1967 AC Cobra (Gravetti)

This particular Cobra is a 1967-registered ‘427’ replica, and we have to say it looks absolutely fantastic. Those exaggerated rear arches, racing stripes and Cobra badges stir the soul and really do ‘look the part,.

An early factory-built car, this example is of a considerably higher quality than most of the later home-built cars, with tighter shut lines and a better overall level of fit-and-finish. Importantly, under the bonnet sits the ‘right’ engine - a monstrous 5.8-litre Ford Cleveland V8. No Rover V8 here, no sir.

This gargantuan engine is coupled to a three-speed ratchet automatic transmission, which makes this an excellent GT car, especially coupled with the fact this is a long-wheelbase model, which allows even those on the taller side of life to fit with ease and can accommodate up to 6ft 6inch of height.

Prior to the vendor’s ownership, ProStreet Engineering overhauled the automatic transmission in 2004, whilst the engine was overhauled in 2011 by the then-owner, who we’re told was an Aerospace engineer. Twin electronic cooling fans help keep the 351 V8 cool, and have a manual override for use in traffic.

In 2000, the body was re-sprayed in two-pack acrylic paint, with the resulting red paintwork and white stripes coupled with the Halibrand replica knock-off wheels stirring up images of speedway racing in the 60’s and 70’s, making this Cobra ideal for weekend blasts and runs to the pub. Interestingly, the car was originally noted as being blue, however a period photograph from 1989 shows the car as Red, so it had evidently been sprayed prior to the work at the turn of the millennium.

Given the condition of the car and the work that has gone into it, you may be wondering why the vendor is selling. Well, it’s only due to the vendor and his son getting into the classic racing world, joining the next season of Mighty Minis, and therefore the sale of this V8 beast is simply to fund the first season’s car and equipment.

The lines of a Cobra are instantly recognisable, and the bodywork of this particular example is excellent throughout.

Looking along the bulbous flanks of this example, we can see no sign of any dents or impact damage, nor any untoward panel gaps or other issues with the shell.

The paintwork is in fantastic condition throughout and shows only the lightest wear, along with a few more notable chips along the very base of the front ‘chin’ splitter below the radiator opening. Even areas such as around the doors and the rear haunches where drives typically leverage themselves in and out of the seat are in great shape, with very little in the way of wear-and-tear or usage marks.

Elsewhere, the chrome bumpers, detailing and around the window frames show very little in the way of pitting and patina, and a fantastic mirror-finish is retained throughout with no sign of any dents on the bumpers, nor any untoward scratches.

The replica Hallibrand wheels present very well indeed, though there are a few patches of dulling and patina from the car being used as it should, and a fastidious owner may wish to get the wheels refurbished and polished to bring them back to their best.

In the boot, the tonneau cover fits fantastically and is in great condition throughout, whilst the soft-top roof is also excellent and shows no sign of any damage, nor any cracking to the rear window.

Despite being somewhat awkward to get in-and-out of, the interior of this Cobra presents very well indeed and wears only a light commensurate usage patina which suits the car well. The interior is notable as being laid out very similar to the ‘real’ Cobras, though the long wheelbase means that it is far more accommodating than other replicas.

The bucket seats show some light wear and a few minor scuffs, but no rips or tears to the material. There is an indentation on the outer driver seat bolster. The door cards are both excellent, as are the inner door sills, dashboard and centre console.

In the footwells, the passenger side is in excellent condition whilst the driver’s side is significantly worn, though not to the point of detracting from the interior condition as the wear is largely hidden in day-to-day use.

All of the systems, gauges and controls are working correctly and in are in fine shape, and the transmission operates as it should.

Opening up the bonnet, the sight of the 5.8-litre Cleveland V8 is enough to stir the soul of any driver, and makes a welcome change from the more common Rover V8 units often found in these Cobra evocations. The engine itself is in excellent condition, though there is some patina and wear noted to the block itself, though this is only superficial as far as we can tell.

During our test drive, the car fired into life and settled into a typically lumpy big-displacement V8 idle, with the oil pressure noted as being very good and no untoward running issues noted by our photographer. On the road, the car drives fantastically and the automatic gearbox makes cruising around with the sonorous V8 soundtrack a joy.

Whilst this particular Cobra may not sport the iconic side-exit exhaust, there are some practical benefits to this, as it means you don’t burn your legs getting in-and-out the car! The custom-made exhaust system ends in a set of Cherry Bomb silencers, and sounds absolutely fantastic.

Looking underneath the car, the chassis and frame have been well-sealed in the past and, as such, presents fanatically with no untoward issues or problems which would set off any warning bells that we could see.

During the vendor’s ownership, the car has received a rebuilt Holley carburettor, new rocker cover gaskets, new coil, new fuel pressure regulator and a new fuel tank sender gasket, along with a general tune-up and MoT exam, despite being exempt from the latter due to being correctly registered as a historic vehicle.

Included with the car is an impressive history spanning two packed folders, which is enough to whet the appetite of any potential bidders.

A full copy of the GE 427 Construction manual is included, allowing any owners to carry out their own maintenance if required. Inside this is also a number of invoices from various companies, a wiring diagram and other miscellaneous documentation.

In the second folder, the V5 is present showing eight former keepers, a spare key, numerous old MoT certificates, an invoice for a recent major service in August 2021 along with the aforementioned fuel pressure regulator.

There is also evidence for a radiator rebuild in September 2015 at £336, and numerous other period invoices.

Raucous, stylish and evocative, there isn’t much not to like about this 1967 Gravetti factory-built Cobra evocation.

Finished in arguably one of the best colour combinations for a racing livery, in outstanding condition throughout and mechanically fantastic, this Cobra is ready for the next owner to use, enjoy and fettle with to their hearts content, with no known problems or issues requiring immediate attention.

All considered, we expect this Cobra to reach between £23,000 and £32,000 when the hammer falls. We also expect this Cobra to prove popular, so be sure to get your bids in early to be in with the chance of obtaining this gorgeous Gravetti Cobra.

Viewing is always encouraged and as stated this car is located at our Abingdon headquarters; we are open Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm and to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing to make an appointment. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.