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A sports car originally produced by AC Cars in the UK and imported to the United States by Shelby. A V8 adaptation of the AC Ace.

History

The following section is an excerpt from Wikipedia's AC Cobra page on 20 April 2018, text available via the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.

The AC Cobra, sold as the Shelby Cobra in the United States, is an Anglo-American sports car with a Ford V8 engine, produced intermittently in both the UK and the US since 1962.

Like many British manufacturers, AC Cars had been using the Bristol straight-6 engine in its small-volume production, including its AC Ace two-seater roadster. This had a hand-built body with a steel tube frame, and aluminium body panels that were made using English wheeling machines. The engine was a pre-World War II design by BMW which by the 1960s was considered dated. Bristol decided in 1961 to cease production of its engine and instead to use Chrysler 313 cu in (5.1 L) V8 engines. AC started using the 2.6 litre Ford Zephyr engine in its cars.

In September 1961, American automotive designer Carroll Shelby wrote to AC asking if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they said no. However, Ford wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new engine which could be used in this endeavor: the Windsor 221 in³ (3.6 L) engine – a new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8. Ford provided Shelby with two engines.

In January 1962 mechanics at AC Cars in Thames Ditton, Surrey designed the "AC Ace 3.6" prototype with chassis number CSX2000.

AC had already made most of the modifications needed for the small-block V8 when they installed the 2.6 litre inline 6 Ford Zephyr engine, including the extensive rework of the AC Ace's front end bodywork. The only modification of the front end of the first Cobra from that of the "AC Ace 2.6" was the steering box, which had to be moved outward to clear the wider V8 engine.

The most important modification was the fitting of a stronger rear differential to handle the increased engine power. A Salisbury 4HU unit with inboard disc brakes to reduce unsprung weight was chosen instead of the old E.N.V. unit. It was the same unit used on the Jaguar E-Type. After testing and modification, the engine and transmission were removed and the chassis was air-freighted to Shelby in Los Angeles on 2 February 1962, By this time the small-block's displacement was increased to 260 in3 (4.3 L).

Shelby's team paired this engine along with a transmission into CSX2000, in less than eight hours at Dean Moon's shop in Santa Fe Springs, California, and began road-testing.

In late 1962 Alan Turner, AC's chief engineer completed a major design change of the car's front end to accommodate rack and pinion steering while still using transverse leaf spring suspension. The new car entered production in early 1963 and was designated Mark II. The steering rack was borrowed from the MGB while the new steering column came from the VW Beetle. About 528 Mark II Cobras were produced in the summer of 1965 (the last US-bound Mark II was produced in November 1964).

Cobra 427

A new chassis was required, developed, and designated Mark III. The new car was designed in cooperation with Ford in Detroit. A new chassis was built using 4 in (102 mm) main chassis tubes (up from 3 in (76 mm)) and coil spring suspension all around. The new car also had wide fenders and a larger radiator opening. It was powered by the "side oiler" Ford 427 engine (7.0 L) rated at 425 bhp (317 kW), which provided a top speed of 164 mph (262 km/h) in the standard model and 485 bhp (362 kW) with a top speed of 185 mph (298 km/h) in the competition model.

Cobra Mark III production began on 1 January 1965; two prototypes had been sent to the United States in October 1964. Cars were sent to the US as unpainted rolling chassis, and they were finished in Shelby's workshop.

Cultural References

From September 1993-May 1994 a television series called Cobra aired where the main character works for an undercover crimefighting agency called Cobra and drove a Shelby Cobra. “Cobra was originally titled Viper. However, Chrysler Corp. sued Stephen J. Cannell for trademark infringement, and also because Chrysler was already working with CBS on a series called Viper that was to feature a brand new Dodge Viper concept car. (That show ultimately aired on NBC.) Since that other Viper series centered on a quasi modern-day Knight Rider, and Cannell's series centered on crime fighters named "Viper", Cannell believed the name could be changed without sacrificing the creative concept of the series, and so the title was changed to Cobra.[3] Three episodes had already been filmed when the title change took place, so it appears Scandal would have still been driving the Cobra even with the show called Viper.” (Wikipedia)

Reference Desk

The Crittenden Automotive Library's "Reference Desk" is a collection of materials that cannot be shared due to copyright restrictions. Information from these resources, however, can be shared. Go to the Reference Desk page for more information.

Type	Title
1987 Book	Shelby American Cobra/Mustang Guide; Hot Rod Magazine

Multimedia

2012 Mecum Fall Premier Auction: 1965 Shelby Cobra MkIII Superformance Replica
October 26, 2012
Duration: 1:52
Video ©2012 Bill Crittenden

for $46,000 at the Mecum 2012 Fall Premier Auction
Download 2012 Mecum Fall Premier Auction: 1965 Shelby Cobra MkIII Superformance Replica at The Internet Archive

Date	Media or Collection Name & Details	Files
27 May 2015	3-D Printer Makes Replica of Iconic Sports Car George Putic for VOA News	Article Page - 8.2MB - 3:15

Photographs

	1962 Photo by Matthieu Joannon on Unsplash Franschhoek Motor Museum, Franschhoek, South Africa View photo of Shelby Cobra - 4.2MB
	Pace Car Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of AC Cobra SVRA Pace Car - 283KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	1962 Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden C.A.R.S. in Miniature January 2011 After Christmas Banquet January 8, 2011 View photo of 1962 Shelby Cobra Model - 2,733KB
	1962 Photo ©2011 Bill Crittenden C.A.R.S. in Miniature January 2011 After Christmas Banquet January 8, 2011 View photo of 1962 Shelby Cobra Model - 2,725KB
	1963 with Stage 3-R 289 Engine Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet View photo of 1963 Shelby Cobra with Stage 3-R 289 Engine - 2.2MB
	1963 with Stage 3-R 289 Engine Photo ©2012 Bill Crittenden 2012 Cedarville Model Car Contest and Swap Meet View photo of 1963 Shelby Cobra with Stage 3-R 289 Engine - 2.0MB
	1963 AC Cobra 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix Driven by Michael Stott Photo by Nathan Bittinger View photo of 1963 AC Cobra - 298KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	1964 Shelby Team Car with Carroll Shelby autograph Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Meadowdale, Motorsports & Memories September 19, 2009 View photo of 1964 Shelby Cobra Shelby Team Car - 2,569KB
	1964 Shelby Team Car Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Meadowdale, Motorsports & Memories September 19, 2009 View photo of 1964 Shelby Cobra Shelby Team Car - 3,785KB
	1964 Shelby Team Car Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Meadowdale, Motorsports & Memories September 19, 2009 View photo of 1964 Shelby Cobra Shelby Team Car - 3,528KB
	1964 Shelby Team Car Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Meadowdale, Motorsports & Memories September 19, 2009 View photo of 1964 Shelby Cobra Shelby Team Car - 4,629KB
	1964 Shelby Team Car Photo ©2009 Bill Crittenden 2009 Meadowdale, Motorsports & Memories September 19, 2009 View photo of 1964 Shelby Cobra Shelby Team Car - 3,454KB
	Photo by Nathan Bittinger #75 - 1965 AC Cobra 427 (427cid) Robert Andersson Parkton, MD #129 - 1964 AC Cobra (289cid) Bill Greene Gainesville, GA 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of 1965 AC Cobra 427 Vintage Racing - 255KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Photo by Nathan Bittinger #75 - 1965 AC Cobra 427 (427cid) Robert Andersson Parkton, MD #129 - 1964 AC Cobra (289cid) Bill Greene Gainesville, GA 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of 1965 AC Cobra 427 Vintage Racing - 300KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	1965 Photo by Nathan Bittinger #75 - 1965 AC Cobra 427 (427cid) Robert Andersson Parkton, MD 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of 1965 AC Cobra 427 Vintage Racing - 280KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Era Replica Automobiles 1965 427SC Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden 2013 Woodstock High School Car Show View photo of Era Replica Automobiles 1965 Shelby Cobra 427SC - 3.9MB
	Era Replica Automobiles 1965 427SC Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden 2013 Woodstock High School Car Show View photo of Era Replica Automobiles 1965 Shelby Cobra 427SC - 3.4MB
	Era Replica Automobiles 1965 427SC Photo ©2013 Bill Crittenden 2013 Woodstock High School Car Show View photo of Era Replica Automobiles 1965 Shelby Cobra 427SC - 4.1MB
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 326KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 263KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 272KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 276KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 281KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 286KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 197KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 427 S/C Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 427 S/C - 134KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 355KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 317KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 124KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 188KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 146KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 256KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 77KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 95KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Shelby 289 F.I.A. Photo by Nathan Bittinger 2004 Zippo United States Vintage Grand Prix View photo of Shelby Cobra 289 F.I.A. - 250KB This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 License.
	Motor Trend, June 1982 Contemporary Classic Replica View Contemporary Classic Advertisement - 345KB
	L.A. Scenic Artist: Ken Eberts Car: Shelby Cobra 427 Image courtesy View "L.A. Scenic" - Shelby Cobra 427 - 195KB
	427 S/C Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden January 2010 Banquet of C.A.R.S. in Miniature View photo of Shelby Cobra Model - 2,794KB
	427 S/C Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden January 2010 Banquet of C.A.R.S. in Miniature View photo of Shelby Cobra Model - 3,448KB
	427 S/C Photo ©2010 Bill Crittenden January 2010 Banquet of C.A.R.S. in Miniature View photo of Shelby Cobra Model - 3,385KB
	Photo ©2007 Bill Crittenden Barrington, Illinois Cruise Night: July 19, 2007 View photo of Chrome Shelby Cobra - 3,037KB
	Photo ©2007 Bill Crittenden Barrington, Illinois Cruise Night: July 19, 2007 View photo of Chrome Shelby Cobra - 3,112KB
	Kiddie Ride Video Game Photo ©2014 Bill Crittenden View photo of Kiddie Ride Video Game Cobra - 1.8MB
	Kiddie Ride Video Game Photo ©2014 Bill Crittenden View photo of Kiddie Ride Video Game Cobra - 1.7MB
	2004 Concept Photo ©2004 Bill Crittenden 2004 Chicago Auto Show February 6, 2004 View photo of 2004 Shelby Cobra Concept - 690KB

Merchandise

Type & Item #	Name	Details
Model Kit - AMT 6587	289 Cobra	1:25 scale
Die Cast - Hot Wheels G6687-0715 G1 (C4982)	Ford Shelby Cobra Concept	2005 First Editions/Realistix, small scale, metallic dark grey w/silver stripes

Article Index

Date	Article	Author/Source
28 December 1994	Excalibur Automobile Corporation; Receipt of Application for Temporary Exemption From Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208	Federal Register: NHTSA (Barry Felrice)
27 November 2002	CARROLL SHELBY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF CONTINUATION CARS	Sanderson Sales & Marketing
21 March 2004	Johnex3 Motorsports of Niagara Falls takes over Johnex Motorsports Cobra replica building program	Johnex3 Motorsports
17 May 2004	Johnex3 Motorsports Live Build Of A Johnex3 2004 427 COBRA	Johnex3 Motorsports
14 January 2011	Legenadary '66 Shelby Cobra, The	William Jason
18 January 2014	50th Anniversary Shelby Cobra	Geoff Maxted, DriveWrite Automotive
27 May 2015	3-D Printer Makes Replica of Iconic Sports Car	George Putic

AC CobraShelby Cobra

AC Cobra
Shelby Cobra