VRL: History of the AC Cobra etc

Don · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 07:51 AM

From the web site:

Vintage Racing League: History of the AC Cobra etc

" AC Shelby Cobra,like many British specialist manufacturers, AC Cars had been using the smooth, refined Bristol straight-6 engine in its small-volume production, including its AC Ace 2-seater roadster. The engine was a pre-World War II design of BMW which by the 60s the company knew was considered dated. Bristol decided in 1961 to cease production of its engine and instead to use Chrysler 313cid (5.1 L) V8 engines. Although untrue, it is commonly believed that AC was left without a future source of power and that American ex-racing driver Carroll Shelby saved the company from bankruptcy. AC started using the 2.6 litre Ford Zephyr in all of its cars. In September 1961, Shelby airmailed AC a letter asking them if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. Shelby had previous experience with Anglo-American hybrids, having raced an Allard. He first went to Chevrolet to see if they would provide him with engines, but not wanting to add competition to the Corvette they said no. Ford however, wanted a car that could compete with the Corvette and they happened to have a brand new thin wall small block engine which could be used in this endeavor. "

Complete Article:

Cobra Owners Group - The Vintage Racing League

bulletbrown · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 08:31 AM

Not right on the Chevrolet story, he had a contract to build a racing corvette with Chevrolet and they gave him four chassis to build and modify as he wished . One was well on its way to being completed when GM canceled the project and they destroyed his work , but there is pictures of the two cars he was working on at the time. It made Carroll mad and he went to Ford to get there help. Arcoff his old racing enemy was appointed the head of Corvette develpment and he did not want Carroll in the program .

Don · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2011, 08:44 AM

From the web site:

" Five years before the Ford-powered Cobras were unleashed to a fast-growing, power-hungry sports car band of American enthusiasts, three Texans named Carroll Shelby, Jim Hall and Gary Laughlin decided to build a sports car to beat the Europeans at their own game. Jim and Gary both owned Chevrolet dealerships in Texas and, coupled with Jim’s and Carroll’s connections with some of the top brass at Chevrolet Racing, they were able to purchase three 1959 Corvette chassis -–sans bodies – to build their ultimate sports car. "

Michael McCafferty - True Stories - Cobra Concept - Scaglietti Corvette