1969 AC Cobra

This vehicle is located at our branch and can only be viewed by appointment.

The concept of Italian styling combined with American V8 horsepower was well established by the late 1960s and influenced AC Cars’ decision to reconfigure its Cobra sports car into a luxury Grande Routière. A Cobra MkIII chassis with coil suspension was extended by 15 cm in wheelbase and sent to Italy to be clad in an elegant steel body by Pietro Frua. The result speaks for itself.

The first car, a two-seater convertible, was completed in time for the 1965 Earls Court Motor Show, while an even more sensational fastback-style coupé was launched at the Geneva Motor Show the following year. Although the 428 ci (7.0-liter) Ford Galaxy engine produced less power than the Cobra 427, the 345 hp variant delivered all the performance customers desired.

Despite the car’s weight of 1,416 kg and being fitted with an automatic transmission on most models, this engine allowed testers to record 0 to 100 km/h times of less than six seconds and 0 to 160 km/h times of around 14.5 seconds, with a top speed of over 240 km/h. The high price—the 428 cost significantly more than the contemporary Aston Martin DB6—meant production never reached Cobra levels. Between 1966 and 1973, only 81 were made, approximately 51 coupes and 30 convertibles, with an estimated 40 coupes remaining.

This example was first registered in June 1969 and is one of an estimated six built with a manual transmission. It is in remarkably original condition overall. While the exterior has been repainted once for cosmetic reasons, the interior remains completely original, with the leather still wonderfully supple despite its age.

The sound of the AC is beautiful, and the 428 engine accelerates powerfully and smoothly. The transmission is also pleasant, with virtually no unwanted noises. In other words, this is a contender for the ultimate cruiser.