After WWII, AC Cars transitioned from military production (including fire engines and components for Fairey aviation), continuing to make ‘invalid carriages’ for the UK government. In 1947, they introduced a new range of luxury saloons and tourers, using their own pre-war engine.
The 1950s marked a turning point with the aluminum-bodied Ace and Aceca, which gained fame with Bristol engines. In 1961, collaborating with Carroll Shelby, AC created the legendary Cobra by fitting a Ford V8 into the Ace chassis. Despite racing success, financial issues in the 1970s led to the mid-engined 3000ME, before production ceased in 1984.
AC 2-Litre
Aluminium panels on wooden frame and steel chassis, rigid axles with springs and now hydraulic dampers. Capable of 80 mph.
Years
1947-58
Engine
1991c S6
Body Style
2/4-dr saloon, DHC, Buckland tourer
Production
1284
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
AC Ace
John Tojeiro design using a ladder-type tubular frame, independent leaf spring suspension, and an open 2-seater alloy body possibly inspired by Ferrari. Bristol-engined from ’56 (initially optional) and Bristol extended production until ’63. Zephyr engine an option from ’61.
Years
1953-63
Engine
1991/1971/2553cc S6
Body Style
Sports
Production
220 / 466 / 37
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
AC Aceca
Fixed head version of the Ace – with a hatchback!
Years
1954-63
Engine
1991/1971/2553cc S6
Body Style
Sports coupé.
Production
357
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
AC Greyhound
AC’s grand tourer, with 10″ longer wheelbase and independent coil spring suspension and rear trailing arms.
Years
1959-63
Engine
1991/2216/2553cc S6
Body Style
2+2 sports coupé
Production
82
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
AC Cobra 260 / 289
A natural extension from the straight 6 Zephyr-engined Ace (including lower lines), but transformational. Achieved in collaboration with Carroll Shelby, who had long cherished the idea of a merger with an American V8 and lightweight sportscar body.
Years
1962-68
Engine
4261/4727 cc V8
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
75 / 571 / 27
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
289 Sports (1965-68) had Mk III (427) body with narrower wings
AC Cobra 427 / 428
Designed in collaberation with Ford USA. 4″ main chassis tubes, coil spring suspension all around. Wider wings and grille. The standard model could do 164 mph! Not commercially successful. 428 was lower tuned bigger-engined version purely for road use.
Years
1965-66
Engine
4261/4727 cc V8
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
306
Power: Weight
425-485 bhp
Dimensions
.
AC 427 / 428
The GT version of the Cobra, with body styled and built by Frua. High production costs meant that it was not profitable.
Years
1965-73
Engine
6997/7016 cc V8
Body Style
GT coupé or convertible
Production
81
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
AC 3000 ME
Based on Bohanna’s ‘Diablo’ prototype shown at the London Racing Car Show in 1972, AC’s own version was shown at the 1973 motor show – but not sold until the 1979 show. Perimeter frame, with central tub of folded sheet steel with an integrated roll-over bar; coil springs all round.
Years
1979-85
Engine
2994cc V6 Ford ‘Essex’
Body Style
Sports coupé
Production
101
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
AC Cobra MkIV
In 1986, Autokraft (a continuation builder) bought AC Cars, and made official their Mk IV Cobra, , which was capable of 134 mph and 0–62 mph in 5.2 seconds. Ford joined the joint venture in 1987.
Years
1983-96
Engine
4942cc V8 Ford
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
.
Power: Weight
250 hp.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
AC Ace
Designed while AC was under full Ford ownership, but not going into production until after Autokraft founder Brian Ingliss bought out the company. Completely new design, but expensive to produce, and to buy, even given the undoubted luxury.
Years
1998-2000
Engine
4601cc V8 DOHC Ford SC
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
.
Power: Weight
.
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
AC Superblower
In 1996 the company was purchased by Pride Automotive. The ‘Superblower’ was their aluminium-bodied initial offering.
Years
1997-98
Engine
4942cc V8 Ford SC
Body Style
Sportscar
Production
22
Power: Weight
320 hp
Dimensions
.
Photo: C&C
AC CRS
The carbon bodied CRS followed in 1999. Cheaper to make, and to buy, but under-powered compared to rivals.
Years
1999-2001
Engine
4942cc V8 Ford
Body Style
Production
37
Power: Weight
225 hp
Dimensions
.
Photo: Flickr
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