Description
We are delighted to offer for sale once again this truly remarkable Original AC Cobra Lightweight that we have had the pleasure of purchasing for the third time in the last 11 years.
This is one of the rarest and most desirable of the ‘latter day’ Cobras that were hand built by AC Cars Ltd. AC Cars claim each car took over 3, 000 man hours to build.
A1 COB as this car is famously known was supplied new in 1993 by Rod Leach of Nostalgia (the sole authorized supplier of new MKIVs in the UK) and is a Full Matching Numbers example
Lightweight examples have always been the rarest and most desirable Cobra to own, due to very limited numbers built. With similar traits to the original 1965 Cobras the raw and nostalgic sound from the blue printed Ford V8 engine make these the Cobra to own amongst enthusiasts.
A Lightweight in brief is a lighter version of the MKIV – with a lighter chassis, MKIII aluminium shape body with the shorter nose, like that of the 1965 Cobras with an incorporated and fared in bonnet scoop, rear wing recessed with a ‘Monza’ style petrol filler cap, drivers roll bar, and twin wipers. A blue printed hand built small block Ford 302 V8 carburettor engine with aluminium cylinder heads, roller rockers, solid valve lifters, larger carburettor and large bore free flow exhausts producing around 345 BHP @6, 500 rpm and built by ACs specialist engine shop within the factory. The interior included the MKIII original switches and warning lights, steering column and wood rim steering wheel, hand made by Mota Lita.
The stunning example we offer for sale today was ordered new in BMW Mauritius Blue Metallic with no stripes and 16” Hallibrand wheels, 5 speed Borg Warner T5 gearbox, drivers chrome roll bar, chrome stone guards, green perspex sunvisors, wind wings and full weather equipment including tonneau cover and toolkit.
It is an Original limited numbers Factory Lightweight with the very important “L” in the chassis number to prove this.
The first owner kept the car for 7 years before Rod Leach bought it back and then sold it to the 2nd owner who duly sent A1 COB to the AC Cars factory for detailed and cosmetic improvements to suit his requirements. These included a full suspension conversion, slightly lowered and modified springs with upgraded shock absorbers and front and rear anti roll bars, cast finned alloy COBRA valve covers, twin white painted stripes, original AC cast alloy foot pedals, fascia mounted rear view mirror, full 4-point drivers race harness, fire extinguisher, removable front stereo and speakers, battery master switch and security system/ immobiliser
TOP 555 acquired the car in 2014 direct from Rod Leach and we sold it to a Gentleman who enjoyed the car for over 9 years adding only circa 1, 100 miles to the car before selling it back to us.
The last owner was one of our most prolific buyers to date and he acquired the car in November 2023. As part of the deal we agreed to make some ammendments to the car to take it back to its standard “lightweight” factory specification which included removing the speakers, stereo unit and aerial from the car and fitting 15” Hallibrand wheels. The car has only coved some 90 miles in the last year before returning home to us..
AKL1370 is one of the last of the genuine, authentic Lightweights and also one of the best specifications of any of the approx. 26 built, with superb performance - equally at home in all traffic conditions, long distance touring and club rally/ track events.
A1 COB has been maintained and serviced throughout its life by highly regarded Cobra Specialists Thunder Road and Redline Engineering and has only had 3 enthusiast owners from new.
This spectacular AC Cobra Lightweight is the very best we have seen and comes complete with a fully documented and personalised leather-bound history folder including all receipts, service receipts, MOTs, original wallet, owner’s manual, supplements and 2 keys
Chassis No: AKL1370 is Listed in the Shelby World Register and AC Owners Club Register -
An opportunity not to be missed…..
