1998 Dax Cobra

This particular DAX Cobra was first registered in 1998 after a lengthy build process that started in 1996. Based upon the ‘Tojeiro’ body shell, the chassis of this Cobra replica comes from a Rover, as does the 3.5-litre V8 engine and the five-speed manual transmission.

Despite being a ‘kit car’ on first inspection it would be very hard to tell this wasn’t a factory-built vehicle, such is the quality of the craftsmanship and incredibly high level of the fit-and-finish.

Of course, each step of the build process has been extensively documented with a paper trail that would put any OEM to shame, with invoices dating all the way back to the initial deposit for the DAX Tojeiro shell to the tune of £300 in July 1996.

While this ‘Cobra’ has racked up a respectable 8.598 miles since completion, it’s clearly only been used sparingly and for special occasions, with an average of just 300-500 miles being accrued on the odometer between annual MOT inspections.

Standing back and drinking it all in, it’s hard to believe this isn’t a ‘pukka’ Cobra unless you really know what you’re looking for. Even then, there’s no denying that this Rover V8-powered replica still commands and incredible level of admiration, with plenty of passers-by admiring the car during our short test drive and photo shoot, which was no doubt helped by the incredible paintwork.

Ah yes, the paintwork.

If standing out in a crowd or drawing attention isn’t your idea of fun, you can look away now. That being said, no Cobra is what we’d call subtle, so we’ll just assume you’re alright with drawing admiring eyes, something that will certainly happen in this incredibly bright and very metallic example.

Love it or hate it, there’s certainly no denying that the paintwork on this glass-fibre bodied Cobra has been applied to an incredibly high standard, and it certainly sticks out against the typical blue-and-white finish of most Cobras. There are very little - if any - notable marks on the bodywork, with only a few larger stone chips to speak of on the front end which have been detailed in the accompanying photo gallery below.

If we were being super picky, we’d recommend the Halibrand-style wheels were refurbished along with having the fuel filler cap polished as both are starting to look a little dull, but neither exhibit any notable damage and look perfectly fine exactly as they are.

The brightwork that is located around the car, such as the bumpers, roll-over bar and those iconic side pipes are all in excellent shape with no notable pitting or marks, while the mirrors and windscreen surround only exhibit minor patina on account of their age.

Included with the vehicle is a soft-top, side windows and tonneau cover all of which are in outstanding condition and can be seen in the gallery below.

While there is very little in the way of creature comforts in the cockpit of this DAX Cobra, it presents in excellent condition throughout, likely due to the vehicle’s low mileage.

The beige leather seats remain in great shape, with no notable signs of wear to the seat cushions or support. The carpets are virtually unmarked, as are the transmission tunnel, turned aluminium details, and dashboard.

Due to the unique way of getting in-and-out of a Cobra, there are a few light scuffs on high-traffic areas such as the door tops, front edge of the seat cushions and rear interior ‘clamshell’ though these certainly do not detract from what is an otherwise excellent interior.

Everything in here works exactly as it should, including the manual electric cut-off switch which is located behind the driver’s seat - ideal for who the car is inactive for long periods of time.

Thanks to being a glass-fibre body, corrosion is not an issue with the shell itself, and there is no notable damage to the bodywork other than the scuffed lower lip which is hidden when in everyday use.

The chassis itself also looks to be in excellent condition, with only one or two tiny patches of surface corrosion noted on some of the box section, though this has never been flagged during any MOT, so it’s fairly safe to say it’s not of any concern.

Speaking of MOTs, this Cobra hasn’t failed a single MOT since 24 September 2005. Not a single one. Nope.

Under the bonnet which is held up by gas struts - a lovely feature - the Rover 3.5-litre V8 engine has been significantly dressed up with highly polished chrome as far as the eye can see. An Edelbrock filter cover has also been fitted to add some period-correct Americana to the engine bay. Everything looks to be in astoundingly good shape, with no visible leaks or fluid misting to speak of.

On our short test drive, the evocative howl from the V8 engine, short gear throw and exposed nature of the Cobra conjured up visions of flying down route 66 or duking it out on-track with other V8-powered beasts.

This DAX Cobra truly is an absolute joy to drive, and during our short stint we did not notice any untoward noises, vibrations or other feelings - just remember to be careful of the hot exhaust when stepping out the vehicle!

As with any home-built vehicle, documentation is everything, and it’s fair to say the paper trail provided with this DAX Cobra is extremely comprehensive. Everything from the initial deposits to washers, screws, fixtures and fittings are all documented and invoiced, providing a fascinating insight into the parts used in the vehicle as well as a rough build order.

In addition to the invoices for the parts from D J Sportscars (DAX) there are also numerous historical MOT certificates, along with other paperwork for maintenance carried out to the vehicle.

Offering true V8 sports car thrills, iconic looks and the unique AC Cobra experience for a fraction of the price of a genuine AC car, this 1998 DAX Cobra is in outstanding condition throughout and is backed up by a clean bill of health, excellent history file and is finished in a truly unique, head-turning specification.

On account of the condition of the vehicle, we estimate it to fetch between £20,000 and £30,000 so be sure to bid well and bid early to secure this Cobra for some summer fun before you miss out!

Viewing is always encouraged. The 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’