Words: Rory FH Smith
The AC Cobra, particularly the wide-bodied AC Shelby 427 Cobra, is an example of Anglo-American engineering at its best.
Based on the British made AC Ace, the AC Shelby Cobra was first conceived when an American chap called Carol Shelby wrote to AC in 1961 to ask if they’d build him one that would take a V8 engine. AC accepted the challenge and the beginnings of the AC Shelby Cobra were established.
Having been a racing driver for Aston Martin and Maserati in the mid-to-late 1950s, Shelby knew that the V8 engined AC was a recipe for success. And with a few modifications, AC exported complete, painted and trimmed cars to Shelby who would add in the engine and gearbox.
The burley 427 was introduced later on in 1965, defined by its aggressive styling and bulging front and rear wings to cover the much larger tyres. Harboring a hefty big-block 7.0-litre V8 developed by Ford, the standard Cobra 427 produced 425bhp, which resulted in a top speed of 164mph.
In competition form, power output was upped to 485bhp, resulting in a devastating top speed of 185mph. Above all, the mutant cobra was capable of accelerating from scratch to 100mph and back down to a complete standstill in just 14.5seconds. A major achievement considering British manufacturers such as Aston Martin were selling cars based on them doing the same in a relatively lackadaisical 25seconds only a few years before.
This particular AC Shelby 427 Cobra, will be offered as part of the Hilton Head Island Auction, South Carolina on Saturday 5 November by Auctions America. Click here for more details.
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