Robnell Cobra #1 at Slattery - today's auction tempter

By: Guy Allen, Unique Cars magazine

Date: 29.03.2023

Robnell Cobra #1 - today's auction tempter

Robnell Cobra #1 - today's auction tempter

Hand-built legend

If you're a fan of Shelby AC Cobras, you'll be well aware of the stratospheric price put on any of the originals. Think well into seven figures, depending on the car and its history.

A whole international industry grew up around building replicas and in Australia the leading proponent by far was Robnell, run by Rob Darnell. Car number 1 from 1987 is now up for auction via Slattery.

Darnell's product remained fairhful to the shape of the original, however he effectively designed a much-updated chassis underneath it.

The heart of it was a space frame with independent suspension and disc brakes all round, providing a better handling package than the original. However he stuck with the Shelby roots by installing Ford Windsor 302ci (5.0lt) V8 engines.

Powerplant options grew with time and the 67 original Robnell cars thought to have been built. 

Robnell's reputation spread and the cars were highly regarded among international enthusiasts.

The marque was later revived in the early 2000s and another batch of cars made.

This example is clearly significant as it's number 1. The powertrain remains a Windsor with auto and the car is believed at one stage to have been owned by Sydney social figure Rene Rivkin.

In the same auction are a few other collectible cars including:

A 1971 Dodge Challenger R/T;

A 1971 Porsche 911T;

And a 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL.

See the auction here.

See our Robnell reader ride;

And our most Shelby AC Cobra feature.

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