The original ‘Carroll Shelby’ conceived AC Cobra was built both in the USA and the UK, the 4.2-litre prototype appeared in January 1962 and by the time production ended in 1967 1,029 cars had been built.
In the 1980’s Brian Angliss, the head of Autokraft acquired the rights to the AC name plus a quantity of spares and tooling from the old Thames Ditton factory and started the production of the Cobra Mk IV based on the previous Mk III car but with a 5.0-litre Ford V8. Around 450 were built before the company folded in 1996 due to the financial problems caused by developing its new Ace model.
Alan Lubinsky then purchased the company now renamed the AC Car Group Ltd and continued production in Weybridge. Both the Cobra Mk IV and the Ace were build during this time including carbon fibre bodied ‘Carbon Road Series’ or CRS version.
Just 37 of these super light-weight cars were produced with a 5.0 litre fuel injected engine a Tremec five speed gearbox and Hydratrak limited-slip differential, this fine example is number 34.
The first owner was 1996 F1 World Champion, Damon Hill, the car being registered to P1 International the Prestige and Super Car Private Members Club he founded in 2000.
The car changed hands in 2007 to only its second owner and has covered only 15,500 miles from new. Suppled with full weather equipment and a tonneau cover as well as manufacturers handbook, UK V5C and MoT until May 2024. It remains in great running order and very fine condition with a nice aged patina.
