2004 DWR Cobra

The seller’s father bought this wonderful Cobra replica in 2008 but has only covered around 1,800 miles in that time, of which the past decade added virtually nothing as it’s lain unused in dry storage.

He’s now come to realise that this level of use is unlikely to increase, so it would make more sense for him to sell it than to hang on to it for another decade.

Being a conscientious chap, he had ‘OAV 679W’ “fully recommissioned” before putting it up for sale. However, there are still a few jobs to do before you can enjoy that 400bhp on the road, which means our estimate might be lower than you think.

The Cobra doesn’t have many shutlines but those it does have are surprisingly narrow and consistent, yet another reason for buying a kit car that has been professionally built. 

The yellow paintwork on the GRP body is in a good condition throughout, with only the odd blemish, most obviously on the rear wing immediately behind the driver’s door. 

The windscreen surround not only supports the windscreen glass, it also gives a mounting point for the two small side screens that give a modicum of wind protection as well as a pair of green Perspex sunvisors, a small feature but one that is surely the height of chic. 

Its chrome finish is lightly tarnished but no more, and the same can be said of the rest of the (minimal) chromeware, whose light patination merely serves to give the Cobra gravitas and provenance. 

The 15-inch, split-rim Halibrand-style wheels are in good order with no obvious damage and only light tarnishing to the outer portion of the rims. A set of faux spinners is included in the package should the new owner want to reinstate them.

The fat-walled Goodyear Eagle ‘Sport Car Special’ tyres – 26.5x8.0R15 on the front and a magnificent 28x10.5R15 on the rear – suit the Cobra’s aesthetic perfectly, giving it a muscular stance; in an era obsessed by low-profile tyres, it’s great to see something so resolutely Old School.

We will never get tired of telling you that experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. 

Stick-on front and pressed aluminium rear numberplates are another nice touch, and Novaks, who the seller chose to recommission the Cobra, applied the decals which could, we assume, be removed fairly easily.

A rollover hoop is fitted to prevent the driver’s head from scraping the tarmac in the event enthusiasm overcomes talent, and a second, for the passenger, is included as part of the spares package that comes with the car and could be fitted if desired.

A huge bonnet scoop provides a constant visual reminder that you are behind the wheel of something very special indeed but then if you miss the aural reminder the twin four-into-one exhaust manifolds and side-exit carbonfibre silencers give then there’s really no hope, is there?

The radiators have excellent airflow, and the protective mesh grille that prevents stones and other road debris from damaging them isn’t immediately obvious, which we like. 

As for things to do, we note the tyres are marked for racing use only, so you might like to investigate their legality on UK roads…

The leather-rimmed Mountney steering wheel is small and sits fat in your hand, giving wonderfully tactile feedback on what the front wheels are up to.

A short Indy gearlever topped with a simple black gearknob gives perfectly-weighted access to the Toploader gearbox, while instruments give feedback on road speed, engine revolutions, distance covered, oil pressure and temperature, fuel pressure and level, and coolant temperature.

There’s no clock because who cares what time it is when you’re driving a Cobra? 

Hip-hugging seats work in conjunction with a pair of Willans harnesses (dated 2003) to hold you firmly no matter what angle the Cobra is proceeding at, and the DWR logo is embossed on the seats and the dashboard.

A Cobra is by no means a grand tourer, but door pockets and a boot make a decent fist of turning it into a sensible car, even if the latter is largely filled by a beautifully fabricated alloy fuel tank.

As for flaws, the seats have relaxed a little over the years. Apart from that there’s nothing else to worry about bar one small section of peeling carpet, which is truly a #firstworldproblem.

We understand the recommissioning included rebuilding the Holley carburettor. Fitting a huge Edelbrock mesh cover too, presumably to stop small children being sucked into it when the engine is revved.

And doesn’t it sound magnificent as it takes great gulps of air to feed those eight greedy cylinders? The MSD Racing electronic ignition plays a part in helping it run so sweetly, while the twin side-exit exhaust systems make what can only be described as a glorious noise.

However, it can idle surreptitiously when you don’t want to make a fuss, and the gauge on the dashboard shows good oil pressure. 

However, our test drive reveals that it pulls hard to the left when it is being driven – and then pulls hard to the right when you press the brake pedal. There is also a degree of rattling from the rear end.

Cosmetically, the engine bay is in good order. Blue Samco silicone hoses and blue and red anodized fittings contribute to the racing theme, and it’s all pretty clean under there too.

The underside is also clean, with only the usual light scrapes across the front edge that are unavoidable in a car as low as this. 

The car also comes with a few spare parts: Please see the photos for details of what is included. 

The Cobra doesn’t have a current MoT certificate, and while it is exempt by virtue of its age, we would strongly encourage the new owner to have it MoT’d at the earliest opportunity. The cost of an MoT is a small investment when offset against the purchase and upkeep of any classic vehicle, and it gives an independent, third-party assessment of the car’s condition, which not only provides reassurance to the owner (and any subsequent purchasers) but might also be invaluable in the event of a bump when negotiating with the police and any interested insurance companies… 

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the history file includes the SVA test paperwork, an email from David Whitehurst confirming that he and his son built the car for Sebring, some expired MoT certificates, and receipts for both the initial kit and the crate engine.

Oh, and we suspect there’s been a series of SNAFUs by successive MoT testers over the years as the odometer reads 1,868.3, as you can see in the photos. It is possible that 2010’s MoT tester may have overlooked the decimal point on the gauge and recorded it as 11,730 miles instead of 1,173, an error every subsequent tester continued…

Hyper-focused cars like this are not for everyone – but then you’re not everyone, are you?

And yes, you could buy a Caterham or Westfield for British-stripped-to-the-bones fun, or even an Elise of you fancied a bit more civility. (And it’s not often to get to write that.)

Maybe even a vintage car if the VSCC appeals.

Or you could go Iconic American, like this. 

Professionally-built, it makes all the right noises and goes like stink. It also makes a stir wherever you take it, so probably isn’t for the shrinking violets among you.

And it could probably be yours for somewhere between £25,000 and £35,000, which feels like a bit of a steal given the fun you’re going to have. 

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at THE MARKET HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.