Weineck Cobra with over 1,000bhp: The fastest snake in the world

Brothers Claus and Jens Weineck, founders of the eponymous company based in Bad Gandersheim, Germany, have long had the knack of tweaking large engines for use in racing cars and powerboats. They also have a weakness for the 1960s Anglo-American classic, the AC Cobra...

The combination led to not only probably the most powerful Cobra ever created, but also one of the most unforgiving road cars ever built. When the thunderous custom Cobra was unleashed back in the early 2000s, it would reach 124mph in under 10 seconds – putting it in the same league as the Ferrari Enzo and Lamborghini Murciélago, and even the Mercedes CLK GTR and Porsche 911 GT1. It’s worth reminding yourself that the car was based on a 40-year-old design, yet did battle with the aerodynamic elite of its day.

This was down to a vast 12.9-litre V8 with 1,100bhp, twinned with an unladen kerb weight of less than 1,000kg. Crucially, the Weineck Cobra used some NASCAR-spec components – for example, the V8’s 1,328lb ft of torque was delivered via a four-speed transmission with a 1,475lb ft threshold. The engine cooling system, meanwhile, was developed to cope with the 50ºC+ temperatures in Dubai, where one of the production Weineck Cobras was sent.

Beneath the familiar curves lay an aluminium and titanium frame measuring 10cm in diameter; any less and the torsional forces of the immense V8 would have wrung the super snake out like a wet towel. As far as deceleration, Weineck sourced the largest Brembo brakes that would fill the cavity behind those knock-off wheels.

Originally, 15 Weineck Cobras were planned for production back in the early 2000s. However, the opportunity to acquire one of these rare reptiles will present itself at RM’s Rétromobile 2014 sale in February.

Photos: Tan Meng Choon - Courtesy of RM Auctions

All cars to be auctioned at RM's 5 February Rétromobile sale can be found in the Classic Driver Market.