AUTO dealer

AK Sports Cars - Westwood Industrial Estate, Peterborough.

Next stop on my quest to decide which kit manufacturer would be best was the Detling kit car show. Here I was able to do a much closer side by side comparison of the DAX, Pilgrim, AK, DB, and Hawk. While I really like the Hawk I didn't like the cost or their attitude.

 

On a side by side comparison it was the AK that stood out for me because of the far superior quality of the body and overall attention to detail showing through in the excellent fit and finish. Ken and Linda were also extremely friendly and helpful. I later learned of their outstanding reputation for exceptional build support and customer service. Ken invited me to his Factory in Peterborough so off I went a few weeks later.

 

I'm sure there's not much disagreement in the general opinion that the support from AK for the builder is probably the best in the business. If you doubt this comment do a search on the UK Cobra Club site under AK.

 

The visit to the AK factory convinced me this was the way to go. The difference in overall quality and customer care was clear to see.  Ken's background is in fibreglass & engineering and he has brought his many years of experience to use in designing and building the AK body.  For me there are two main differences, firstly, the technical specification of the GRP is superior, this means that the body withstands higher temperatures and consequently suffers less movement. Secondly, the body is pre-fitted to the chassis, this means it fits perfectly therefore eliminating many other subsequent issues for the builder.

 

Another reason why I decided on AK is because of the chassis - it's very well built and rigid.  A good way to test the chassis strength and rigidity is to jack up the car so that 3 wheels lift off the ground and then check that the doors open and close properly without any change in the door gaps.  The AK passes this test with flying colours.

 

Before I left the factory Ken had even helped me source a possible donor XJS on EBay to kick start the project. Ken's advice was to source all of the donor parts and recondition them first and then place the order for the chassis, which would be about a ten week delivery. Doing it this way avoids any frustration by having all the bits ready to fit as soon as the chassis is delivered.

 

AK build many of the cars themselves for customers, they do not outsource their building.  This approach has enabled Ken and Jon to continually improve the design so that over the years any build issues have been eliminated.  Jon and Ken are continually looking for ways to improve so that the build becomes even easier and the specification continues to upgrade.