Of the myriad Cobra variants, one of our favourites here at Supercar Nostalgia is the comparatively little known AC-badged, 427-chassis’d but 289-engined iteration sold by AC Cars in Great Britain…

Although the Ace and Aceca proved themselves formidable competitors right out of the box, their obvious weak spot was an engine that could trace its origins all the way back to 1919. Nevertheless, a…

Despite having initially been powered by AC’s own almost prehistoric engine, a combination of light weight and excellent handling characteristics enabled the Ace and Aceca to become serious…

One of the rarest Cobra options offered by Shelby was the Dragonsnake pack. Conceived with drag racing in mind, it included items like modified rear fenders to accommodate slick-shod American…

When the pace of life was a little different, a reasonably wealthy motoring enthusiast could buy themselves a sports car and field an entry for some of Europe’s greatest motoring adventures. At…

COB6107 was one of 25 Cobra Mk3s built with the 289 engine for the British and European market. As Ford had acquired the Cobra trademark, these cars were marketed as AC 289 Sports. In addition to…

Two years after the first production-ready Ace had emerged from AC’s Thames Ditton factory, renowned engineer and amateur racing driver Ken Rudd debuted his Bristol-powered example at…

To get his exciting Cobra project off the ground ahead of any potential financial input from Ford, Carroll Shelby teamed up with professional racing driver and high end European car dealer, Ed…

Launched in prototype form at the London Motor Show in October 1953, the open two-seat Ace and its fixed head sister, the Aceca, were conceived to replace AC’s ageing 2-litre Saloon and catapult…

Having retired from a successful driving career that most notably yielded outright victories at the 1959 Le Mans 24 Hours and Goodwood Tourist Trophy (both under the employment of the Aston…

During World War 2, AC’s Thames-Ditton factory had produced Swordfish and Albacore components for Fairey Aviation along with Ordnance QF 6-pounder anti-tank guns, glider undercarriages, flame…

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…

In 1965, the Essex Wire Corporation went public on the New York Stock Exchange and embarked on a marketing partnership with Ford that saw the firm go racing with the GT40, Shelby Cobra and…

In 1963, half a dozen 289-engined GT class Shelby Cobras were built to Competition Le Mans trim. This small batch of cars were inspired by a pair of Cobras that had contested the Le Mans 24 Hour…

For many collectors and enthusiasts, the ultimate incarnation of the legendary AC / Shelby Cobra is the seven-litre 427 Competition. Produced between 1965 and ‘67, just 23 of these legendary…

Launched at the London Motor Show in October 1953, the Ace was AC’s highly anticipated replacement for their ageing 2-Litre range. Production of the John Tojeiro-designed machine got…

As a consequence of its lusty 260 cubic-inch V8 engine, light weight construction and excellent handling characteristics, the Mk1 Shelby Cobra was a fast and reliable entry for all manner of motor…

Chassis CSX2136 was the first of six 289-engined GT class Shelby Cobras built to Le Mans Replica trim. This small batch of cars was inspired by a pair of Cobras that had contested the Le Mans 24…

For many, the 427-engined wide-bodied Competition Cobra remains the definitive incarnation of the collaboration between AC and Carroll Shelby. Shelby had originally hoped to produce 100…

Chassis CSX2220 was a 289-engined AC Shelby Cobra originally completed in left-hand drive with Princess Blue paint and Red trim. It was invoiced to Shelby American on November 14th 1963 and…

CSX2174 was one of 453 Cobra road cars built with the 289-engine. Completed in left-hand drive with a Vineyard Green exterior, the new car was famously loaned to the actor, Steve McQueen, for a…

Chassis CSX3019 was an AC Shelby Cobra built to competition specification in left-hand drive with a seven-litre dry-sumped engine. Painted black, it was ordered by attorney, Edward Freutel Jr., who…