Description
Brian Angliss, the founder of AutoKraft, ran a small restoration shop in the 70s specialising in the legendary Shelby Cobra. In 1982 he acquired the name rights from AC Cars ltd and the right to construct cars similar to the original Cobra. Ford realised the commercial potential of the beautiful roadster, and, in 1987, a cooperation was established with AutoKraft allowing Brian Angliss to use the name Cobra as well as its famous logo. It is therefore quite obvious that Cobra Mk IV’s, assembled in the English Surrey, are regarded as legitimate successors to the original Shelby Cobra from the 1960ies. Just like the original the Mk IV is based on a tubular frame chassis a wide aluminium coachwork (based on the original 427’s shape) and all the technical bits from Ford. Around 480 examples were completed between 1986 and 1996. Our Cobra, AK1238, was completed in January 1989 and delivered to the Swiss importer Exclusive Cars in Versoix. Since the cars didn‘t really sell very well back then, the Mk IV remained with the importer and was shown on his stand at the Geneva salon in March 1987. In June of the same year the Mk IV was first registered and used as a demo. In August 1995 with 1’150 kilometres driven, the beautiful roadster was finally taken over by its first and so far only private owner. Because of him emigrating the Cobra was de-registered in August 2000 and parked in a dry garage for almost 24 years. Since the owner didn‘t want to part with his beloved roadster and to avoid damage through inactivity, he undertook regular excursions with his car at least once a year using the dealer plates of a friend. In May 2024, the AC was finally woken up from its hiatus and carefully recommissioned. With now around 4’900 kilometres driven, the Cobra is in remarkably original condition. The Ford 5 litre V8 with fuel injection and catalytic converter delivers 228 horsepower and, together with the 5-speed manual gearbox, is running perfectly and without any issues. The last Veteran MOT was completed in June 2024.
