2018 Dax 427

We are delighted to be offering for sale a 2018 Dax 427 De Dion Cobra replica. We say 2018 as that was the year that it was registered, after many years of hard work by our seller Chris.

This was undoubtedly a labour of love as the build actually began in 2013 and it is estimated that over 2,000 man hours went into the creation of the Dax. Some blood, sweat and tears along the way, but we are sure you will agree that the result is absolutely stunning.

Since the car’s completion, our seller and his family have enjoyed it immensely with notable highlights being a trip to France in 2018 to watch the Le Mans 24-hour race and a track day at Castle Combe race circuit.

He says "It’s got a Chevy 350 crate engine in it, which with the Edelbrock carb will produce its standard 350 bhp, however you can get an injection conversion kit from roadcraft which will increase the bhp depending on which conversion kit you use. Generally I’ve found that 350bhp is more than enough, particularly given that car is very light."

Family commitments means that the Dax is not getting the use it deserves so our seller has reluctantly decided to offer the car for sale.

Save all the heartache of building your own – buy this prime example, nicely run in and ready to enjoy.

We really cannot over emphasise how stunning this Dax Cobra is to behold in the flesh. The Oxford Blue gel coat positively dazzles and is undoubtedly the right colour to show off the car’s svelte lines.

The car has been used and there are some scratches and marks on the bodywork. These are visible in our photographs, with those on the driver’s door perhaps the most noticeable.

Acres of chrome, all lovely and shiny complete than iconic Cobra look. The new buyer had best stock up on chrome cleaner…

The Dax has a full soft top and side windows, so can be enjoyed all year round if the mood takes you. We are sure there is plenty sideways fun to be had on slippery autumn roads… For summer use, the tonneau cover will be more appropriate, providing protection from the elements when the car is parked up unattended.

Halibrand replica wheels were commissioned from Image Wheels in the West Midlands, 8.5x15” up front and 10.5x18” to the rear, finished in chrome silver. In good condition, each comes equipped with a Bridgestone Potenza tyre, ideal for harnessing all that V8 power. There’s plenty of tread left on each too.

The eagle-eyed will have spotted that the car sports a rather lovely cherished number plate and this will be staying with the car.

Complementing the blue exterior rather nicely is the bespoke cream interior. Classic Cobra Interiors based in Nottingham were the master craftsmen involved and what a superb job they did.

Seats, dash, door cards, all covered with acres of creamy leather, the contrasting blue piping and carpets toning in nicely.

The seats have just a little creasing from gentle use and will undoubtedly develop their own patina as the years roll by. Willans racing harnesses are fitted, essential for those track day adventures. The seats are heated, ideal for top-down adventures on colder days.

The headrests may not be to everyone’s taste, though they do offer great support on a longer drive. They can be removed should the new buyer prefer that authentic Cobra look.

A wood Mota-Lita wooden steering wheel finishes off the cabin very nicely and is a delight to hold and connects to an electric power steering rack.

As is often the case, Jaguar XJ running gear forms the basis for the Dax. Robust, proven, reliable!

But what you really want to know is what lies under the bonnet. Well, it’s a 5.7-litre Chevy 350 engine mated to a TK6 Tremec gearbox. The crate engine was rebuilt from a 1973 block, certificate available, meaning that a catalytic converter is not required.

Our seller reports that it runs quite happily on E10 petrol but does think it would be best to change the fuel lines from rubber to metal. Alternatively, stick with Super Unleaded – more power, better running.

The radiator is filled with waterless coolant, so that should never need changing.

Our seller, more knowledgeable than us also told us the following:

“There were two common design faults with the Dax De Dion, the starter motor was too close to the exhaust and the fuel pump was mounted below the chassis undercarriage level. Both of these problems I’ve solved. Fuel pump is mounted slightly higher and has a protective guard underneath it and I’ve fitted a heat shield to the starter motor to stop the starter solenoid sticking due to heat from the exhaust manifold.”

Also worthy of mention is a camber compensating suspension system, whereby when turning into a corner, the chassis will lean into the camber, but the wheels will stay flat on the road. Much greater traction when cornering is an added bonus.

In our picture gallery you will also find an assortment of pictures of the car’s underside and some of the build in progress. Lovely!

The Dax comes with a raft of paperwork, so we suggest interested parties make a cup of tea and settle down for a good read. The majority of the parts used will be listed.

It is MoT'd until February 2022.

The initial order for the 427 bodyshell in Oxford Blue was made in mid-2013 and thus began our seller’s five-year build adventure.

Also included with the car is the full build manual, IVA paperwork and a whole load of spare parts and bits and pieces.

The seller has a Facebook page which is worth checking out – www.facebook.com/ElsonCobra 

There will be many of us who would love the idea of building their very own AC Cobra replica, but perhaps lack the skills or time to do so.

Well, our talented seller has done the job for you. Buy it, tax it, insure it, drive it! Sounds easy, doesn’t it?

With a soundtrack sure to enliven even the dullest of days, and the promise of an exciting and scintillating drive, we are sure this lovely Dax will attract plenty of interest.

We estimate that the car will sell for between £21,000 and £29,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.