Cobra Project

Dissembled of the AC Cobra

See how the Cobra is dissembled, each part cleaned and refurbished before it is placed back.

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Stripping AC Cobra begins Krugersdorp

Resembling of the AC Cobra.

The spray work is done, now the resembling start.

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

AC Cobra resembling start Roodepoort

A new Cobra was born

History of the Cobra

Like many British manufacturers, AC cars were using the Bristol straight-6 engine in its small-volume production, including its AC Ace -seater roadster. This had a hand-built body with a steel tube frame.  Aluminium body panels, that were made using English wheeling machines. The engine was a pre-world war II design through BMW which by the 1960s became considered dated.

Bristol decided in 1961 to end the production of its engine. They wanted to use the Chrysler 313 cu in (5.1 L) V8 engines. AC started using the 2.6 litre Ford Zephyr engine in its vehicles.

In September 1961, American car designer Carroll Shelby wrote to AC asking if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided that a suitable engine could be found. Shelby went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines. Chevrolet not wanting to add competition to the Corvette said no.

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 endeavour: the Windsor 221 in³ (3.6 L) engine. A brand new lightweight, thin-wall cast small-block V8. Ford provided Shelby with engines.

We would love to hear what you think.

Check out the video below on the disassembly of an AC Cobra: