Brit abroad

**prototype71** · 11-06-12, 07:34 PM

Hi guys
As a British expat petrolhead living in the Netherlands, I have finally given into that itch and started seriously looking for my first (pre-owned) Cobra.

The market over here seems to be dominated by DAX and Pilgrims and I am focusing on several with 'old timer' registrations but a reasonable build year.
Due to the need/preference for a LHD I am also looking across the borders into Belgium and Germany.

As a newbie to Cobra's and replicas in general, I would be keen for any advise on what to look out for when viewing a car (other than the usual mechanical issues any car may have) I.e. body alignment, ride height, common issues, etc.
Also open to advise on DAX versus Pilgrim and v6 versus v8

Thanks in advance for any advice and I look for to becoming a full fledged snake wrangler (what DO you call someone who owns a Cobra?)

Cheers
Aaron

**digger782** · 12-06-12, 03:32 PM

With the price petrol is we should be called CRAZY

**kdavies3** · 12-06-12, 03:37 PM

Aaron, V6 just ain't right.
Wrong sound and won't be any more economical than an RV8 and probably less so than a Chevy LS.

There are good and bad Daxs and Sumos too.

**ChunkyMunkey** · 13-06-12, 07:50 AM

Originally Posted by kdavies3

Aaron, V6 just ain't right.
Wrong sound and won't be any more economical than an RV8 and probably less so than a Chevy LS.

There are good and bad Daxs and Sumos too.

Agree with Kev - V8 is the way to go

Depending on how urgent your need to purchase a car then later in the year there is Cobra event - would be a good chance to chat with owners from all over Europe & see many examples of Cobra replicas. Clicky here for further information on the event.

I suppose we could be called Snake Charmers

Good luck with your search.

**Purple AK** · 13-06-12, 08:03 PM

I seem to recall (although I could be wrong!) that there's a requirement for Dutch Cobs to run LPG??? Might effect your choice.

**Dutch Paul** · 13-06-12, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Purple AK

I seem to recall (although I could be wrong!) that there's a requirement for Dutch Cobs to run LPG??? Might effect your choice.

It`s definitely not a requirement Chris, but fuel type affects running costs considerably.
Our road tax is based on the weight of the vehicle and fuel type.
The heavier the car, the more road tax you pay.
Petrol is the cheapest road tax bracket, diesel the second and LPG powered vehicles the dearest - although I seem to remember G3 LPG systems (direct injection) are a little cheaper than the old fashioned LPG carb set ups.
Any car first registered 25 years or more ago is currently road tax free over here.

Just to make you feel a little better about having to pay UK road tax take a look at the following Dutch road tax prices...........
Ignoring the super low carbon emitting shopping trolleys, some of which are road tax free.........

A car running on petrol and weighing around 1000kg costs Euro416/year (about £345)
A car running on diesel and weighing aroung 1500kg costs Euro1632/year (about £1360)
A car running on LPG (carb) and weighing around 2000kg costs Euro2464/year (about £2050)

Couple that with the price of fuel, it`s no laughing matter running a decent car over here - definitely dearer than the UK now.

**Wetpool** · 14-06-12, 05:27 AM

It's not anymore Paul, but around 90-92 it was. At the time it was considered the cleanest solution (pre cat) to rerun an older engine in a kit-car. Infact it stated on the documents that the vehicle was not allowed to have any (spare) petroltank. As for the "free of road tax" age, it's now gradually lifted to the age of 30, and, more important, although road tax will not be charged at that vehicle age anymore, they came up with a fuel "penalty" if you run LPG or Diesel instead of Petrol. That penalty you will pay, no matter if your car is considered oldtimer or not...

Not good news for a lot of LPG driven Cobra's in Holland, since these rules will apply to all post 1986 cars.

Best Regs, Theo

**Dutch Paul** · 14-06-12, 04:01 PM

Originally Posted by Wetpool

It's not anymore Paul, but around 90-92 it was. At the time it was considered the cleanest solution (pre cat) to rerun an older engine in a kit-car. Infact it stated on the documents that the vehicle was not allowed to have any (spare) petroltank. As for the "free of road tax" age, it's now gradually lifted to the age of 30, and, more important, although road tax will not be charged at that vehicle age anymore, they came up with a fuel "penalty" if you run LPG or Diesel instead of Petrol. That penalty you will pay, no matter if your car is considered oldtimer or not...

Not good news for a lot of LPG driven Cobra's in Holland, since these rules will apply to all post 1986 cars.

Best Regs, Theo

Theo

Were these rules only for kitcars?
I have had a 1985 Chevy pickup on LPG for 2 years now and it is road tax free.
I had heard they were talking about stretching it up to 30 years for oldtimer status, but didn`t know that it had been introduced yet.

**Wetpool** · 14-06-12, 05:54 PM

Your 1985 car became oldtimer in 2010 at the age of 25. Cars from 1986 became oldtimer in 2011, also at 25. cars from 1987 will become oldtimer in 2013, so at 26, '88 at 27 in 2015, '89 at 28 in 2017, 90 at 29 in 2019 and 91 at 30 in 2020, from then on they will start using 30 years of age. At dutch RDW site it's explained more clearly than my effort

Grts, Theo

**prototype71** · 14-06-12, 06:20 PM

Guys
Thanks for the good advise, especially the issues on LPG and old timer changes

Paul / Theo, are you guys able to recommend a decent insurance company in Holland for old timer / classic car / kit car coverage?

Also are there any insurance discount advantages by being a member of certain clubs ?

Cheers
Aaron