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AC Cobra

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AC Cobra

The AC Cobra was launched in 1962 and was to become one of the most legendary sports cars ever built. It was born out of an arrangement between AC who were looking for a new engine for their Ace sports car, and Carroll Shelby, who after retiring from motor racing was looking for a new business venture. The project went ahead with full backing from the Ford Motor Company (USA) who were to supply the engine. The end result was a light and tremendously powerful sports car, the likes of which had not been seen before. The very first cars used a 4.2 litre V8 engine but a 4.7 litre unit soon replaced this, with the most powerful 7-litre version arriving in 1964. This 427 version as it was known (the 427 being the engine capacity in cubic inches) remained in production for 2 years. A heavier chassis was used on all Cobras from 1965. Many changes were made throughout production of the Cobra, and these included completely redesigned suspension, and the change over to rack and pinion steering in an attempt to tame the cars handling.

For several years the AC Cobra held the title of being the fastest production car in the world. It is worth mentioning at this point, that in 1964 an AC Cobra was recorded travelling at a speed of 183 mph on the M1 motorway causing questions to be raised in parliament. Legend has it that this event led to the introduction of a 70 mph speed limit on UK motorways. Production of the original Cobras ended in 1969 but today they are once again being made by AC at their new factory which, acquired in 1988, is situated within the grounds of the old Brooklands racing circuit.


 

Specifications (typical)

Model

260

289

427

Years Produced

1962

1962-1969

1964-1966

Body Type

2 door sports

2 door sports

2 door sports

Length

12ft 7in

12ft 7in

13ft 0in

Width

5ft 1in

5ft 1in

5ft 8in

Weight

2019lb

2315lb

2529lb

Engine

4265cc V8

4736cc V8

6984cc V8

Power

260 bhp @ 5800 rpm

271 bhp @ 6000 rpm

425 bhp @ 6500 rpm

Torque

269lb ft @ 4800 rpm

314lb ft @ 3400 rpm

480lb ft @ 3500 rpm

Gearbox

4 speed manual

4 speed manual

4 speed manual

Driven Wheels

Rear

Rear

Rear

Brakes

Discs front & rear

Discs front & rear

Discs front & rear

Front Suspension

Transverse leaf spring

Transverse leaf spring

Coil & wishbone

Rear Suspension

Transverse leaf spring

Transverse leaf spring

Coil & wishbone

 

Performance (typical)

Model

260

289

427

Top Speed

138 mph

140 mph

165 mph

0-60 mph

5.7 seconds

5.5 seconds

4.2 seconds

Fuel Consumption

15 mpg

15 mpg

10 mpg

 

Useful Links

AC Owners Club

AC Cobra books at Amazon.co.uk

Gallery