1985 AC Cobra MKIV

-15, 000 miles from new

-One of very few factory-supplied hardtops

-Period looking MKIII dashboard conversion and 15-inch Halibrand wheel upgrade.

-Five Owners (including current)

In the 1970s, the AC factory at Thames Ditton stopped service and repair of older Cobras. Brian Angliss’ Cobra Parts operation quickly picked up, that business and built up a strong and influential customer base. He also moved closer to the factory operation over the years, eventually collecting enough original tooling, jigs, and body bucks from Thames Ditton to fabricate new aluminium bodies, and utilising the same tooling and jigs used to create the original Ace and Cobra bodies. For Angliss’ new Cobra, the bodies were similar to the wide bodies built for the 427, but they used highly tuned 302 V-8s. Although they used the same four-inch tubular steel frame, the cockpit was extended to allow more room for slightly taller individuals.

The quality of Angliss’ work was so well-respected by owners and others in the AC community that in the mid-eighties, he was allowed to purchase the rights to the AC name from the Hurlock family, who had been strongly protective of the venerated name that they controlled since the 1930s.

Following his success, a new AC company was established as a joint venture with Ford, who had also recently bought Aston Martin. Angliss’ company then began offering the AC MkIV. With his legal right to use the AC name and the unbroken lineage of craftsmen, tools, and materials employed in their production, these cars were lauded for their high build quality and retention of the original’s spirit and are generally considered “continuation” cars. Autokraft, shortly after, moved to a purpose-built factory in Brooklands; in total, approximately 400 MkIV Cobras were built.

This motorcar was completed on October 18th, 1985, and invoiced and exported to Performance Motors, Jersey, Channel Islands.

It was used as a demonstrator for the AC authorised dealer until 1987 when it was sold to its first private owner, Mr G. Howie of Taunton Somerset. The Cobra was imported to the mainland United Kingdom and registered with the DVLA. In Howie's ownership, he would purchase one of the very few factory-supplied hardtops, only available for a short period of time. During Howies ownership, the cobra was featured in a 1989 copy of 'Auto Express' feature on the AC MKIV Cobra, of which a copy is on file. His ownership ended in 1998, and after that, it changed ownership three more times over the next two decades, in 2020, when the most recent custodian acquired the MKIV.

The MKIV has been meticulously maintained over the past forty years, with numerous visits to marque specialists and the Autokraft factory. In May 2024, Warren Heath Engineering undertook work on it. Shortly after that, it was taken on a European road trip to follow the Mille Miglia. The Cobra was reported not to miss a beat and to be a delight to drive, a testament to its reliability and excellent condition.

Specification:

-4 inch ladder chassis

-Ford 302 5 litre with Holley Carburettor

-MK3 dashboard conversion with Smiths instruments

-period type Motolita wood rim steering wheel

-MK3 gear lever

-15 Inch Halibrand wheels with polished centre lock wheel spinners

-5 speed Borg Warner manual gearbox

-chrome stone guards

- bonnet scoop with polished rivets

-Perspex wind wings

-stainless steel exhaust system

-full weather gear(hood, side screens, tonneau cover & hardtop)

The history file of this motorcar is comprehensive, providing a wealth of information including current and previous copies of all UK V5s, invoices from specialists for various works over the past forty years, the original sales invoice, import documentation, and correspondence from owners, MOT's and much more. This detailed history file will provide you with a complete understanding of the car's journey, ensuring you can make an informed and confident purchase.

£125, 000