Probably the best way to describe what it’s like behind the wheel of my Tojeiro is to use the words printed in Kit Car magazine...

"I'm an advocate of the Tojeiro driving position. It’s low, reclined and offers loads of space for my 6 foot 2 frame. Footwear, however, takes a little planning and deck shoes seem to be the perfect solution for my size 11s. For readers who are surprised such considerations are important, the reason behind the tight foot wells is the large 'Vee' of the 351 Cleveland plant. Big horsepower means big flywheel bell housing and therefore a large centre tunnel. Unfortunately, pedal spacing comes last in the list of priorities.

With the door closed I adjust the massive 3 inch Sabelt harnesses (DAX offer Willans Harness'). I opted out of the crutch strap thinking it was a little over the top and the Missus didn’t like the idea much.

Turning the ignition key results in an immediate eruption of V8 muscle from under the now firmly closed bonnet. A slightly high idle tells me the electric choke is in operation which slowly releases as the bi-metallic strip heats.

Watching the rev counter, the Cleveland settles to an 800rpm throb, and I mean a throb. The Ford firing order produces a sound like no other V8, it almost sounds out of balance. However, blip the throttle and the note morphs into a thunderous bellow. Even before I select a cog the car feels alive. Again blipping the throttle I feel the torque being transferred through the chassis, rocking the suspension. This is one mean mother.

Depressing the clutch requires considerable effort but that’s to be expected. The Tremec cogs are engaged and off I go. Pulling away gently is not a problem and low down grunt is in abundance. As I go up through the gears the gauges climb in unison and 60mph is achieved in seconds without even trying. The engine note is mesmerising and the sight over the Hilborn Scoop sucking in great gulps of air is astonishing. Even above the exhaust note I can hear the induction roar from the massive four barrel Holley.

I have set the coil over dampers as instructed by Peter Walker at D.J. and they feel spot on. Turn in is sharp, roll is minimal and lateral grip is staggering for a Cobra. What I admire about this latest chassis is how soft you can set the suspension without any compromise in handling. The more miles I do, the more amazed I am. There is no doubt in my mind the additional cost for the De-Dion chassis was a sound investment.

Braking is seriously impressive as it should be with the huge ventilated front discs and 4 pot calipers. This is one of the huge advantages of using Jaguar running gear, unlike other kits that have to splash out £2000 or more for AP equivalents. For general road use they arguably offer no real advantage.