The AC Cobra is a combination of a British AC Ace and a high-capacity Ford V8 engine in 1962. The AC Ace has been on the market since 1952 and its sales are down when this new engine gives it a second life. This association is the work of the American Carroll Shelby.

Where does the name Cobra come from?

When the first vehicle was already on its way to Europe by sea, it had no designation other than the serial number CSX0001. According to Carroll Shelby, one night he woke up from a dream in which he saw Cobra on the front of his car. He wrote this down on a notepad and went back to sleep. When he looked at his note the next morning, he knew “Cobra” was the right name.

Who is Carroll Shelby?

Carroll Shelby, born in Texas/USA in 1923, is one of the most dazzling personalities in racing history. First a driver, he became world famous by winning the 1959 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in duet with Roy Slavadori on an Aston Martin DBR1/300 from the David Brown team. The following year, he stopped his driving career to focus on his childhood dream: creating an American sports car that could beat the Ferrari for a third
of the price. In 1962, he gave birth to the legendary AC Cobra 260, which he declined in many versions. He is also responsible for the 1965 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 350 and 1967 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500. Carroll Shelby is also known for his work on the Ford GT40, which brought it to fame by beating Ferrari for the first time at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1966.
Carroll Shelby passed away on May 10, 2012 in Dallas, Texas.