AC Cobra Shelby​

AC Shelby Cobra​

​The AC Shelby Cobra, particularly the 1965 model, is a legendary sports car with a rich history that intertwines American and British automotive engineering. Its creation was the result of a collaboration between British manufacturer AC Cars and American automotive designer and racing driver Carroll Shelby.

Origins and Development

1. AC Cars and the AC Ace:

• The story of the Shelby Cobra begins with the AC Ace, a British sports car produced by AC Cars. The AC Ace featured a lightweight, hand-built aluminum body and was originally powered by a modest six-cylinder engine.

1. Carroll Shelby's Vision:

• In the early 1960s, Carroll Shelby, a retired American race car driver with a vision to create a high-performance American sports car, approached AC Cars. He proposed installing a powerful American V8 engine into the lightweight AC Ace chassis.

1. Ford's Involvement:

• Shelby secured a supply of 260 cubic inch (4.3L) and later 289 cubic inch (4.7L) V8 engines from Ford. Ford was interested in enhancing their performance image and saw potential in Shelby's project.

The Birth of the Shelby Cobra

1. The First Cobra:

• In 1962, the first Shelby Cobra, known as the Mk I, was completed. It featured the AC Ace chassis modified to accommodate the larger Ford V8 engine. The combination of the lightweight body and powerful engine created a car with extraordinary performance capabilities.

1. Evolution to the 1965 Model:

• The 1965 Shelby Cobra, often referred to as the 427 Cobra (Mk III), marked a significant evolution. Responding to the increasing competition and need for more power, Shelby and AC Cars designed a new chassis to accommodate Ford's 427 cubic inch (7.0L) V8 engine.
• The 427 Cobra featured a more robust coil-spring suspension system and wider fenders to house larger tires. This model became the most iconic and powerful version of the Cobra, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 4 seconds.

Racing Heritage

1. Racing Success:

• The Shelby Cobra quickly gained a reputation on the racing circuit. It competed in various events, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the United States Road Racing Championship.
• The Cobra’s performance and engineering excellence earned it numerous victories and cemented its status as a legendary race car.

1. Cobra vs. Ferrari:

• One of the most famous rivalries in motorsports history was between Shelby's Cobras and Ferrari. Shelby aimed to challenge Ferrari's dominance in sports car racing, and in 1965, Shelby's team won the FIA International Championship for GT Manufacturers, defeating Ferrari.

Legacy

1. Enduring Influence:

• The 1965 Shelby Cobra remains one of the most revered sports cars in automotive history. Its blend of British design and American muscle set a standard for performance and engineering excellence.
• Replicas and continuations of the original Cobras are still popular among enthusiasts and collectors, preserving the legacy of the iconic car.

1. Cultural Icon:

• Beyond its racing pedigree, the Shelby Cobra has become a cultural icon, symbolizing the golden era of sports car racing and the spirit of innovation and collaboration between American and British automotive industries.

The AC Shelby Cobra 1965 is not just a car but a symbol of a remarkable chapter in automotive history, representing the pinnacle of performance, engineering, and the daring vision of Carroll Shelby.

AC Shelby Cobra

This car was delivered was built to go racing and thats what it did very successfully with Rob Hall driving to many podium and race wins all over the UK and Europe. The race history is completely documented and unbelievable large with every record to support the great race history.

The car was purchased by the previous owner and was replicated to support the original AC Shelby 289 Cobra CSX 2035. The car is said to be better then a few originals owning to the overall set up and build of the car.

Well worth a viewing and its NOT for the faint hearted!