AC Cobra 260

Category:

Description

The AC Cobra 260, also known as the Shelby Cobra, represents a legendary collaboration between British engineering and American muscle. Introduced in the early 1960s, the Cobra 260 was the result of a partnership between AC Cars and American racing driver Carroll Shelby. Shelby envisioned a car that combined the lightweight agility of a British sports car with the raw power of an American V8 engine, and the Cobra 260 was the realization of this vision.

The AC Cobra 260 was based on the AC Ace platform but was extensively modified to accommodate a more powerful engine and enhanced performance characteristics. Under the hood, it housed a 260 cubic inch (4.2-liter) Ford V8 engine, which produced approximately 260 horsepower. This significant increase in power transformed the already capable Ace chassis into a ferociously quick sports car, capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds and achieving top speeds in excess of 140 mph.

The Cobra 260’s design retained the elegant lines of the AC Ace but featured flared wheel arches, wider tires, and a more aggressive stance to handle the increased power and improve handling. The lightweight aluminum body helped to keep the car’s weight down, contributing to its impressive performance and nimbleness on the road and track.

Inside, the Cobra 260 was relatively spartan, with a focus on functionality and driver engagement. The cockpit featured simple but effective instrumentation, supportive bucket seats, and a wood-rimmed steering wheel, all designed to provide a pure and unfiltered driving experience.

The AC Cobra 260 quickly gained a reputation for its thrilling performance and became a dominant force in motorsport, particularly in the United States. Its success on the track and its distinctive blend of British style with American power have cemented its status as one of the most iconic and revered sports cars in automotive history. Today, the AC Cobra 260 is a highly sought-after collector’s item, admired for its historical significance and exhilarating driving dynamics.

Additional information

Manufacturer

AC

Country

UK

Production Started

1962

Production Stopped

1963

Vehicle Type

Bodystyle

Roadster

Number of Doors

2

Number of Seats

2

Top Speed

149 mph (240 kph)

0-60 mph (0-100 kph)

5 s

Power

194 / 264 / 260 @ 5800 rpm

Torque

365 / 269 @ 4500 rpm

Engine Manufacturer

Ford

Engine

V8

Engine Location

Front

Engine Displacement

4261 cc (258.8 cu in)

Valvetrain

OHV

Valves per Cylinder

2

Bore / Stroke

96.5 x 72.9 mm (3.799 x 2.87 in)

Compression Ratio

10:1

Cooling System

Water

Charging System

Fuel Type

Petrol

Fuel System

Carburator, 1 x Holley

Aspiration

Normal

Fuel Capacity

Drive

Rear

Transmission

M4

Steering

Front Brakes

Rear Brakes

Front Suspension

Rear Suspension

Tyre Dimensions

Chassis

Weight

950 kg (2094 lb)

Length

3848 mm (151.5 in)

Width

1549 mm (61 in)

Height

1143 mm (45 in)

Wheelbase

2286 mm (90 in)