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Established
in 1908, AC is the oldest British car manufacturer that is still making
vehicles today. The AC name
came from the name of their first commercial 3-wheeler; The Autocarrier;
that was designed and manufactured by John Weller. He previously had
his own business in South London (UK) in 1903 making the Weller car but
this was not a great success.
The
1914 AC Sociable
The
Autocarrier was built as a small delivery van and became very succesful.
It was also very fashionable the time for companies to have at least one
Autocarrier as a delivery van. lIn 1908 a new a passenger version that was
called the AC Sociable was introduced. The name came from the fact
that the passenger and driver's seat were side by side and not in a tandem
design as with many other 3-wheelers at the time and it was also the first
time that the initials AC were used. The British Army also used AC
Sociables due to their reliabilty and they were fitted with customized
bodywork that acted as machine gun carriers.
During
the First World War AC continued to produce vehicles as well as shells and
fuses. By 1919 they were back in full car production again.
The new Models were now produced with 10 and 12 hp engines and were later
replaced by a six-cylinder 16hp model. For the next few years AC
turned to producing 4-wheeled vehicles and did not produce another
3-wheeler until 1953 with the AC Petite. The Petite was powered by a 346cc
single cylinder two-stroke Villiers engine and had an aluminium body
fastened to a light steel frame. The cars however were not a great
success. Despite their price of £400 the car looked like the
government-sponsored invalid cars that AC also made and so the Petite were
not widely accepted. Production continued until 1958, though AC continued
to make invalid cars until the early 1970's when AC then concentrated on
just 4-wheelers again.
The
1953 AC Petite
THE
AC COBRA
A
special chapter in the Cobra's history is it's racing career. Racing
driver Carroll Shelby conceived the Cobra with the intention to win races
with it to generate good publicity for the car and kindling sales. These
days the popular myth is that the Cobra dominated GT racing in its days,
but this is, like all myths, not completely true.
In the US the Cobra roadsters did particularly well in local races for
practically a decade. There it took full advantage of its favorable power
to weight ratio and its sprinting capacities on the relatively short
tracks. In international production car races however it was less than
successful. During the 1960s the time that open roadsters were competitive
in top level racing had passed and high maximum speeds and therefore
aerodynamics became more important. The cars to beat were all coupes with
much better shapes to slice trough the air.
This became very clear during Shelby's first attempt at the Le Mans race
with the Cobra in 1963. Two Mk II Cobras were entered, one prepared by Ed
Hugus and one by AC Cars, both fitted with hardtops to reduce drag on the
long Mulsanne straight. Only the right hand drive AC entry (resembling the
car you see here) survived at the end and finished 7th, beaten by 6
Ferraris. The conclusion was that the roadster lacked top speed to win
races on the longer international circuits.
The Cobra is a high powered, hand crafted
aluminium bodied sports car of the 1960's . Its creation, production and ongoing development being the result of joint Anglo American co-operation between Carroll Shelby, AC Cars Limited and The Ford Motor Company. The AC/Shelby/Ford Cobra was a huge success. The combination of British craftsmanship, Ford Power and Carroll Shelby's foresight, determination and racing successes made the Cobra famous and today ranks among the most collectible and valuable of classic motor cars. Today's AC Cobra is still entirely hand made by the same traditional British coach-building methods used by AC Cars in the 1960's and utilising the same original Cobra tooling. Each part is painstakingly hand crafted to the highest possible standards from the aluminium outer body to the leather trimmed interior. The Cobra name and
Trademark were sold to Ford Motor Company by Carroll Shelby in 1965 and AC Cars are the only Company in the world licenced by Ford to use the famed Cobra Trademark and name on their product.
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AC
COBRA ENGINE SPECS
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Manufacturer
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Ford
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Configuration
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V8
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Capacity
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4942
cc (302 cu in)
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Bore
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101.6
mm (4.0 in)
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Stroke
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76.2
mm (3.0 in)
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Compression
ratio
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9.0:1
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Valve
gear
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OHV
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Aspiration
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Electronic
fuel injection
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Power
(DIN/rpm)
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225
bhp @ 4200 rpm
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Torque
(DIN/rpm)
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300
lb ft @ 3200 rpm
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Power
to weight ratio
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200
bhp per ton
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The
AC Cobra
After
the disappointing finish at Le Mans Ford and Shelby decided to concentrate
their international racing efforts on the Lola based GT40 project. The
GT40 still needed a lot of development and to fill the gap until the GT40
could be entered competitively Shelby agreed to a proposal by young
designer Peter Brock to create an aerodynamic coupe body on the chassis of
the Cobra 289. This option had occurred as a result of a recent change in
FIA homologation rules for GT racing cars.
Now
it had become possible to either change the body or the chassis of the car
without making another 100 examples of it to qualify it as a GT car. The
intention of this was to make slight enhancements possible for small
manufacturers taking part in the series, like fitting wider tires or extra
air intakes, but there were no exact boundaries defined. This made fitting
the sleek GTO body on the 250 GT berlinetta chassis possible for Ferrari
and Brock envisioned something similar for the Cobra 289.
A small development team was formed by Brock, racing driver and engineer
Ken Miles and mechanic John Olsen and in September 1963 work on the Cobra
coupe started. The objective was to wrap an aluminium body as tightly as
possible around the Cobra's underpinnings to reduce frontal area, to make
it cut through the air and yet to meet FIA regulations regarding windows,
windshield, spare tire and so on.
AC
Cobra Le Mans Replica 1964
Then
a winning spree of almost 2 years started with a successful 1964 Le Mans
race. Two Daytona coupes were entered and they were so quick that they
left all competition behind and ran with the cars in the faster prototype
class. Drivers Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant took 4th overall and 1st in
the GT class, defeating the magnificent Ferraris 250 GTO. More victories
followed but after cancellation of the Italian Monza race the Cobra
Daytona coupe just nearly missed the GT World Championship crown which was
snapped up by Ferrari's 250 GTO.
Ferrari didn't compete in the 1965 GT World Championship, lacking a car to
beat the mighty Cobra Daytonas. The Daytona coupes, entered by Alan Mann
racing from Britain as Shelby was busy with the GT40 programme, then
dominated on the international circuits, scoring victories in 8 of the 10
championship races. The 1965 Manufacturers Championship was easily won.
After the 1965 season Ford and Shelby lost all interest in the Cobra
Daytona coupe, since they were moving on with the GT40 effort and didn't
want in-house competition from the Daytona coupe. The coupes were left in
England with Alan Mann but under a threat of a large tax fine (the cars
never being officially imported) they were flown back to Shelby in the US
who had a hard time selling them. It took a few years to get rid of them
at prices of around 5000 US Dollars.
AC
Cobra Daytona Coupe 1964
That
last bit is hard to believe nowadays. The Daytona coupes are the most
valuable of all original Cobras, each of them worth over a million US
dollars, at least ten times as much as a Cobra roadster. And rightfully
so, it's a beautiful beast looking like it is all coiled for a huge jump
forward and it's packing an enormous punch. The Daytona coupes are largely
responsible, certainly outside the US, for the Cobra's fabled racing
heritage in which the "regular" Cobra roadsters played a minor
part. In that respect it's a pity that there wasn't a street version
developed of the Daytona coupe, sort of like a reinvented AC Aceca, at the
right time it might have rendered the Cobra an image similar to that of
Ferrari instead of being a specialty car.
Never the less, the Cobra became an icon. It may have its flaws, like
being impractical, difficult to control (especially the 427) and lacking
chassis rigidity, its uncompromising nature, appealing looks and
unsurpassed dynamic sensations more than make up for that. There are far
more enthusiasts than original Cobras, so expect a substantial price if
you want to obtain one.
THE AC ACE
The
new AC Ace model received rave reviews from the motoring press in 1995 but
never entered full production. Its design is now being revised to meet
safety and environmental regulations and offer even greater driving
enjoyment.
AC
Ace
The
latest AC Ace has been designed and developed not only to meet the
rigorous and exacting safety and emission requirements of the EEC and
North America, but also to provide an aerodynamically stable, long-lasting
vehicle that is both practical and remarkably easy to drive. Yet, at the
same time, it has the exciting performance and handling characteristics of
the almost forgotten golden age of powerful front-engined British sports
cars. The massive construction of the stainless steel alloy monocoque-type
chassis, together with the aluminium outer body panels, provide an
immensely rigid and corrosion-resistant platform to mount the
race-inspired suspension, ABS controlled ventilated power disc brakes and
variable-ratio power-assisted steering. Sacrificial crash structures and
hydraulic rams are incorporated into the front and rear of the monocoque,
capable of progressively absorbing substantial impact without damage to
the main chassis and cockpit areas whilst extensive door beams protect
driver and passenger from side impact.
Wide-based
unequal-length wishbones, gas-filled dampers (twin at the rear) and
concentric coil springs impart the traditional firm feel of a powerful
sports car without impairing ride quality or transmitting vibration and
harshness into the cabin. Though front engined, a 50/50 front/rear weight
distribution has been achieved to provide precise and balanced handling
that both reassures and rewards the driver. The ACE's 5.0 litre EFI
catalytic V8 engine, coupled either to the 5-speed manual or the optional
4-speed automatic transmission, allows effortless acceleration up to a top
speed in excess of 140mph. At the same time, 28 Tclean' miles per imperial
gallon can be achieved on unleaded fuel. British craftsmanship is evident
the moment you sit behind the wheel.
Trimmed
extensively in the finest Connolly hide, wool carpets and burr elm
veneers, the interior imparts a feeling of luxury and natural warmth.
Fully adjustable seats, adjustable steering column and air conditioning
provide driver comfort whilst the fully retractable power hood provides an
all-weather sports car for all climates. The joy of experiencing
comfortable open-top motoring regardless of the season is, of course, the
true purpose of the Ace. The Ace's unique and distinctive shape is the
result of extensive wind tunnel testing resulting in excellent
aerodynamics providing high speed stability. Of equal concern was the
desire to reduce cockpit turbulence during Ttop-down' motoring. The Ace
features a remarkable absence of the wearying and undesirable wind
buffeting normally associated with open-top vehicles. In every sense, the
AC ACE and the AC COBRA are both traditional British sports cars from
Britain's oldest manufacturer designed predominantly for the American
market to invigorate and satisfy those who take personal pride and derive
pleasure from their open top motoring.
AC
Ace
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1901
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John
Weller, an engineer backed by John Portwine, a wealthy tradesman,
set up a small engineering workshop in South London to build motor
cars.
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1903
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A
two-cylinder 10 hp model and a four-cylinder 20 hp model were
displayed at the British Motor Show. Autocar June 6th reported,
RWe foresee a brilliant future for the Weller car and its talented
designerS.
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1904
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The
firm, then known as Autocar & Accessories Limited, produced a
commercial vehicle known as the Autocarrier. This was a 5.6 hp air
cooled single cylinder tricycle built as a delivery vehicle P
which proved successful.
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1905
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The
Autocarrier found an immediate market and became a familiar sight.
It was fashionable for firms such as Maple & Co, Dickens &
Jones and Goodyear Tyre Co to have at least one as a delivery van.
One concern ran a fleet of over 70.
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1907
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A
passenger-carrying version of the Autocarrier was made, known as
the Sociable. Its simple and practical design ensured its
production until 1915. The abbreviation AC was used for the first
time and in November a new company was formed, Autocarriers
Limited, taking over Autocar & Accessories but with Weller and
Portwine still as Directors.
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1910
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TMotor
Cycling' August shows the Autocarrier adapted for military needs.
The 25th London Cyclist Regiment was equipped with these vehicles.
Maxim guns were mounted on special bodywork and other Autocarriers
were adapted as ammunition transporters. The Autocarrier was
chosen by the military authorities because of its reliability,
lusty performance and special manOuvrability.
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1911
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Autocarriers
Limited moved to larger premises at Thames Ditton in Surrey, at
which time Weller designed AC's first production four-wheel car.
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1914
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During
the First World War, AC's efforts were concerned with the
manufacture of shells and fuses.
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1918
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Full
production commenced with the two-seater, four-cylinder car which
sold at #255. The cars were immediately successful in competition,
particularly in hillclimbs and early trials such as the Land's
End.
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1921
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Showrooms
and offices in London's Regent Street were opened, and racing
driver S. F. Edge joined the board of Directors. Weller and
Portwine resigned. Edge became Chairman and AC Cars Limited was
formed. The cars were sporting in character, possessed an amazing
performance and were equipped with stylish bodies offered in a
range of colours. Success in both competitive and ordinary
motoring proved the AC slogan at the time: TThe First Light Six -
and still the best'.
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1922
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Of
all AC's competition achievements, they were especially proud of
having covered one hundred miles in the hour, with a special AC
record-breaker powered by their four-cylinder, four valve per
cylinder engine. Mr J. A. Joyce drove the car at Brooklands in
November and completely shattered all the light car records, the
fastest lap being the last one at 104.85 mph.
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1928
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Seven
models were now on offer, ranging from the Aceca two-seater coupe
to a long wheelbase coachbuilt saloon. The output of the AC
six-cylinder engine increased from 40 to 56 bhp. The AC Car
Company was at this time one of Britain's largest automobile
manufacturers.
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1929
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The
World economic recession - AC Cars Limited, together with many
others of the period, went into voluntary liquidation.
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1930
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William
A. E. Hurlock and his brother, Charles F. Hurlock, purchased the
AC Car Company. No new cars were produced but servicing facilities
were maintained. Pressure from satisfied AC customers persuaded
the new Directors that there was a future for limited production
of hand-made cars for a specialist market. Throughout the
Tthirties', the AC six-cylinder engine served faithfully in
achieving tremendous results in events such as the RAC and Monte
Carlo Rallies. With showrooms in Park Lane, London, the Company
was prosperous and stable.
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1931
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The
name Ace was used for the first time.
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1933
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Four
new cars were entered in the RAC Rally, and all of them took
prizes. A four-seater sports driven by Miss Kitty Brunel scored an
outright win, Charles Hurlock took fourth place, William Hurlock
sixth and Mrs G Daniel finished seventh and took first prize in
the concours dTelegance.
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1937
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AC
found export sales in North America.
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1939
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The
outbreak of World War 2. All production facilities were turned
over to the war effort for the manufacture of fire-fighting
equipment, aircraft parts, radar vans, flame throwers, guns and
sights.
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1945
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When
war activities ceased, thoughts turned again to motor cars.
Slowly, following much development and improvement, production
grew.
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1950
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Five
cars per week were produced of the Two Litre model, which was
available in several body styles.
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1953
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The
AC Ace, an open top two-seater sports car was produced and quickly
gained a big following amongst sporting motorists. It was highly
successful in British TClub' racing, being the type of fast, tough
car that a private owner could race and rally and still use for
everyday motoring. The AC Cobra evolved from the AC Ace .
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1954
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The
Aceca Coupe was introduced at the London Motor Show and went into
production the following year.
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1957
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Le
Mans - Ace Bristol finished tenth overall. Efforts never
concentrated solely on cars and the familiar blue invalid
carriages were turned out by the hundreds at Thames Ditton,
alongside the high powered sports cars.
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1958
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Le
Mans - Special-bodied Ace Bristol finished eighth, a standard
version ninth.
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1961
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Carroll
Shelby, a Texan ex-race driver, entered negotiations with AC Cars
and with the backing of The Ford Motor Company, proposed the
installation of a large Ford vee eight engine in the current
lightweight AC Ace. Built by AC Cars, the combination resulted in
the AC Cobra, one of the fastest and most brutal sports cars ever
produced.
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1962
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AC
Cars production concentrated on manufacturing the AC Cobra. Each
one was hand built at the factory in Thames Ditton.
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1963
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The
AC Cobra caused a sensation by racing along the M1 motorway at 196
mph, leading to questions being raised in Parliament. Production
of the AC Cobra was now 15 cars per week. The AC plant at Taggs
Island, situated half a mile from the main AC Works, was fully
occupied with the manufacture of motorised invalid carriages for
the Ministry of Health. 1,200 invalid carriages were produced.
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1964
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Following
the motorway sprint, a 70 mph legal speed limit was introduced.
Two AC Cobras were entered in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race, the AC
entry was the first British car to finish. By now, the 427 AC
Cobra had the distinction of being listed in the Guinness Book of
Records as the fastest production car in the world, a title which
it held for several years.
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1965
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The
AC Cobra wins The Sports Car World Championship.
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1967
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AC
Cars produced the 428, a seven-litre sporting model with a body
design by Frua of Turin. 29 Convertible and 51 Fastback vehicles
were produced up to 1973, when production ceased.
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1970
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During
the 1970s and early 1980s AC developed and produced the ME3000, a
totally new mid-engined two-seater sports car.
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1985
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The
updated 5.0 litre AC Cobra is re-introduced into North America,
using the original tooling and meeting 50 State EPA and DOT
Federal Regulations.
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1986
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After
some 56 years of ownership, the Hurlock family sold their
controlling interest in AC Cars to the joint ownership of
Autokraft Limited and the Ford Motor Company. William Hurlock's
son Derek retired as Chairman. The AC Ace prototype is displayed
at the Birmingham Motor Show.
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1988
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AC
Cars moved into a new purpose-built factory of some 90,000 square
feet sited within the historic Brooklands race track, scene of so
many achievements by AC Cars during the 1920s. The AC Ace is
redesigned for the 1990's sports car market.
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1990
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The
RlightweightS version of the AC Cobra is introduced.
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1991
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The
AC Ace pre-production vehicle is constructed by Autokraft. The
body styling is by International Automotive Design (IAD) of
Worthing. IAD continue to assist AC Cars in design engineering to
meet full International Certification regulations.
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1992
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Brian
Angliss personally acquires Ford's interest in AC Cars Limited.
The AC Ace is developed into its final production form for 1993
launch. The AC Cobra Lightweight is re-engineered to meet 1993 EEC
and 49 State North American Certification Standards. AC Cars
returns to London Showrooms after an absence of 50 years.
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1993
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The
AC Ace receives full EEC type approval and is launched at The
London Motorshow.
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1994
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The
AC Ace enters production.
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1995
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The
AC Ace unveiled to North America at the Detroit Motorshow.
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1996
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One
of the world's best known classic sports cars - the AC Cobra - has
been saved. A new company - AC Car Group Ltd - has acquired the
assets and business of the former AC Cars company, Britain's car
maker with the longest record of continuous production.
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This
well known classic sports car company has now been acquired by a new
company. The AC Car Group Ltd - has acquired the assets and business
of the former AC Cars company, to continue producing cars from Britain's
longest established vehicle maker. AC Car Group is based in
Weybridge, Surrey close to the historic Brooklands race track.
AC
Cars Group
Martin Hayes, Communications Advisor
(phone) 44 171 437 7955 and (fax) 44 171 437 7966 (UK).
Please
click on the links above to find out about these famous automotive
makers. If your company is not included and you would like to be
listed, please let us know.
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