First AC Cobra GT Roadster Rolls Out
AC Cars has completed the first AC Cobra GT Roadster and begun series production, marking a pivotal step for Britain’s oldest vehicle manufacturer. The historic marque has invested and refined its processes for more than six years, ensuring the new sports car meets contemporary expectations while honouring its legendary 1960s predecessor.
Engineers developed the open-top AC Cobra GT Roadster around a bespoke aluminium spaceframe chassis and a whole carbon-fibre body, creating exceptional torsional rigidity and a feather-light kerb weight. A sonorous 5.0-litre V8 engine delivers the vivid performance expected of a modern British sports car, while the reimagined design combines classic proportions with advanced materials for genuine grand touring capability.
“This is a day to remember, and the completion of the first production AC Cobra GT Roadsters is a monumental achievement. I’m immensely proud of what the company has achieved and the continued support and enthusiasm that our clients have shown,” declared David Conza, CEO of AC Cars.
The first customer vehicles will be the Edition 63 models, finished in an exclusive AC Blue livery that commemorates the Cobra’s class win at the 1963 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each Edition 63 carries the complete specification as standard, delivering unmatched exclusivity and performance within the AC Cobra lineage.
AC Cars continues its multi-million-euro programme by developing the AC Cobra GT Coupe. This new model combines the unmistakable Cobra DNA with a sleek fastback profile inspired in part by the 1964 AC A98 Le Mans racer, broadening the brand’s appeal to discerning enthusiasts seeking a refined yet thrilling driving experience.
Both the Roadster and the GT Coupe feature modern safety systems, up-to-date ergonomics that accommodate drivers over six feet tall, and a choice of left- or right-hand drive, making them suitable for global markets. The latest drivetrain and control technologies reinforce their grand-tourer credentials, while limited production safeguards their exclusivity.
Founded in West Norwood in 1901 by the Weller Brothers, AC Cars gained early acclaim with the three-wheel Autocarri. They later cemented their racing reputation with the aluminium-bodied AC Ace of 1953. The Ace evolved into the Ford-powered AC Cobra, whose timeless silhouette and formidable pace secured lasting fame. Today, the AC Cobra GT range builds on that heritage, uniting classic style with 21st-century engineering.
With facilities in the UK and Germany, AC Cars partners with leading suppliers to design, develop and manufacture its new sports cars. Beyond its Donington headquarters and southern UK site, the company plans further expansion across Britain and Europe, ensuring the AC Cobra legacy thrives for future generations of performance-car devotees.
