1985 | AC Cobra Mk IV

In the 1970s, the AC factory at Thames Ditton stopped service and repair of older Cobras. Brian Angliss' Cobra Parts operation quickly picked up that business and built up a strong and influential customer base. He also moved closer to the factory operation over the years, eventually collecting enough original tooling, jigs and body bucks from Thames Ditton to fabricate new aluminium bodies, and utilising the same tooling and jigs used to create the original Ace and Cobra bodies. For Angliss' new Cobra, the bodies were similar to the wide bodies built for the 427, but they used highly tuned 302 V8s. Although they used the same four-inch tubular steel frame, the cockpit was extended to allow more room for slightly taller individuals.

The quality of Angliss' work was so well-respected by owners and others in the AC community that in the mid-eighties, he was allowed to purchase the rights to the AC name from the Hurlock family, who had been strongly protective of the venerated name that they controlled since the 1930s.

Following his success, a new AC company was established as a joint venture with Ford, who had also recently bought Aston Martin. Angliss' company then began offering the AC Mk. IV. With his legal right to use the AC name and the unbroken lineage of craftsmen, tools, and materials employed in their production, these cars were lauded for their high build quality and retention of the original's spirit and are generally considered 'continuation' cars. Autokraft, shortly after, moved to a purpose-built factory in Brooklands; in total, approximately 400 Mk. IV Cobras were built.

This example was completed on 18th October 1985, it was invoiced and exported to Performance Motors, Jersey, Channel Islands. Used as a demonstrator for the AC authorised dealer until 1987, the car was then sold to its first private owner, Mr G. Howie of Taunton Somerset where it was imported to mainland UK and registered with the DVLA. During Howie's ownership of the Cobra, he purchased one of the very few factory-supplied hardtops, only available for a short period of time and the car featured in a 1989 copy of 'Auto Express' of which a copy is on file. His ownership ended in 1998 and over the next two decades it changed ownership three more times until 2020 when the most recent custodian acquired the Mk. IV. The history file is comprehensive, providing a wealth of information including current and previous copies of all UK V5C registration documents, invoices from specialists for various works over the past forty years, the original sales invoice, import documentation, correspondence from owners, MoT test certificates and much more. This detailed history file will provide you with a complete understanding of the car's journey.

This Mk. IV has been meticulously maintained over the past forty years, with numerous visits to marque specialists and the Autokraft factory. In May 2024, Warren Heath Engineering undertook work on it and shortly after that, it was taken on a European road trip to follow the Mille Miglia. The Cobra was reported not to miss a beat and to be a delight to drive, a testament to its reliability and excellent condition. Consigned by Mathew Priddy

Specification:

- 4-inch ladder chassis
- Ford 302 5 litre with Holley Carburettor
- Mk. III dashboard conversion with Smiths instruments
- Period type Motolita wood rim steering wheel
- Mk. III gear lever
- 15-inch Halibrand wheels with polished centre lock wheel spinners
- Five speed Borg Warner manual gearbox
- Chrome stone guards
- Bonnet scoop with polished rivets
- Perspex wind wings
- Stainless steel exhaust system
- Full weather gear (hood, side screens, tonneau cover and hardtop)

Lot details
Year: 1985
Make: AC
Model: Cobra Mk. IV
Registration: B7 COB
Chassis No: AK1148
Engine No: AK1148
Mileage: 15,000


* Desirable factory-supplied hardtop

* Period Mk. III dashboard conversion and 15-inch Halibrand wheel upgrade