The iconic AC Cobra in bright red at full speed racing along the road with abstract modern style background.
The print is supplied to fit all standard frame sizes but some cropping will occur dependant on size chosen – we NEVER crop the main feature image
All prints are manufactured to order and printed on a state of the art 12 colour Epson high quality printer and printed on premium semi-gloss photo paper.
Smaller prints are dispatched flat in board envelopes whilst larger prints are dispatched rolled in tubes.
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The AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra in North America, is an iconic British sports car that was produced during the 1960s. The creation of the AC Cobra was the result of a transatlantic collaboration between the American automotive designer Carroll Shelby and the British car manufacturer AC Cars.
Here’s a brief overview of its history:
The Early Beginnings:
AC Cars: The story begins with AC Cars, a British auto manufacturer that dates back to the early 1900s. By the 1950s, they were producing the AC Ace, a lightweight roadster with a chassis designed by John Tojeiro and initially equipped with an outdated AC straight-six engine.
Enter Carroll Shelby:
Carroll Shelby’s Vision: Carroll Shelby was a successful American race car driver who had won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. After retiring from racing due to health issues, he envisioned creating a sports car that combined a lightweight European chassis with a powerful American V8 engine.
The Birth of the Cobra:
The Initial Build: In 1961, Shelby approached AC Cars with the idea of fitting a V8 engine into their AC Ace chassis. AC agreed, provided that a suitable engine could be found. Shelby then struck a deal with Ford to supply their new small-block engine.
First Cobra: The first AC Cobra was completed in 1962. It had a Ford V8 260 cid engine and was later uprated to a 289 cid engine. The car’s performance was staggering for the time, with immense power and significantly lower weight than other sports cars.
Racing and Development:
Racing Success: The Cobra was soon entered into racing, where it faced stiff competition from the likes of Ferrari. Shelby continued to refine the car, improving its power and handling. The Cobra also competed at Le Mans and in the United States Road Racing Championship.
Cobra Daytona Coupe: To compete more effectively at high-speed tracks, Shelby commissioned designer Pete Brock to create a more aerodynamic version of the Cobra. The resulting Daytona Coupe was even more successful and famously beat Ferrari at the 1965 FIA Sports Car Championship.
Iconic Status:
427 Cobra: In 1965, the most famous version of the Cobra was introduced, the big block Cobra 427. It had a new chassis to accommodate the much larger and more powerful Ford 427 cid (7.0L) engine. The 427 Cobra was a beast on the road and the racetrack, establishing the Cobra’s status as an automotive legend.
Legacy:
End of Production: Original production of the Cobra ended in 1967, with a total of just over 1,000 cars built. Its legacy lives on in the numerous replicas and continuation models that are still produced today.
Collector’s Item: Due to their limited production numbers and storied past, original Cobras are highly sought after and command very high prices in the collector car market.
The AC Cobra’s combination of American muscle and British sports car finesse created a vehicle that was both a dominant force in 1960s racing and a cultural icon, capturing the imagination of car enthusiasts around the world for generations.
