as a ‘Jaguar’ manufactured on 22 March 1966. Twenty-five years later, in April 2015, the ‘one only owner’ set about registering the vehicle as a ‘Cobra Replica’ SRV8 and a new plate was issued, GFX 531D, with a registration date issued as 16th September 2015. SORN’d on 18 September 2015, until purchased by the current 2nd owner on 22 April 2017; after paying the registration fee, the DVLA reinstated GFX 531D into the Historical Tax Class, refunded the fee in full, noting it was an error on account of manufactured pre-1 January 1977 (official letter included along with all paperwork).  A new V5 was issued with the date of manufacture indicated as 1966, making her tax-free once again.

Covering only 14,000 miles between 1990 and 2017, equating to 500 miles per year, the new owner commissioned a complete overhaul in 2019. The build included a replacement engine, new gearbox, clutch, flywheel, instruments, prop shaft, uprated stainless exhaust system from Earls at Silverstone and later, springs, wheels, cooling system and other upgrades and improvements. Current mileage since overhaul reads 9,250 miles.

No expense has been spared in the upkeep and improvements of this mechanically sound, visually stunning, and sounding Cobra.

The interior shows the perfect patina and age for a 1966 registered vehicle. The original leather bucket seats enhance the look and feel of this 1960s roadster, retrofitted to be heated and controlled from the dashboard. The rich brown interior melds beautifully with the red exterior, receiving much praise. The seat belts are the adjustable 3-point system for ease of preparation for driving over the fastidiousness of a racing harness, which could be retrofitted if desired.

Waterproof VDO instruments are fitted in preference to Smiths, with the addition of a Stacks fuel gauge for reasons of polarity. Night luminosity is bright from all dials, accurate, fully functional and includes; fuel, voltage, oil pressure, water temp, rpm, speedo and Oxford clock. The timber-brushed aluminium Italian Nardi steering wheel feels comforting in the hands and has the correct period look.

The dash switchboard is pure Jaguar from 1966 with push start, original toggle switches, 2-speed wipers, washer, radiator fan over-ride, rear fog lamp, lights, and auxiliaries, providing a sense of timelessness and nostalgia in addition to an original 1960s map light and chrome ashtray as part of the Jaguar panel. A floor-mounted headlight dipper switch controls the headlight beam. Further extras include an engine bay, outdoor temperature digital readout, ignition kill switch and Thatcham Cat 2 immobiliser. 

Brandishing a period 1966 ‘D’ plate, with brutish good looks, this 427 Cobra is a true head-turner. The body has held out well for her age and shows minor gel-coat-related markings, befitting a car that has been loved and driven rather than laid up and polished.

Fitments such as fog, reverse and hazard lights add some practicality to the 427, and the full roll bar provides an added level of safety; the aggressive bonnet air scoop for ram air induction finishes this car’s stunning good looks.

An original mohair tonneau is supplied, and a soft-top mohair roof with side windows for wet weather use and year-round protection in excellent condition. A fully waterproof (breathable) fitted outdoor cover and a new red indoor dust cover are included.

The wheels are a unique feature of this stunning 427 Cobra, inspired by the famous 1963 factory-built Cobra Le Mans Coupé 645 CGT shod with Dunlop 15” wheels produced for the Jaguar D type and later modified to fit the Jaguar E-Type lightweight racing variants. 

Computer cut from billeted aluminium in 2021 by Realm Engineering (Adrian Cocking) known for his association with continuation Cobras. The fronts are 7.5″ x 15″ ‘E’ style wheels with 4.75″ backspace, the rears 9″ x 15″ 5.25″ backspace + 1/2″ aluminium ring into the mounting face. Fitted with lug nuts, the period look is complemented with three-eared dummy spinners. The look is a timeless, iconic, legitimate, a rare choice for the 427 Cobra, amounting to over £700 per corner for each. A leather spinner mallet is provided. All wheels are laser balanced.

The wheels are shod with CR6ZZ Avon tyres, coveted as the best rubber money can buy; the tyre of choice amongst Cobra drivers worldwide, worthy of the horsepower, added control and handling provided by these ‘wet’ beefy compounds befitting a Cobra. 245s are on the front wheels and meaty 275s on the rear, wider than most Cobras on UK roads, in addition to 2 x CR6ZZ Avon spares for the front wheels, with less than 2,000 miles of use.

    

The extent of the work and upgrades is almost too much to mention, sparing no expense and fastidious in attending to the mechanical aspects of the vehicle. The mechanical elements are where the Cobra made its name, and the power-to-weight ratio made this small English roadster into a mile-munching powerhouse of a road and race car.

Installed initially with a 120hp Rover V8 SD1 engine and L77 Rover gearbox, our Cobra had a substantial make-over in 2018. The engine was replaced with a sought-after and scarce 1969 351 (5.8Lt) Ford Windsor block number C9OE-6015-B [Ford Torino or Fairlane] fitted with high-lift Ford 302 camshaft and Edelbrock aluminium heads, providing additional power and a rare ‘Shelby’ 1969 aftermarket manifold intake. ‘In the USA, this was a little-known jewel to those hobbled with racing rules allowing ‘stock’ intakes, surprising many of the Chevy guys back in the days of track racing in the 60s’ as it significantly improved air intake and, therefore, power.‘

*Please note: the V5 has been updated with the DVLA to reflect the engine change from a Rover 3500 cc to the larger Ford 351W. It reads 5700cc; it should read 5800cc (351cubic inches) a minor admin error on the part of the owner; easily rectified.

Between 1969-1974, 351 Ford Windsor blocks (casting id C9OE- 6015-B) were far superior in strength than later ones, making these early blocks the most robust and desirable in the entire Small Block Ford (SBF) engine family. The engine was sourced from a 289 Hawk Cobra. Before installation, the 351 was thoroughly inspected by Master Mechanic Vince Gibbs (Classic Cars), giving the engine a clean bill of health.

“Immaculate inside, with ‘Comp Cams’ roller rockers on Edelbrock aluminium heads with push rod guides. The con rod and main crank bearings are in excellent condition. Assessment of the cylinder bores shows little scoring, and the cross-hatch hone is still visible. The camshaft lobes show little wear, and a double roller chain for the cam drive is much stronger than stock. The oil pump, we will upgrade to a Melling, which will deliver 25% more volume and pressure over a stock pump.” Vince Gibbs Classic Cars.

In 2022 an Edelbrock 600cfm manual chock carburettor was fitted, improving performance and reliability. The 427 was tuned by the legendary Tom Airey (Airey Tuning), whose rolling road is limited to 400bhp. In his test, he noted the rear wheels ‘spinning’ at 145mph, concluding that the engine generated greater than 400 bhp.

A PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) system is fitted to lower pressure within the crankcase chamber, limiting gases sneaking between the pistons into the crankcase and mixing with motor oil to create engine sludge. The stainless exhaust with ‘straight through headers’ into 2 1/2” side pipes exit through 3” rear pipes to produce a glorious sound; the side pipes are glass baffled, as per original Cobra specs.

Mated to a 2018, 5-speed Tremec TKO 500 gearbox and a Salisbury Jaguar differential, the 427 cruises at 70mph in 5th (over-drive) at an astonishingly low 2000rpm, improving fuel economy and providing 30% reduction in rpm. Change down to 4th, press the pedal, and the engine will launch you via the epic torque from the rear wheels.

The front springs are uprated to 2 x 600lbs, and the rear 450lbs x 4 provide firm handling and minimal roll. Fully adjustable Spax shocks, in keeping with original specs, allow ride height and firmness to be set to the driver’s liking. 

The Jaguar front brakes are uprated with Fosseways lightweight aluminium 6082 T6 billeted aluminium four-piston callipers and slotted dimpled discs reducing the car’s unsprung weight, improving handling; the power-assisted brakes correctly plumbed into the manifold outlet. The handbrake and inboard rear brakes were recently checked and serviced.

A 3-row custom oversized aluminium radiator from Custom Rads Nottingham and a Craig Davis digital thermostat has been installed (2020) for super accurate control and sensitivity for fan operation. A manual override switch is fitted within the cockpit to activate the radiator fan at any time or left ‘on’ permanently. 

The steering rack has recently been replaced with a fully reconditioned and original MGB rack from Kiley Clinton Engineering Birmingham (not a cheap Argentina version), as was standard on authentic Cobras, so the steering is superb at all speeds.

If you’re searching for a fully loaded, Cobra recreation, this vehicle provides an authentic look that excites just standing still and, from the moment you push the start button, will send your heart racing with anticipation. Many re-creations fall short of nearing authenticity regarding horsepower levels, engine choice, tyre and wheel selection and overall appearance. 

This Cobra has been built to be as close to the genuine experience as possible, with thousands spent. The Southern Roadcraft recreation is heralded as one of the best reproductions you can get; with beautiful craftsmanship and build quality, it will be the perfect addition to anyone's garage. If it’s a Cobra you are searching for; you cannot afford to miss this wonderful vehicle.

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.*