AC Cars has never made a series production hardtop model in its 123-year existence. We couldn’t believe it either. But with those Daytona coupes officially Shelbys and the racers we see at Revival now presumably adapted, that’s the fact. The situation all set to change, however, with the introduction of the AC Cobra GT Coupe, promising an “incredible, racing car-like experience on either the road or the track”, according to CEO David Conza.
Certainly it sounds like a tantalising recipe, using AC’s new aluminium chassis with carbon body allied to monster V8 power. Standard power is 456hp, which can be supercharged to 730hp. And if that still isn’t enough, buyers who opt for the Clubsport Edition of the GT Coupe will be offered 810hp from the same engine for ‘an extremely agile and ferocious road-legal car.’ No doubting that, given a Cobra is still just 4.2 metres long with a 2.57m wheelbase. AC suggests that the Coupe will have a ‘near perfect 50:50’ weight distribution, plus a low centre of gravity. Target weight for the Clubsport Edition is less than 1,450kg. Hopefully just an intimidating brute, then, rather than downright scary.
That’s assuming, of course, anyone actually wants to drive their GT Coupe; anything that comes out as good as these previews, complete with Kamm tail and puffed out hamster cheek haunches, could be breathtaking. The design is inspired by the AC A98 coupe, which raced at Le Mans in 1964 and was the car that hit 180mph on the M1. So a pretty cool old thing to pay homage to. Plus with modern motorsport influences on this car, it ought to offer the excitement of a proper racer.
Conza added: “The reveal of the AC Cobra GT Coupe is a proud moment for us, and the story of a road-going AC Cobra coupe is one years in the making. To have been able to combine the timeless AC Cobra design into a car using the latest design and construction techniques breaks new ground for AC Cars.” Reservations for all versions of the Coupe are open now, with deliveries expected in 2025.