AC Cobras have become nearly priceless – and rightly so. It’s an icon. But what do you do if you want to experience that magic, without compromising on technology, reliability, or handling?

That’s exactly the question they asked themselves at Gardner Douglas. They set out to build a car that’s faster, stiffer, more reliable, and more thrilling than the original.

Unlike many other replicas, Gardner Douglas is renowned for its exceptional build quality. The GD427 is inspired by the legendary AC Cobra 427 – but upgraded with modern engineering and improvements the original could only dream of.

Our example is a GD427 MK3 from 1997 – an early, rare version. The entire build process is documented in photos:
It started with a GD Euro Backbone chassis, fully reinforced and powder-coated. It’s powered by a mighty 5.0-liter Ford EFI High Output V8 (from the Mustang GT), delivering 300 hp and weighing in at just around 1,000 kg.
And yes – we’ve got the build photos to prove it.

You drop into the cockpit, sink into the beige leather bucket seats, nearly level with the asphalt. Just getting in is a squat that wakes up your entire body.
Your hand reaches for the key. You turn it. Ignition.

The 5.0 V8 roars to life. A growl. Goosebumps. Adrenaline. Raw power. And you haven’t even started driving yet.

Forget the espresso. This is your shot of energy.

Do you dare?