Lot 167 2000 AC Cobra by RAM - Mike Huddart racing 350ci 5.8 litre Chevy with 427 hardtop

• Mike Huddart racing 350ci 5.8 litre Chevy engine
• Offered with desirable 427 hardtop

RAM Automotive cars, although similar in appearance to the other Cobra replicas, are totally different under the double-skinned fibreglass shell. Instead of a ladder frame chassis, there is a full space frame which was developed in conjunction with the race car constructors, Reynard. Adrian Cocking is the man behind RAM Automotive, an ex-Dax employee who left to set up his own business. The very nature of the RAM's chassis construction gives increased rigidity over most ladder frames and offers benefits in the car's handling. Jaguar top and bottom wishbones are hung onto the front of the chassis and used in conjunction with up-rated road springs and dampers. At the rear of the car, a modified Jaguar XJ series rear axle is used with narrowed drive-shafts. The space frame design offers the safety conscious a well braced body shell; there are many impact absorbing zones and the driver is surrounded by substantial framework. Also, the fuel tank is set deep into the chassis behind the seats for protection. Most RAM Cobra replicas were fitted with a mildly tweaked Rover V8 engine; in some cases, a large American V8 unit was used giving similar performance to the original Shelby Cobra.

This RAM engineering AC Cobra was first registered on 1^st September 2000 and is presented in a stunning deep metallic Nightfire Red with the iconic white stripes. It has a twin four into one side exit exhausts which accompanies a Mike Huddart racing supplied 350ci 5.8 litre Chevy engine and 3.88.1 LSD twinned to a T5, five speed box equating to 350bhp. This example is accompanied by a tonneau, red mohair hood and the achingly pretty 427 Le Mans hardtop which, when fitted, provides a fabulous silhouette providing year-round motoring if you’re brave enough to take it out in the winter with that power under the right foot. Sitting on polished 16-inch Halibrand wheels and iconic big Goodyear tyres, the car also has P700 headlamps, lovely cream leather trim with deep red carpets and is described as ‘fully loaded’ for a RAM cobra with every option ticked when built. With a chassis designed by Adrian Raynard of F1 fame and the RAM cobra the only evocation authenticated by Carroll Shelby, this is a fantastic looking, sounding, driving weapon also offered with the private plate! Consigned by Mathew Priddy.

• Mike Huddart racing 350ci 5.8 litre Chevy engine
• Offered with desirable 427 hardtop