The result of a joint partnership between the heritage car manufacturer AC Cars in the UK, and Shelby Racing over in the US, the AC Cobra proved an iconic sports car from its launch in 1962, built between their respective plants in Thames Ditton, Surrey and Los Angeles, California.
Produced with assistance and input from Ford, who were looking to corner in on the market that was then dominated by Chevrolet’s Corvette model in terms of performance cars, it was the first of AC’s models to be kitted out with a lightweight, small block V8 engine, succeeding the straight-6 engines that had always been in their previous cars.
And thus a sports car was born that was revolutionary in all aspects, in terms of aerodynamics, handling and most importantly of all, power. The V8 on the Cobra roars into life with 485 bhp, accelerating rapidly from 0 - 60 mph in less than 5 seconds, 0 - 100 mph in 10.2 seconds, and you can expect to reach top speeds of 160 mph.