Founded by John Weller and
John Portwine in 1904, AC began manufacturing
basic commercial vehicles until the release of
the 1908 AC Sociable. The company experienced
immense difficulty in the 1920's, including the
founders leaving and being liquidated in 1929.
But somehow they managed to survive for the next
30 years, manufacturing a 3 wheeled invalid car
to help remain a viable concern. But the masterpieces
were to come in the 1950's, with the release of
the Ace and fearsome Ford V8 powered Cobra.
1953 - 1963
After World War 2 AC Cars of Thames Ditton England came
back into the market by releasing the two litre range
in 1947. But it was not until 1953 when the company released
the Ace Sportscar, that its reputation was made. The inspiration
of this car was clearly Ferrari Barchetta, with the results
showing an extremely pretty, open two seater with an alloy
body, as well as independent transverse leaf spring suspension.
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1953 - 1963
AC Cars were approached in 1961 by Texan racer Carroll
Shelby, with the idea of putting a Ford 4.2-litre V8 engine
into the Ace sportscar. A few months later the first prototypes
were produced with 100 being sent to America a short time
later for completion. The result of this was the legendary
Cobra, one of the fastest and most famous muscle cars
of all. More>>
