IN THIS FEATURE Cobra rules the race tracks Ferocious presence 207mph with more to come The gates of automotive heaven A fairly grown-up way of passing the time

All but one of the control weights is suitably heavy. The clutch depresses with effort and the gear lever slots into the first of its six ratios only if given strong arm guidance. The brakes have only mild servo assistance while even the accelerator requires a firm prod to awaken the engine's interest. Only the super light steering feels odd. Then again, if you're used to 1960s American cars, even this is to be expected.

On the road it's one of those cars which rewards restraint. You may wish to open it up on every conceivable occasion, but you have to remember that while a quick squirt in a car like a Porsche Boxster might take you to 80mph, in the Le Mans Coupe you'll be on the far side of 140mph, if not in jail.

You have to pick your moments but, when you do, it is like the gates of automotive heaven opening before your eyes. The engine, until now a gurgling, menacing presence under the bonnet, explodes into life and will overwhelm the rear tyres in first and second gear on a dry road unless you're careful with the throttle. At first the acceleration feels feral - not entirely under control but you soon learn that's just because you're expecting feedback through the wheel and there isn't any. Rely on the seat of your pants rather than the tips of your fingers for the information and you'll soon be back in charge again. I ran out of nerve and road at about 150mph, at which point it was still gaining speed at an astonishing rate.