Highlights
Built to order in 1990, this Mk IV Lightweight spec AC Cobra is one of twenty one vehicles built that year by AC AutoKraft. The Lightweight spec Mk IV Cobra was introduced in 1990, and comes with a 375bhp 5.0-litre Ford V8, a kerb weight of just 1,070kgs, and no catalytic converter.
The Mk IV Cobra is an extensive rework of the Mk III, which involved adding a bigger engine, a Borg Warner T5 gearbox, new switchgear, an interior update, and independent suspension. While the Lightweight specification wasn’t street legal in the US, its less raucous sibling, the standard Mk IV was - which cannot be compared in performance terms to the Lightweight. This model accurately upholds the Cobra legend and does the 0-100 mph sprint in just over 10 seconds.
These models are recognised and accepted by the AC Owners Club and this vehicle is known to the club. Membership is highly recommended and presents terrific social and competitive opportunities for AC enthusiasts. This car would doubtless perform well at annual the ACOC Goodwood Sprint event and we would strongly suggest that the next custodian of the car joins the club.
This particular car has been fastidiously maintained and driven. It comes with an extensive history file detailing minor and major works that have been undertaken on the vehicle - usually by Cobra Specialists Uniclip Automotive or AC Cars. While most of the work is to be expected, there are a few notable highlights.
Servicing Highlights
1994: 16-inch MotoLita wheel fitted, AC badge fitted
2000: New anti-roll bars fitted
2001: A chrome gear lever, new leather gaiter, and new gearknob fitted
2023: Recently inspected and serviced at nk expense spared by webster and lancaster - all mechanical issues addressed so that the car runs correctly with invigorating performance...
Owners:
Philip Kantor: 1990 - 1999
Martin Wheatley: 1999 - 2012
John Mould: 2012 - 2014
Malcolm Thorne: 2014 - 2023
MOT History (where available)
2014: 6609 miles
2013: 5440 miles
2012: 5248 miles
2011: 5248 miles
2004: 5079 miles
2002: 3871 miles
2000: 2893 miles
General Description
The AC Cobra is a bona fide legend of a vehicle. Originally born in the UK, designed to run a Bristol-sourced straight six, and called the AC Ace, its future didn’t lie on b roads, but on race tracks all over the world. Racer, engineer, and noted chilli enthusiast Caroll Shelby asked AC if they wouldn’t mind building him an Ace that could take a V8 because he wanted to go racing. AC agreed, so long as he could find an engine to go in it. Shelby, after being knocked back by Chevrolet (who were afraid of adding competition to its Corvettes), found Ford was more than happy to provide him with some Chevy-baiting motors. Engines procured, AC got to work and the Cobra was born. With it comes an incredible legacy of race wins, tales of derring do on track, and, if you ever find yourself at Goodwood Revival, some truly incredible slides.
The Cobra is often blamed for the UK’s blanket 70mph motorway speed limit after one was tested at 196mph on the M1 in 1963. The limit was introduced in 1964, though that wasn’t exclusively because of the Cobra - accidents in the adverse conditions at speed played a not insignificant part in the decision.
The car for sale, a Mk IV, wasn’t built by Shelby, or AC, but rather by AutoKraft - a restorer, supplier, and specialist in all things Cobra. In the mid-eighties the company started making its own replicas under the AutoKraft name - the Mk IV built upon the Mk III, adding a bigger engine, new gearbox, smarter switchgear, and a hefty dose of modernisation. Eventually, AutoKraft acquired the AC name and began producing cars with the legendary badge in all the right places. In 1990 a Lightweight spec was introduced - taking weight as low as 1,070kgs, and power up to 370bhp, it was a truly fearsome take on the icon. 0-100mph was quoted as taking just under eleven seconds. It is worth noting that these cars are recognised by the AC owners club.
Putting a massive V8 in a small, light car means that it can be a little tricky at first, but is an utter joy to master - in the right setting you can steer quite adequately with the throttle alone, for example. The Cobra is an icon of sixties racing, and though it went through some years of being under-appreciated it’s since become a highly sought after collector car that’s sure to turn heads wherever it goes.
About this specific vehicle
Mk IV AC Cobra Lightweight
6637 miles
Private AC related Registration
Chassis Number AKL1351
Engine number LF174134
One of twenty one vehicles built in 1990 - but not registered in the UK till 1994.
370bhp 5.0-litre V8 with alloy heads
Immobiliser
Believed to have been featured in the Daily Telegraph’s 2012 Goodwood Revival Special Edition
Recently fully serviced and has had a full inspection report carried out. This car is ready to use and be enjoyed by the next custodian
