√Iconic AC Cobra from the 1960s could be revived

Teaser images of a 21st century AC Cobra provide a glimpse of the 1960s sports-car revival.

The AC Cobra, one of the most iconic – and copied – performance cars from the 1960s is being set for a reboot in 2023.

AC Cars in the UK, creator of the original Cobra in partnership with muscle car legend racer – and father of the Ford GT40 – Carroll Shelby in the USA, has teased pictures and plans for its 21st century revival.

The promise of a 490kW petrol V8 engine, with either six-speed manual or 10-speed automatic gearboxes, points to a likely hook-up with a modified Ford powertrain, although the company has not revealed the source of its mechanical parts.

AC Cars hit its peak in the 1960s but has introduced a range of updated Cobra models in recent years, including one with the 2.3-litre four-cylinder EcoBoost engine from the Ford Mustang, and another powered by an electric motor.

The British firm now appears to be going all-in with a revival of a car now called the AC Cobra GT roadster, taking a fresh approach with more space in a two-seater cabin and a carbon composite body. Although yet to be tested, the 0 to 100km/h claim is 3.6 seconds.

The teaser pictures show a car with a curvy roadster body very similar to the 1960s Cobra, as well as its signature double rollover hoops at the back of the cabin.

It was the original car’s styling, as well as the performance provided by Ford V8s – starting with a 4.7-litre and building to a thundering 6.9-litre with open side exhausts – that created a cult following for the 1960s original and led dozens of companies into building replicas of the originals.

The story of the golden era of the Cobra car company and racer Carroll Shelby – played by Hollywood star Matt Damon – was told in the motorsport movie ‘Ford versus Ferrari‘ in 2019.

AC Cars claims to be Britain’s oldest active car manufacturer with a history tracing back to 1901 when the Weller brothers began producing cars and motorcycles from their workshop in West Norwood, London.

AC Cars promises to reveal detailed plans for the AC Cobra GT roadster in 2023, when the first prototype is due to be revealed.

The company claims it is already working on manufacturing the new model in Britain with a highly-customised production process.

“With a range of options inspired by the brand’s heritage, as well as a bespoke service creating unique vehicles, each owner can stamp their personality on their Cobra,” AC Cars said in a statement.

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