AC Cobra 260

There are few sports cars as internationally celebrated as the Shelby Cobra. From humble beginnings in the UK, Carroll Shelby’s entrepreneurship took the car to the greatest of heights. Through the introduction of a large-bore American engine into the diminutive European body, the Cobra would demonstrate its competition prowess for years to come.

From humble upbringings in Texas to Le Mans winner, Shelby and his contractual successes with Ford would see the AC Ace earn a 260cui, 289cui and then finally 427 cui V8 powerplants. The ‘Cobra’ would become an instant hit, breaking track records from day one.

Retaining the original narrow-bodied lines of the AC Ace, the 260 cu. in. cars were completed at the very start. Invoiced to Shelby American on 25th October 1962, this car was optioned with aluminium rocker arm covers, wind-wings, sun visors, front and rear bumpers, chrome exhaust tips and a heater. It was shipped to Los Angeles where SS Research & Development would handle to sale to famed racer John Razelle of Seattle. It was raced successfully in and around the Pacific Northwest by Razelle who consistently demonstrated the strengths of the Cobra, with multiple wins at SCCA events.

Following its racing career, the car remained in the U.S. until 1988 when it was purchased by Robs Lamplough out of Florida and shipped to Europe. Used by previous owners in continental Europe, it was subsequently registered in the U.K. and remains there to this day.