Fast Facts:

• Australian-built RCM Cobra replica, retained by its original family for 31 years, with previous full Victorian registration

• Melbourne-built twin-turbocharged 331 ci V8, paired with a Tremec five-speed manual and Ford nine-inch differential with Quaife limited-slip differential

• Extensively developed chassis with adjustable suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, ABS, traction control, cruise control and electric power steering

The Details:

This 1995 RCM AC Cobra is a highly developed Australian-built replica of the legendary 1960s sports car, powered by a twin-turbocharged V8. Finished in white with contrasting dark blue racing stripes, it is offered from the care of its original family of the past 31 years.

Built on an RCM Cobra platform, this example was conceived as a driver’s car that would combine the icon’s unmistakable aesthetic with modern mechanical engineering and incredible performance. The seller advises that it was constructed in 1995, with an emphasis on road performance, handling and enjoyment of club events.

At its heart is a custom Ford-based V8, reportedly constructed by Welco Engines in Melbourne using an aftermarket engine block de-stroked to a displacement of 331 cubic inches. The seller advises that this configuration was chosen to accommodate boost from twin turbochargers from a Nissan RB20, while maintaining durability and reliability at higher engine speeds.

The turbos are supported by a large front-mounted intercooler, engine oil cooling system and custom fuel delivery system incorporating a remote swirl pot to maintain fuel supply under acceleration and cornering. Upgraded MSD ignition components and extensive custom pipework complete the build.

Power is delivered through a Tremec five-speed manual gearbox to a Ford nine-inch rear differential incorporating a Quaife limited-slip differential. The seller describes the engine as a professionally built and tuned package, developed to offer strong performance while retaining the flexibility and reliability required for road and club use.

The chassis and suspension have received equally extensive attention. At the front, Jaguar Series II-derived suspension incorporates upper and lower control arms, adjustable coilover dampers and an anti roll bar. The rear employs a four-link arrangement with adjustable links, coilover suspension, a Panhard rod and rear anti roll bar.

Keeping up with the chassis and considerable power demands are four-wheel discs, measuring 330 mm at the front and 325 mm at the rear, with FG Ford-style calipers and adjustable brake bias. The Cobra is also understood to feature several modern technologies very rarely found on such builds, including a standalone anti-lock braking system, AU Falcon-derived traction control and electric power-assisted steering. Cruise control also features.

The traditional Cobra-style bodywork is finished in white with broad dark blue racing stripes. Exterior details include a bonnet scoop with Turbo badging, flared wheelarches, polished alloy wheels wearing wide Nitto NT01 performance tyres, chrome bumper overriders and a polished roll hoop. Functional side-exit exhausts run along both sills, while the front grille opening reveals the large intercooler.

Inside, the cockpit is trimmed in grey leather, with low-backed bucket seats, matching door panels and a padded dashboard housing analogue instruments. Timber accents, a three-spoke sports steering wheel and centre-mounted stereo complete the interior. The seller also lists a heater, removable roof, side windows and tonneau cover as accompanying the car.

The Cobra has reportedly remained with its original family since construction and was previously fully registered in Victoria under the personalised registration JCCOB. Its long association with the local Cobra community is chronicled by plaques in the engine bay.

The seller describes the original white paintwork and grey interior as presenting in fair condition, with various stone chips consistent with use. The vehicle is accompanied by extensive documentation and a partial service history.

It is currently registered under Victorian Club Permit registration 91865-H, which is not transferable with the vehicle. The seller has discussed returning the car to full registration with an engineer, who advised that it would likely require the live side pipes disconnected and replaced with an underbody exhaust with a decibel reading, an emissions test to suit its 1995 build year, a weighbridge ticket, a boost lock on the turbos and a dyno test within an allowed power of 220 kilowatts per tonne.

This 1995 RCM AC Cobra is an exceptionally unique car, carefully developed with performance, handling and use front of mind and offered from its sole owner over the past three decades.

Auction Listing Disclaimer Online Classics Pty Ltd NSW MD License 100933

Descriptions and information are supplied by the seller or owner of the vehicle and are believed to be accurate and not misleading to the best of their knowledge. Prospective buyers are required to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and independent verification is strongly recommended.

Vehicles listed on retrorides.com.au & rrauctions.com.au may have undergone cosmetic or bodywork repairs that are not visually discernible. Photographs may not precisely represent the colour or condition; therefore, buyers should directly confirm key specifications. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, it must be assumed that any vehicle registration plates are excluded from the sale of a car or motorcycle.

The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for this vehicle has been verified against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR), at the time of listing the vehicle, and no security interest or other encumbrance is recorded against the serial number. Furthermore, this vehicle has been checked via the Austroads National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS), and there are no markers present within the written-off or stolen vehicle databases.

Access to and use of data provided through the PPSR is subject to the PPSR terms of use and applicable third party data conditions. 

To the extent permitted by law, all data provided through the PPSR is made available without any representation or warranty of any kind (without limitation in respect to accuracy) and the Commonwealth, and third party data providers (which includes Austroads Ltd (ABN 16 245 787 323) and any person mentioned in the third party data conditions as providing information through the PPSR), have no liability to you in respect of any loss or damage that you might suffer no matter how arising (including negligence) that is directly or indirectly related to the NEVDIS data.