AC Cars previews coupe on 123-year anniversary
New fixed-head Cobra set to complement GT Roadster when it is unveiled this spring
Though the name has changed hands several times and flirted with total oblivion more than once, the current iteration of AC Cars has much to celebrate on this the day of its 123rd anniversary. For one thing (according to the firm) that makes it Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer; for another, it can point to a number of commendable milestones - not least the incoming introduction of another model in its Cobra-based lineup.
You’ll likely recall the reveal of the GT Roadster last year, because with an extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis and a 460hp Coyote 5.0-litre V8 (which was superchargable to 660hp), it was very much the cherry on top of a burgeoning Cobra range. At the time, AC reckoned it could build up to 250 cars a year at its new 100,000 sq ft facility on the south coast, and today it suggests that production has already begun on the first year’s allocation of cars.
Evidently, the model’s success has helped pave the way for a new fixed-head coupe variant. AC has put off its official reveal till the spring, but confirms that the car is based on the same architecture as the GT Roadster, and will boast the same engine and interior. A teaser pic of the new model under cover certainly confirms that it ‘retains the same aesthetic touch points’ as the open-top version, with its maker doubtless hoping that the increased ‘practicality’ of an enclosed cockpit will open the Cobra up to a wider cross-section of buyers. It is available for reservation ahead of its unveiling.
“With UK production growing rapidly, our expansion at Donington Park underway and the first clients scheduled to drive cars, AC Cars is looking ahead,” said David Conza, AC’s Chief Executive Officer. “I’m delighted to announce our next model, the AC Cobra GT Coupe, a car which has already been incredibly well received by clients. Our continued investment plan has allowed us to place the people, equipment and facilities needed as we further commit to future models.”
Perfect retirement pressie though - hope people buy them so there’s a chance of them being around 2nd hand in about 15 years
Nice to see that AC are expanding their product base.
Nice to see that AC are expanding their product base.
That’s why I’d take mine as a manual, NA with no roof. No sense at all just fun. As soon as a car takes itself seriously then it’d be better off as an EV in my opinion.
I'd happily take the bigger brakes and wheels to slow me down given the power they now put out.
Nice to see that AC are expanding their product base.
That’s why I’d take mine as a manual, NA with no roof. No sense at all just fun. As soon as a car takes itself seriously then it’d be better off as an EV in my opinion.
EDIT: Sorry read your question as EVs not SUVs. The thousand cars in my answer isn't relevant then, but the overall profitability part will be - sports cars are a niche so in order to survive on just their sales, they'd need to be priced very highly - SUVs bring in the volume and oil the cogs of the business with their profits.
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