One to Buy: ex-Julian Moulton 1965 AC Cobra 289
In addition to the revered Shelby Cobras, AC Cars in Great Britain, who had done much development work and still handled the lion’s share of the assembly process, sold Cobras destined for the domestic and European market under the AC name.
Other than AC instead of Shelby-type badges and different VIN prefixes, these Cobras were essentially identical to those sold on the other side of the Atlantic.
For the 289 cubic-inch version, a 4.7-litre 271bhp small block High Performance Ford V8 hooked up to a four-speed manual Borg-Warner transmission was dropped into tubular steel chassis with leaf spring suspension, disc brakes all round and 72-spoke Dunlop wire wheels. The rolling chassis was draped in a lightweight aluminium body equipped with a full complement of road trim to include a folding canvas roof.
In total, just 62 examples of the AC-badged Cobra 289 were built between 1963 and ‘66, one of which is currently on offer at the Fiskens’ showroom in London.
Chassis COB 6038 was supplied via Guy Salmon Ltd. to its first owner, Julian Moulton of London, on September 1st 1965. Configured in the fetching colour scheme of White with Black upholstery, COB 6038 (one of 45 right-hand drive examples built) was registered DLO 100C and used exclusively as a fast road car.
Having been restored to its 1965 trim back in 2001 (at which point the original Autolite four-barrel carb was replaced with a set of Weber 48 IDAs), COB 6038 has since been used on a variety of historic touring-style events, during which time it has developed a pleasing patina.
Reprinted below is Fiskens’ description:
One of just 45 RHD “COB” cars built by AC Cars in Britain
Enjoyed by a number of Gentleman drivers
Full JD Classics restoration to original specification
Competitively optimised engine for touring and rallying
Presented in highly original condition with comprehensive history file
After news of Shelby’s thunderous success with his American Cobras reached the UK, a contract was drawn up allowing AC Cars to produce and sell a separate model for Europe.
Advertised as being “designed to meet the standards of Shelby American,” these cars were standard specification leaf spring Cobras powered by 289 engines with Borg Warner four-speed transmissions.
Called an “AC Cobra 289” rather than a Shelby Cobra 289, the European models were fitted with AC badges rather than Shelby badges.
These cars were designated “COB” for Cobra Britain (45 RHD cars) and “COX” (17 LHD cars), with their production number starting with a “6” (6001-6062). These limited numbers gives them a very special place not just amongst their US sister cars, but makes them one of the rarest 1960s performance vehicles.
COB 6038 was painted white with a black interior and delivered to retailer Guy Salmon Ltd. on 01/09/1965. She was registered DLO 100C for first owner Julian Moulton and enjoyed around London as a fast road car.
Subsequent owners include Willie Green and well known historic racer Gerry Marshall. John L. Hopkins purchased 6038 in 1976 and at some point had her painted “Zircon Red.”
JD Classics purchased 6038 in 2001 and performed a comprehensive technical & cosmetic rebuild. The car was returned to white and the standard carburettors replaced with 48 IDA Webers.
A further engine rebuild was carried out in 2013 to make her ready for long distance rallies. The current owner cherished the white car ever since and on many occasions such as the Targa Florio Classic, Modena Cento Ore, Tour Brittania and Bernina Gran Turismo.
In 2013, COB 6038 became the first Cobra ever to be shown at Villa d’Este.
COB 6038 is a well documented and highly original AC Cobra, nicely patinated and presented in competitive and rally-ready specification to enjoy on any number of prestigious global events.
