AC Cobra MKIII 428ci Alloy Continuation

The AC Cobra is a car that leads little introduction; one of the most recognisable silhouettes in the history of vehicle design both on the road and racetrack. The classic synergy of British design and American power is one that has ensured that the Cobra is a vehicle that has appealed to all generations since its inception and production has reflected this continued demand.

The AC Cobra that we are pleased to bring to market is ‘COB 5003,’ that was produced in the late 90s under the stewardship of Alan Lubinski. Following a turbulent period in the 1980s, Lubinski had revitalised the AC brand and re-introduced the Cobra to production in 1997. At this point, AC Cars offered the Cobra Superblower and Carbon Road Series, of which just a handful were produced. However, arguably the most special vehicles that were crafted in this period were the 14 examples that were faithful to the original 1966 MKIII Cobra. To create these cars, Lubinski’s AC utilised the original parts, tools and bucks from production in the 60s to make cars that were entirely faithful to and indistinguishable from the iconic Cobra of the period.

COB 5003 is 1 of these 14 cars built in this incredibly short production run, that was limited due to the number of original parts and chassis that remained. It is complete with its steel ladder form chassis, body that was predominantly construction from aluminium and original suspension, steering and braking systems. At the heart of this Cobra is 1966 428ci ‘Police Interceptor’ engine, that would also be present in early GT500 Mustangs.

After purchasing the vehicle via AC Cars Brooklands, the current custodiam of the Cobra commissioned renowned specialist Alan Faulkner Stevens of Dragon Wheels Ltd to carry out a comprehensive restoration, that would take place over 3 years. The car’s body was sent to Mike Hughes of Lone Pine Garage, a renowned body shop that has painted winning cars for both Salon Prive and Pebble Beach Concours events and was subjected to a complete external repaint in Tungsten Grey, whilst the chassis was repainted in high strength satin black.

On the mechanical side of thigs, the vehicle was completely disassembled and rebuilt to ensure that the condition and function was better than new. The 428ci V8 engine was also stripped and upgraded; now stroked to 8.0-litres by Knight Racing Services with it now capable of close to 500 horsepower and 500 lbs/ft of torque. This was completement by the 4-speed Ford top-loader transmission being rebuilt, although it retains its correct reverse-position shifter. Further, the heavy-duty limited-slip differential was also inspected and rebuild as required.

On the interior, COB 5003 enjoyed a complete interior retrim to original specifications, new Smiths instruments with the reverse-sweep 180mph speedo and a new 16” Motolita wooden steering wheel. Put simply, every single area was attended to and left COB 5003 sitting as quite possible the best presenting Cobra in the UK today.

We are delighted to be able to offer this exceptional Cobra to the market at a fraction of the cost for a 1960s example, but one that presents in an entirely faithful specification and in the very finest condition in absolutely all areas.

The AC marque has remained renowned among the motor industry for 120 years and stands as one of the oldest independent car makers founded in Britain, making the Cobra arguably one of the most iconic and collectible classic performance cars to date.