1996 CLASSIC REPLICAS VIPER V8

This 1996 National Kit and Classic concours-winning Classic Replicas Viper V8 is a pristine AC Cobra replica from the same year, presented with exceptionally low mileage, a meticulous maintenance history and still presents in concours condition. The vendor informs us that the car has never been driven in the rain and is kept inside a heated garage when not in use. The vehicle featured in the book A Kit Car Collection Series: Cobra Replicas by Iain Ayre, who tells the story of how two old school friends fell in love with the Cobra and decided to build a kit version each. The guide explains how approximately 2,000 hours were spent assembling this vehicle alone, and discusses the remarkably high standards the builders set themselves when planning their endeavour.

Its 5.7-litre naturally aspirated V8 was upgraded from new by Chevrolet to produce 300bhp and boasts a Holley four-barrel carburettor. This powerhouse is teamed with a Toyota five-speed manual gearbox and Jaguar running gear/disc brakes. The odometer currently shows just 4,500 miles from new.

The car was first registered in 1996, but is listed as March 1998 due to the car’s status being updated at that time by the DVLA to historic vehicle status when it received its current registration XJB 808L, being a historic vehicle the car is therefore exempt from road tax. The car has had just one owner from new and has been in their possession for 24 years, during which time they have lovingly assembled, maintained and detailed the car, keeping it in concours condition. 

The bodywork is made using a fibreglass main tub, which was trimmed and bonded into place before being sprayed in Chamonix White by the Reading Accident Repair Centre, where the work was carried out under the supervision of their main paint expert. Ayre described the paintwork as “one of the most immaculate finishes I’ve seen for some time – faultless,” which remains true to this day. The vendor notes most silver components are either chromed brass or stainless steel, ideal for avoiding rust and preserving this superb tribute.

Before assembling the interior, Ayre describes how hours were spent fiddling with cardboard cut-outs to find the correct position for the gauges and controls. Inside, the car features a bespoke walnut dashboard, with no visible screws holding it in place, just as there are no visible hinges on the glove compartment, doors or boot thanks to the vehicle’s unique design. The driver is treated to Wilton carpets, tasteful leather upholstery and four-point harnesses. The vehicle also features a CD multi-stacker hidden under the dashboard, connected to Kenwood speakers dotted all over the cabin. A small chip is detectable in the offside door’s walnut trim, though the vendor reports this is an easy repair.

The vehicle boasts a galvanized chassis, and all suspension parts are powder coated, with no rust or deterioration detected according to the owner. When designing the engine bay, Ayre notes care was taken to hide any sort of fastener and the bulkhead panelling has been carefully cut to shape in order to make any fixings invisible, allowing the stainless-steel and aluminium trim to shine through.

The vehicle is serviced by the vendor annually, with the last interval taking place in October 2019, when the engine oil and filters were changed. Prior to this, as well as the usual oil and filter changes, the vehicle has undergone brake fluid, spark plug and coolant changes at recent service intervals.

The last MOT test was on 1 August 2018, which resulted in a clean pass. This has now expired, but the vendor assures the vehicle will be handed over with 12 months MOT. The General XP2000 tyres were fitted in 1996 and remain in good condition, with the owner reporting at least 6mm of tread remaining all round. While these tyres retain good tread, a new owner may wish to replace them from a safety perspective.

Accompanying the vehicle are all receipts and additional information from the build process. The vehicle also boasts a Cobra alarm system for extra peace of mind.

This 1996 Classic Replicas Viper V8 is a pristine concourse-winning AC Cobra kit vehicle, built to an impeccable standard with a galvanised chassis, powder coated suspension parts and no visible hinges on the doors, bonnet, boot or glove compartment. The 5.7-litre V8 has been upgraded by Chevrolet to produce 300bhp with four-barrel Holley carburettors, while inside, the driver is treated to a bespoke walnut dashboard, Wilton carpets and a Kenwood sound system. 

Car Overview

  • 4,552 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Chamonix White
  • Beige
  • 5.7L
  • VIN1U101148W


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01424
  • private Sale
  • Wokingham, United Kingdom

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