Winner of this year’s coveted FAB award, named in honour of the late Fred Arthur Blundell and given to the best-presented car on the Andy Mort Tour, was Andrew Sharples and his stunning AK Cobra 427.
The beautifully-built red and chrome sports car captured the eye of the judges before the event started, and it was a delighted owner who stepped up to collect his award at the post-Tour presentations.
“It’s a real honour to be picked out amongst so many fabulous cars,” explained Andrew, who enjoyed 20 years competing and navigating in stage rallying, culminating in a top ten finish on the North West Stages.
“I built the car over a five-year period from 2015 to 2020, starting with the body and chassis from AK, then buying an old Jaguar XJS to get the suspension and brakes. The engine is a 5.8 litre, V8 351 Windsor, which I sourced from America. Suffice to say it’s plenty quick enough for UK roads!”
Since completing the car, Andrew has enjoyed 7,500 miles of trouble-free motoring, taking in the Le Mans 24-hour Classic, and various events across the country.
“I love it because it’s completely analogue, so there are no driver aids, and the only way to drive it is by grabbing it by the scruff of the neck,” he added.
And there was a familiar face sat alongside Andrew for the Andy Mort Tour, the legendary co-driver Mike Broad.
Now 76, Mike enjoyed a long and very successful rally career guiding the likes of Dave Metcalfe, Malcolm Wilson, Tony Pond, Walter Rohrl and Russell Brookes. His last competitive outing was in 1991 on the Rally RACE- Sierra Morena-Cordoba with Jimmy McRae.
So, how did the Andrew and Mike get together?
Explained Andrew: “It was quite simple really, I was at the SD34 Awards evening and Mike was one of the guest speakers along with Ian Grindrod. I stood up at the end of the forum and asked if anyone would volunteer to navigate for me and Mike volunteered his services straight away.
“It was an absolute privilege to have someone of Mike’s stature with me in the car. I might ask him if he wants to do it again next year!”
The 2300 Club would like to thank Lee and Harry of L E Detailing and Feed the Beast our FAB Award sponsors who very kindly provided a great prize of their own car care products to accompany our glass Award. Thank you!
