DRB Sports Cars

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DRB Sports Cars , previously DRB Enterprises and GT40 Australia , is an Australian manufacturer of high performance sports cars as kit cars , which in Stapylton ( Queensland on the Gold Coast is established). The company started with kits in 1973 . Since 1981 replicas of the well-known AC Cobra 427 and the Le Mans winner Ford GT40 , as well as a modern variant of the SVT Cobra based on the Ford Mustang , the DRB 540.

Saber

This model was available from 1973. This coupé was based on the chassis of the VW Beetle . A fiberglass body was mounted on top. Initially only available as a kit, complete vehicles were also available from 1981. In 1983 a convertible version was added to the range.

The Magnum and Saber 2 were designed similarly.

Taipan

The Taipan appeared in 1986. This was a mid-engined coupe that was only produced as a complete vehicle . The engine came from Nissan and had a displacement of 1600 cc .

DRB GT-40

chassis

The chassis consists of a rectangular tube with bottom plates and bulkheads made of galvanized sheet steel. It carries all the attachment points for the engine, wheel suspension, steering and seat belts. On request, it can be equipped with a half or full cage according to CAMS / FIA. It is lacquered with black enamel as standard, and glossy black powder-coated on request.

body

It consists of GRP and is structured as follows:

  • Driver's cab: riveted and connected to the chassis. The doors are attached and have a tested side impact protection.
  • Front and rear: suspended on adjustable hinges
  • Dashboard: padded and covered with vinyl; without recesses for the instruments
  • Covers of the tanks (rocker panels): temporarily installed. They have to be removed again for the installation of the tanks.
  • Windows: laminated windshield (built-in), laminated rear window (built-in), acrylic rear window (as an engine cover), side windows and headlight covers are included.
  • All GRP cladding for the body, including wheel arches, air ducts, etc.
  • The body mounted on the chassis is delivered with built-in doors and the complete front and rear sections.

building instructions

The chassis with body is supplied with extensive assembly instructions that contain all instructions, drawings, photos, part numbers according to ADR, required parts and certificates for the chassis, side impact protection, etc.

Attachments and equipment

GT40 Australia makes all parts that are not available in normal auto accessory stores, such as: B.

  • Pedals for clutch, brake and gas
  • Aluminum fuel tanks and polished aluminum quick fill caps
  • Aluminum door handles
  • Seats
  • Interior door panels
  • Special adapter plates and flywheels
  • Gear shift kits
  • Rear suspension made from heat-treated cast aluminum
  • Stabilizers front and rear
  • Exhaust systems
  • Cardan shafts
  • Harnesses
  • Ventilation grille
  • Headlights and taillights

DRB Cobra / Boss Cobra

The DRB Cobra was the best-selling Cobra replica in Australia; over 350 pieces were sold. The light construction and the reliable parts (including the body with floor pan, which is delivered with all panels already installed) enable the buyer to build the DRB Cobra in high quality.

The DRB Cobra can be equipped with a 5.0 l Ford Windsor engine or - as an economy variant - with a Lexus aluminum V8 with four camshafts. The latter is available as a "Front Cut" (with engine, gearbox, engine control, etc.). However, both engines do not meet the emission regulations in some countries.

The DRB 2000 received a wider engine compartment and is now called the DRB Boss Cobra . The larger engine compartment now enables the installation of the 5.4 liter Ford Boss high-performance engine series with four camshafts, which comply with the emission regulations in all Australian states.

The naturally aspirated 4.6 liter V8 aluminum engine from the Mustang Cobra with four camshafts or its supercharged counterpart can also be installed, which comply with regulations in most states.

DRB 540

Ford in the US made a Shelby Cobra as a concept vehicle and exhibited the prototype at various auto shows in the US in 2004. The drive was a 6.8 liter V10 engine, which was installed at the front and connected to a transaxle gearbox and chassis components of the Ford GT. Although the prototype was well received by the public, it did not go into production - presumably for financial reasons. This prototype inspired DRB to build a similar-looking car called the DRB 540 .

literature

Web links

Individual evidence

  1. ↑ Official website of DRB Sports Cars (English)