Good question.
Right from the git go, ACC had the right to build and sell AC Cobras outside N.A.. They did so from time to time. (Recall that they later built their own version of the Daytona, which was a winner.) But the maximum effort was required to fit the huge mfg schedule required by SAI. For a bespoke hand-crafted auto, this was a bloody bunch of cars. Despite all the CS claims, the cars were all designed and fabricated by ACC, with some engineering input from FORD, from CS, and from customers/teams racing the cars, particularly Phil Remmington at Shelby's. It was part of the mfg agreement with FORD, who also guaranteed payment of all the cars shipped to SAI. In fact, if i recall, the invoices were sent to FORD for payment, not only to SAI.
This was all long before Angliss.
While the Hurlocks liked the business with CS, they insisted on FORD guarantees of payment, after the first test vehicles. Despite CS's occasional dis-respectful and ignorant statements about the AC people (once he no longer needed their good name), the Hurlocks insisted on getting paid. Smart move, i'd say.
So, since Angliss bot ACC as a going concern, all of the contracts, rights and liabilities were included. Further, FORD was directly a partner in the purchase; though subsequently they had a falling out over various issues. But, the contracts were honored.
i am sure L was rather grieved when he learned that he lost the moniker from FORD and the Type Certificates from the British federalies. Had he taken the time to personally speak with Angliss, which he "neglected" to do, he might have been forewarned. i knew it would be very likely and would not tell him in the very brief conversations i had with L. i sided with Angliss, of course. Nor did Dave and i ever speak about it together.
But, to be more complete, you must recall that the actual owner was Pride Automotive Corp, a Delaware public company listed on the stock exchange in the USA. Perhaps it was not possible to establish sufficient protection for PAC if they purchased ACC whole.
Seems to me like they could establish sufficient protection through the use of careful structures, contracts and excess lines insurance. The loss of those grandfather certificates was a major loss to the enterprise, critical to their continued success.
Like Angliss before them, they bet the farm on the new ACE, for which Angliss could not establish a suitable engine from FORD on time and price. (A much longer story to be found in Legate's wonderful book.) L was not able to acquire a suitable engine either; but by the time L has a few sensible ideas, rather than wet dreams, he was out of money, traction, credit, airspeed, altitude and ideas, all at the same time.
---------
For aviation buffs that want to see this demonstrated, but solved JIT:
http://www.chilloutzone.de/files/08102703.html
Watch to the end.