The first examples of the new AC Cobra GT Roadster have left its production centre, as the historic marque moves its focus to the series production and delivery of the cutting-edge sports car.
The culmination of over six years’ work and investment, the completion of the first AC Cobra GT Roadster is a watershed moment for a company with a legacy that stretches back to 1901. Despite the challenges facing small-volume sports car manufacturers today, AC Cars’ perseverance has seen it make steady progress towards the production and delivery of its first client vehicles.
Extremely light and boasting exceptional torsional rigidity, the AC Cobra GT Roadster’s highly advanced design was developed with an open-top car in mind from the outset. With a unique aluminium spaceframe chassis, a full carbon-fibre body and sonorous 5.0-litre V8 engine, the new AC Cobra GT Roadster is the true successor to the legendary car born in the 1960s. It represents a level of performance and exclusivity unheard of in any previous iteration of the AC Cobra.
Speaking of the news, David Conza, CEO of AC Cars, said: “This is a day to remember, and the completion of the first production AC Cobra GT Roadsters is a monumental achievement. I’m immensely proud of what the company has achieved and the continued support and enthusiasm that our clients have shown.”
The first client cars for delivery will be the Edition 63 vehicles, marking the AC Cobra’s class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963. Finished in a unique AC Blue colour combination, these full specification vehicles marked a new chapter in the legendary AC Cobra name.
The AC Cobra GT range
AC Cars is committed to a multi-year, multi-million-euro investment sustained in order to produce unique sports cars that are both beautiful and usable. Joining the AC Cobra GT Roadster, the AC Cobra GT Coupe incorporates the unmistakable aesthetic with a contemporary coupe profile to provide a brand-new model as the company continues to expand its appeal to discerning buyers. Undeniably a member of the AC Cobra family, the GT Coupe retains key touchpoints from the Roadster but is also inspired by the infamous AC A98 coupe, which competed in the 1964 Le Mans race.
Designed to be fully road-legal, available in both left- and right-hand drive, and incorporating modern safety features, every aspect of the car, from styling to ergonomics, has been carefully considered. Significantly larger than the original AC Cobra, the new AC Cobra GTs catch up on 50 years of design evolution. Thoroughly modern ergonomics means the cars’ cabins accommodate drivers well over six feet tall, while the contemporary drivetrain and control technologies validate their grand tourer credentials. Available to clients worldwide, the AC Cobra GTs provide a focused driving experience in a highly limited-production vehicle.
About AC Cars
The Weller Brothers established what is now Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer in 1901, producing cars and motorbikes from their workshop in West Norwood, London. The nascent company produced its first vehicle in 1903, but the Autocarrier was introduced a year later (from which the name AC was later derived). This was the first three-wheel commercial delivery vehicle and proved an instant success.
However, the AC Ace cemented the company’s status following its launch in 1953. With an aluminium body designed and built by Eric George Gray, it gained the respect of racing enthusiasts for its everyday practicality and pace. This was the car that would evolve to incorporate the Ford V8 and become the legendary AC Cobra.
Over the years, the AC Cobra has endured, with its unmistakable shape and unique design. With production limited and every car built to an exacting standard, it remains reserved for exclusive clientele.
With its own facilities in the UK and Germany, AC Cars is working with leading industry suppliers for design and development, and construction, and the AC Cobra GT range heralds a new era in the production of the company’s vehicles. In addition to its Donington HQ and facility on the south coast, AC Cars will continue to expand its development and production capabilities in the UK and Europe.
Note: Press release courtesy of AC Cars.
