Beschreibung:

The AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra in North America, is an Anglo-American car that was produced during the 1960s. Like many British specialist manufacturers, AC Cars had been using the Bristol straight six-engine in its small-volume production two-seater roadster. This had a hand-built body with a steel tubular frame and aluminium body panels that were made using English wheeling machines. Bristol decided, in 1961, to cease production of its engine and instead to use Chrysler 5.4 litre, V8 engines. Although untrue, it is commonly believed that AC was left without a future source of power and that American ex-racing driver Carroll Shelby saved the company from bankruptcy. In September 1961, Shelby contacted AC asking them if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine; AC agreed on the assumption a suitable engine could be found. He first went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette, they refused. Ford however, wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new small-block engine which could be used. With genuine AC Cobra's achieving eye-watering figures, a number of companies set about manufacturing replicas. This is a Southern Roadcraft example and is finished to a very high standard. On completion in 2003, the car was SVA inspected and subsequently certified as being road legal, the V5 registration document has a note of this. The car has been used regularly since and MoT'd annually, the current MoT was issued on 22nd October 2014 with no advisories. Our road test confirmed this to be a vehicle of high quality with the vendor maintaining the vehicle on a 'no expense' basis. The 5,700cc, V8 engine sounds delightful and performed well on our road test as did the gearbox, suspension and brakes. The green coachwork is virtually unmarked as is the magnolia leather trim. Fun, fast, stylish and more importantly, offered for sale with a very tempting estimate.