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1994 AC Cobra SOLD by Auction | | |
| | | http://www.historics.co.uk/buying/online-catalogue/ac-cobra--.aspx | For sale by auction on Saturday 1st September 2012 with Historics at Brooklands, Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit, Weybridge, Surrey
Estimate: £48,000 - £54,000
The AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra in North America, is an Anglo-American car that was produced during the 1960s. Like many British specialist manufacturers, AC Cars had been using the Bristol straight six engine in its small-volume production two seater roadster. This had a hand-built body with a steel tubular frame and aluminium body panels that were made using English wheeling machines. Bristol decided in 1961 to cease production of its engine and instead to use Chrysler 5.4 litre, V8 engines. Although untrue, it is commonly believed that AC was left without a future source of power and that American ex-racing driver Carroll Shelby saved the company from bankruptcy. In September 1961, Shelby contacted AC asking them if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine; AC agreed on the assumption a suitable engine could be found. He first went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette, they refused. Ford however, wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new small-block engine which could be used. In January 1962, mechanics at AC Cars in Thames Ditton, Surrey fitted the prototype chassis CSX0001 with a Ford V8. After testing and modification, the engine and transmission were removed and the chassis was air-freighted to Shelby in Los Angeles on 2nd February, 1962. His team fitted it with an engine and transmission in less than eight hours and began road-testing. Respected and established car maker, Autokraft manufactured an AC 289 continuation car from 1982 as the Autokraft Mk IV. Shortly thereafter, Carroll Shelby filed suit against AC Cars and Brian A. Angliss. The ensuing settlement resulted in Shelby and AC Cars/Angliss releasing a joint press release whereby AC/Angliss acknowledged that Carroll Shelby was (and is) the manufacturer of record of all the 1960s AC Cobra in the United States and that Shelby himself is the sole person allowed to call his car a 'Cobra'. Nonetheless, production of the Mk. IV continued from 1987 as a joint venture with Ford as the AC Mk. IV with a 250bhp, 4,942cc, Ford V8 which provided a top speed of 134mph.
This superb 5.0 litre V8 Cobra was manufactured by Autokraft and first registered on 26th July 1994. A Cobra will always attract admirers for two reasons; the beautiful flowing body curves and superb exhaust note when the V8 bursts into life. Having covered only 5,200 miles from new, this unmarked example must one of the finest available. Finished in silver with contrasting red leather trim, the vendor describes this car as 'eyewatering' to drive; sounding every bit as good as she looks, we do not doubt it. Supplied with a V5 registration document and a current MoT test certificate, this car is not for the faint hearted.
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