The Gardner Douglas 427 Mk4 is a Great Car, But Apparently *NOT* a Cobra - Why?

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Today, I present to you the Gardner Douglas 427. Many people have asked me to cover one of these cars, and today courtesy of the lovely team at GD I'm glad to say I made not just this happen, but also something else.
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[@JayEmmOnCars]

CarVertical: The History Checking Service Use this link or code "JAYEMM" for a discount! www.carvertical.com/gb/landing/v3?b=1e4c9523&a=JayEmm&voucher=jayemm&chan=jayemm

[@mikefaulhaber]

As an American who spends most of his time in England, I feel that this video captures a kind of Britishness to motoring journalism that's otherwise difficult for me to articulate to others. It was special from the first frame. Brilliant work, James!

[@musoseven8218]

I agree, as a Brit and one time driver of tuned Healeys, MGs et al, and leaky hard tops (even on immaculately prepared cars - a tonneau is often better)✌️👍💜😊

[@cowanscott9047]

No need to apologise for the sound quality... it was glorious listening to that thumping V8!!

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

A big displacement LS is one of the most underrated sounds in all of motoring... I think it's 'cause they're so common people don't list them in their favourite sounding engines. But God damn you can make an LS sound mean as all hell. The exhaust systems on the very late model VF Commodores had it absolutely nailed, they actually make me swoon above 4000rpm 🥴😍

[@cowanscott9047]

@@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13 I own a resto modded Land Rover defender 110 with a JE Engineering JLR 4.8LV8. It will sound awesome when I get it back after its latests upgrades...but.. an American V8 LS3 will sound so much different.. in a good way! No right or wrong here! 🙂 they are both epic!!

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

@@cowanscott9047 Oh man those Jag V8s do make a dirty, dirty noise... Another great engine. A mate here in Australia had an XFR when they were new and that thing was epic. That car could do it all, way better than an M5, on the road anyway. The 110 restomod sounds wicked man, bet it's one hell of a mean thing to hear tearing it up out there in the mud.

[@user-bz2oq9ek3w]

I own pretty much the exact same as this car featured but in dark blue. I also specced the throttle body package by AT Power. What you don’t really hear well in the video are the induction noises this set up gives. It is delicious, angry and very, very addictive. I love it!

[@adrianjrawomi7861]

There are few shapes as iconic as the Cobra's in the automotive world. Truly timeless.

[@dyent]

You mean the AC Ace, which the Cobra was based on

[@augustortiz]

@@dyentpotatoe potato…literally everyone calls it a Cobra, be it an AC or a Shelby. The first thing a person thinks when a car like this goes by is: “oh look a Cobra”.. No one says: “Oh look an AC”. Cobra sounds much cooler too.

[@dyent]

@@augustortiz Because they're different cars. The Cobra uses the body from the Ace. Like, you wouldn't say ""There are few shapes as iconic as a RUF CTR" - you'd say the original car, the Porsche 911.

[@Gorbyrev]

The rain footage was wonderful. I once got caught in the rain in a Caterham with septuagenarian passenger. I couldn't figure out why the windscreen wipers were not clearing the water until I realised the offending rain was on the "inside" of the screen. We laughed about it later. As Henry Catchpole would say after he dailyed a Seven for a year, buy a good sailing jacket.

[@RUfromthe40s]

another good example, the caterham 7 isn´t a Lotus caterham but it´s licensed to be a car, the caterham

[@kurtbarker3303]

I used one for a year too, back in the early 90’s. Drove roof down, in snow, filling the boot! Gleeful fun, but yearned for heat!

[@Gorbyrev]

@kurtbarker3303 I salute you good sir.

[@graemerolfe1573]

Had a similar experience driving my Elise back down the M1 without the roof after I bought it

[@britboy70]

I always find it amazing that so many older British derived cars had so little weather protection :-)

[@DjDolHaus86]

I'd argue that a lot of modern replicas are better than the original Shelby Cobra. They might lack the prestige but they're stiffer, lighter, have better suspension/tyres, better engines and a better transmission

[@ahemgee9542]

have you ever been in one? Ive been in a AK and a DAX, using old modified jaguar ladder frame chassis, they're absolutely terrible.

[@DjDolHaus86]

@@ahemgee9542 Yeah but they're a nearly 40 year old design based on an 80s chassis so not exactly modern. The original cobra was also a ladder frame more or less which gives all sorts of peculiar characteristics compared to the more modern space frame chassis designs

[@colinellison762]

@@ahemgee9542 Having owned my AK for over 20 years, i would strongly despute your "terrible" claims, unless of course you are used to Rolls Royces or hi end Mercs, also they are not "modified Jaguar ladder frome chassis", they are bespoke ladder and partial backbone frames designed to take whichever running gear you spec!, if you are going to slate something at least get your facts right!

[@JoJoJoker]

These Cobra copies/replicas are fairly common in the USA. “Real” Cobras 1. Have a CSX serial number 2. Use an aluminum body. New ones are known as “recreations”. The replicas are still fun vehicles! The 427 is cool but as an adult I appreciate the 289 versions more than the big block version. Seeing a bare aluminum 289 Cobra is a beautiful sight!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I love the look of the 289

[@truantray]

Bizarrely the Americans only buy or build Cobra 427 roadsters. UK builders make 289 FIA GT Cobras with a roof (faster, and because rain) and rear exhausts instead of the dumb side exhausts that either burn you or poison you in traffic.

[@546268]

Totally with you there 👍

[@RUfromthe40s]

@@truantray AC is the brand that made the car but filled for bankruptcy, cobra was the model and shelby install there the ford V8 engine this is not a shelby also not a ac but a DG

[@johnny427]

Even with aluminium body (kirkham) and even with csx number (factory five, or ERA or some of them - fiberglass bodied replica - has CSX) it can be a replica though. It doesn't mean by any ways that a replica would be a worst car than an original was, but it worth way less for sure.

[@stanmarks3950]

I must admit to enjoying watching Jay getting wet and making those noises @ the same time. There was absolutely nothing wrong (technically or otherwise) with this vid. Great way to convey the true nature of this drive.

[@gordonclark7632]

The sound of that engine is just so awe inspiring.

[@C.Fecteau-AU-MJ13]

The LS is always a great option for builds like these... They're plentiful, powerful, affordable, reliable, and quite compact for their displacement. Surprisingly economical too. You can slot an LS into pretty much anything and get a good result. People say it's predictable going LS, but it's a predictable choice for a host of good reasons.

[@lorddoosworth8175]

I'd say *extremely* compact for their displacement. An LS ranging from 5.7 to 7 liters is pretty much the same physical size as a Nissan 3.5 VQ35 :)

[@KartsAgainstHumanity]

They're not common here in the UK - I don't think they ever officially made it here in any car. Only very recently the LT in the C8 corvette.

[@Kacpa2]

Its neither. We never had an LS v8 cars here of any description as any available good. Closest it ever was is Vauxhall/Holden Monaro/Pontiac GTO sold very briefly in UK. Aside of imported us cars it sight unseen. Ford Mustang V8 since its sold here finally is more common. Aside of that older V8 bmws, audi and mercedes cars, for uk Rover V8s and Aston marton cars. Rest is rare exotics like ferraris and maseratis.

[@progste]

​@@KartsAgainstHumanityyou can buy them directly, you don't need them to be in a car.

[@arkhsm]

Unless it's a FORD engine, it's a replica....this is just a kit car !!

[@bigal3055]

This isn't a "I apologise for the noise" situation. This is a crank it up to eleven and drink it in situation.

[@davekennedy6315]

That panel strength demo at 17:23 (showing the foam filled panels cross section and actually standing on the panel without denting or breaking!) shows just how incredibly impressive these wonderful cars are. Plus it also shows just how much love is put into the building/assembling of these works of art. I now desperately want one, in fact NEED one!

[@vincenthughes6421]

I’ve owned a MK3 GD427 since 2007. Ford 302 engine with 367bhp, Jag running gear and T5 gearbox. Black and chrome, under slung pipes so classic 60’s looks. Driven it with my wife to Monaco where it got more attention in Casino Square than all the regular supercars! I’d never part with it. Thanks GD.

[@stu0508]

Finally something really proper. More high end kit cars like this please :)

[@westmus]

The 4 wheeled version of an cafe racer. Max input to all the senses when driving.

[@Kacpa2]

As it should be. Its a shame that this is lost art and not even consideration in modern mass produced cars, sportscar or not.

[@user-bz2oq9ek3w]

Thank you Jay. I’ve enjoyed your videos for years and this one really resonates with me. The rain provided some entertainment and an aspect of ownership. I own a very similar dark blue factory build with deep dish knock on/off 18 inch Halibrands and side pipes which I took delivery of earlier this year. Feel you need a dry day, sidepipes and no roof for the complete experience. Owned a fair selection of nice cars, Porsche, Aston, Lotus etc - this one has a fun factor which trumps all the rest by a country mile. GD’s are quietly renowned for their quality of build against the competition especially the factory cars. I can’t go anywhere without fellow enthusiasts sharing their passion which I always am happy to reciprocate. One comment I would disagree with - car has huge performance - a Golf R would not see which way this car went down a dry road (I owned a Mk7). My modified 600bhp F Type R that I once owned wouldn’t either. You just need more time in one to learn and trust the handling. It has few driver aids so you do need to respect it a bit more granted but ultimately it is GT3 ground coveringly fast and quicker in a straight line. Andy and Meena are lovely, they don’t advertise massively as the cars sell themselves. In the future when we are all electrified and the memories of this experience has faded you are more than welcome to come for another blast in a proper car, on a dry day with no roof!

[@longtailgt]

9:37 I'm absolutely laughing from here onwards

[@johnogrady5298]

Two car styles that have stood the test time & are iconic, the Cobra & the E-type. Replica or not it's just sublime

[@MyHumanWreckage]

This car is heavy, loud, crude and has no driver aids…and I LOVE it!

[@damienbush3278]

Brilliant review. As an ex-TVR owner, the GD is now top of my Xmas list

[@TheKaptainKombat]

One of my good primary school friends dads loved his rare, expensive sporting vehicles. Shortly before we lost touch his father bought a factory five cobra replica, and a few years later I was detailing cars and found his father had bought a gt40 replica as well. Never had the chance to get a ride in either but every time I saw those cars I just took a moment to marvel at them knowing it was unlikely I’d ever get to be that close to such vehicles. Great coverage as ever Jay!

[@timcollins380]

What a fabulous video James, I almost felt like I was driving the car with you. Brilliant work as usual, thank you for the pleasure your channel brings.

[@IWarwickI]

I truly love that you reviewed a Cobra 🐍, even if they want to be something else and be known as a GD. A cobra is my personal dream car

[@hexgraphica]

I really like videos recorded with professional quality in an amateurish style, they give less of an artificial feeling, and in the case of vlogs it's better

[@cyberdansken]

Gorgeous car and probably a lot better on the road than a real Cobra, while retaining the looks and charisma. Very nice!

[@4pevans]

Great video James and THANK YOU for sticking through it!

[@timothydavey2406]

AS Chapman said about his initial drive in the rain in the VII; ( as it was then) 'it's a bit choppy around the ankles'

[@Kentviking]

always loved these. Somewhat surprises me that none of the replica manufacturers has taken the chance to produce something that is truly in the restomod category of modernised classic as like you it doesn't bother me that it is not a true AC car. Can't wait to see the lola inspired T70 review mind...now that is something far more unique on our british roads and sets GD aside as a proper car manufacturer in its own right rather than just a "kit car" firm. Love your reviews, please keep up the great work

[@RUfromthe40s]

true AC car ,what model are you refering to ,the AC cobra wasn´t really a shelby or a cobra ,the brand as history in racing ,mr.shelby himself drove one AC in early 60´s with two other team mates but not a wining car allthough it looked like the so called cobra with a top and back but diferent kind of a 2+2 E-type but aplied to the AC Cobra and more slim ,so when shelby bought from his employer in England the AC body to later install a V8 engine (ford one)who isn´t a proper car driven wise ,or anyone here drove a shelby cobra to it´s fullest power and in turns, like the shelby cobra this is a gardner douglas being both not a AC ,also never bother me being not a AC like the shelby or the douglas garner aren´t AC´s also i do enjoy the car but i even like more the early 60´s AC racing car for the Le Mans race

[@mrnicktoyou]

I have that engine in my 4-door sedan (also making over 500hp) and it feels so powerful. Can't imagine what it would feel like in something half the weight like this car.

[@user-bz2oq9ek3w]

I can assure you (I own pretty much the identical car with 490bhp throttle bodies, less cam and on E5 petrol) pretty bloomin fast - lol

[@stephgagnoulet3133]

Great video!!! GD T70 next?

[@BennettIsAmazing]

My neighbour has a real Cobra in the garage downstairs. Uncertain of which mark. You will hear it within a mile when he starts it. In central London. He also has quite a few special vintage cars down there. I'm lucky to be able to perve on them.

[@aeromotive2]

thank you for going mainstream with these cars jay.. very relatable and helpful

[@brianiswrong]

What a nice way to spend £100k on a proper weekend toy.👍

[@johnmull59]

Great video James. You clearly enjoyed that even though the weather was testing! Cracking motor.

[@iainsmart8614]

Again. Another fantastic video from you. Really enjoyed it and glad you have the balls to drive that in the wet. I salute you sir!!

[@crimsonwolf0428]

Great video James! I love the "weather spoils James' video" comedic content! Excellent humor as always and beautiful car! Keep doing what you do! 😎

[@leongiles3496]

Well done James, not even the weather could dampen your enthusiasm...

[@alunprice8537]

Built an AK a few years ago- I will never forget that car or the noise!

[@micb3rd]

Awesome car. What a visceral experience I had a good look around these and chatted to the people at GD at the Goodwood Revival... I really would like one!

[@iantucker-pr1xe]

Loved this video. I am a little biased as I am a prospective builder of the mk4 427. It was great to hear an impartial opinion on the quality of the car. Now keener than ever to get on with a build. Can’t wait for the T70 Lola video. Especially if the roads are dry

[@simonvancoevorden295]

I built a couple of Westfields here in Western Australia, but went to a lot of kit car shows back in the Uk . I always admired the top notch quality of the Gardner Douglas ! Great video Jay .

[@guss2099]

I’ve got a Westfield SE Race Spec with no windscreen and a cage a few weeks ago and went out the afternoon I had it delivered for a quick blast around. 10 minutes after leaving the house, heavens open and there was not a single spot of clothing left dry, but the smile on my face was huge, people driving by must have thought I’m bonkers, but like this car on the video, it’s all about the experience! Not much else out there can beat the thrill of a bespoke car!

[@THESALMON8TR]

Loving your discomfort at your classic English weather!🤣 Keep it up James!!!!!!💪😁👍🤣

[@heiner71]

Looking forward to the T70 review.

[@Justthreepedals]

Congratulations James, on hitting the 300,000 followers great video as always looking forward to more content…

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Thanks very much!

[@eze8970]

Thanks J & all @ GD/owner. Great looking & sounding car. T70 spider/moda is fantastic, so looking forward to that video! 🙏🙏

[@johnosullivan2017]

Fabulous; utterly glorious exhaust note! I fell in love with the Chevy V8 driving a Camaro SS up the Pacific Coast a few yeras back. Monstrous amounts of torque from low revs. Not surprised it pulls hard from 1600rpm in 4th.

[@amiles-mo5mc]

That rumble is just addictive

[@westmus]

This video reminded me of an old video found on "The Drive" youtube channel, with Chris Harris driving an Morgan from Wales to Geneva. That video also included driving in heavy rain and the use of an newspaper as drip-protection inside the car. 😄

[@Moe23pd]

By god that sound eeeeevil.

[@philipfoster7269]

Hello James. Thanks for another cracking review. Hope you are well. Suggestion. Do you think you can get hold of an MG ZT or TT 260 to drive? Less than a thousand were built before the company fell over and got bought up by SIAC(?). I wonder just how rare they are, how good or bad they are. I found it interesting that the rear discs were a tad bigger than the front discs, how unusual is that? Thanks again.

[@raymondmarble69]

Your suit was absolutely fantastic! Nice car too, but more looking forward to the T70.

[@psircos]

Currently on the beach in Agia Marina, on Aegina in Greece. I'm having the same trouble hearing, as you are with the wind noise. I'm pushing through though and very entertained. Glad you are too....defo worth it 😊

[@eze8970]

Be a brave bear & try to enjoy yourself! Happy Holiday!

[@Boric78]

That shirt was literally the lining to my Grandads waxed jacket. Crazy.

[@Kopa_Malphas]

Very much enjoying the rain shenanigans. Something about a Replica cobra, no driver aids, and some rain anxiety

[@b6s4shelter]

A family friend built a replica 427 with tremec 5 top loader. Gave it to me for a weekend as a Christmas gift! Life experience.

[@neiladam2832]

The AC. The ultimate toy. 😊👍

[@Consoul909]

The sound and rain only added to the mystique and fun of owning a car like this. Non-car guys need not apply. Great job!

[@BeetleBeetleY]

Another good one from James! Ending was a bit abrupt though :D

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I did what I could!

[@MrJamesBrown70sChild]

Definitely enjoying it 😊❤

[@mgbv8man2]

glorious. and a good vid as usual

[@davebarron5939]

Fantastic car, REAL engine and very little weight, must be an absolute HOOT! to drive, and that SOUND glorious. Thanks!

[@travisswanson3449]

Really the optimum setup is a double a armed fronts, and the multi-link rear. The RX8 is an exemplary example of that for a FR drive combination.

[@benjaminepstein5856]

This was fun to watch

[@richardhunt1384]

We looked at building a Fake Snake replica, visiting DAX and their Trajero and saw a few other companies at a Kit Car show. Some kits looked very close and some were not but then price did reflect this. In the end we didn't pursue the idea as finding a space to build it near to where we live wasn't attainable.

[@richardskelton5119]

Great fun! But if you want to get wet when driving in the rain, you can do it in a 1980s Triumph Spitfire for a mere fraction of the price!

[@brendanmccabe8769]

It is possible to tighten that turning circle a little by judicious use of the right pedal. Possibly best not to do in someone else's car though!

[@philringwood5446]

So James, now do you want to do my ac Daytona Coupe, from factory five?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Of course

[@RacerGRE]

Shouting to be heard, at many spots you sounded just like the late, great Murray Walker.

[@rickdorsey1696]

Great video and it’s a real car that did great in the rain.

[@HydrophobicWater.]

the rain section was quite funny lmao

[@allareasindex7984]

I don’t know if it’s true but I read that England has the highest per capita ownership of convertibles in the world. Those rare sunny days must be treasured.

[@darkchild130]

When you have less of something you appreciate it more.

[@Jrer241067]

Congratulations Great Chanel,Great Reviews, Brilliant Content👍👍 See if you can get you’re hands on a Spyker Electric car and a original F1 or even a T50. I heard all 100 T50s sold out in 15 minutes!!!! Due to insurance,you might have to test them with the owner present. Sure they would make a great episode and boost your members interest. Keep up the great work 👍👍👍👍👍

[@henryhol8538]

Love the video! We dont actually enjoy seeing you in discomfort - Honest 🤣! We do understand that owners will be able to choose the right weather to go out in.

[@vel87x]

I have a DAX top on my Backdraft and with the top on it is definitely more windy and louder inside the cockpit. Put the windows on and it's a whole different car. Almost comfortable.... Edit: After watching the rest, the windows do help with wind/noise and most of the water but not all. The water getting on your foot is because all cobra windshields mount on two posts directly through the body. It's a direct route for water dripping onto your foot.

[@kimberleylouiseprance445]

Thank you for enduring that car in the rain. It might suit some people however I think I would rather get a Jaguar XKR coupe that you reviewed the other week.

[@jamesmcdonald5247]

Great content wet leg is a common problem with GD's you can spot us at car and coffee morning , especially in Scotland 🤣. You should of tried one with no hardtop its a much nicer experience.

[@Joescuderia]

I love your videos dude, you're right Cobras are too rare who cares if its a replica the important thing . To drive one for fun, life is too short.

[@markcrisp]

Loved it!!

[@anyau]

out of all your your fancy shirts i think this is the best one. Where do you buy them from?

[@mazboengineer]

@JayEmmOnCars recommend packing an umbrella (on GD branded wet suit) if in doubt about the weather next time 😂 …and despite that, I’d still buy one in a heartbeat if I could 👌🏼🤤

[@user-od9iz9cv1w]

As a North American I am biased. I think Factory Five is the best Cobra offering. They are very improved over the original but can still be built on a budget. These cars are beautiful and they would be a blast for open top motoring on a nice day. Like a motorcycle. Given they are a toy, you want great value.

[@travisswanson3449]

Gives a whole new meaning to white-knuckle driving😅😂🤣

[@davekennedy6315]

Does anyone remember the name of the Cobra and Jaguar D Type replica builder that was based in Witham Essex in the early 90s? It was in Moss Road? I used to work opposite it and be treated daily to the sound of their beautiful cars being `tested` (as in thrashed down the very nearby A12!) They were very high quality replicas as i remember that they were going for £100,000 in 1992ish!

[@ChrisDorgan]

More importantly, love the jacket

[@frantikfueled]

This was fun 😄

[@LeMagnum440]

Great, but would love to see you do the gt70 moda.

[@robertchubb5602]

However..I love the "slab side" 289 with the "add on" afterthought arches...just looks the business..

[@walthamwalker]

Get on with it man You love it

[@godsgranddad]

What an absolute weapon

[@kevinmountford4541]

Yes im enjoying it, great laugh thanks! Dream car to boot.

[@martentrudeau6948]

Wonderful car, it's unique in spite of its Cobra history.

[@zaphodbeeblebrox5973]

I know someone who does drive a real one at least weekly and thinks nothing of using it for shopping, it's not quiet a real cobra as its actually an AC 289 Mk3 (basically the same as a Mk3 427 AC Cobra but using the 289 V8 of the Mk2 and made after Shelby parted ways with AC). She has also known the car since it was new in 1966. The other thing is the roof it came with had never been used!

[@malcolmhardwick4258]

The things you have to do James to entertain us !

[@rv9990]

Heard there are also companys that make cobra replicas with a jag i6 and V12. Would love to see a review of one of these.

[@johnnyboy1586]

Yes saw a vid where this guy had a 550 hp jag v12 in California, it sounded amazing!😊

[@Low760]

Gm did e85 flex fuel cars with the ls series motors. ethonal is great for performance.

[@shadowsystemproject]

Would like to see a review of AC cars like the AC cobra superb lower and how it compares to other cobra or AC ace and AC Aceca from the 90s

[@546268]

I’ve always preferred the 289 myself, but very few companies seem to make recreations of them. I think hawk do but don’t know of any others.

[@adamgamble8386]

I hope u get to test out some AC cars like the AC cobra, Ace,428, Aceca, 3000ME