- One of the eight authentic AC 289 Sports LHD produced

- Car from the 1967 Brussels Motor Show

- Sold new in Belgium to a French owner

- Stunning presentation and elegance with its purity

- Aluminum body, engine modified at the factory with the 427ci

- Same private owner for 20 years

This car is one of 27 built by AC Cars in England with the new coil spring suspension from the Shelby Cobra 427 and the 289ci (4.7-litre) engine from the previous model with leaf springs. This smaller-capacity V8 was better suited to the price of petrol in Europe, which was far higher than in the United States. These particular versions were known as the AC Cobra 289 Sports; this is a left-hand drive example, making it even rarer as only eight such cars were produced. Its chassis number is preceded by the letters ‘COX’, for ‘Cobra Export’, whereas the right-hand drive cars had the letters ‘COB’ for ‘Cobra Britain’. This is the car exhibited at the Brussels Motor Show in 1967 on the manufacturer's stand. It was at this event that its first French owner, Bernard A., acquired it. The car was involved in a collision and remained unrepaired for a period. In the mid-1970s, #6118 was sold as is to the Englishman Steve Hitchins, a well-known gentleman driver, who took it back to the factory for a full restoration from its original chassis. The car was then prepared, and the original Ford 289ci V8 engine was replaced with a 427ci, the large 7L engine used in the later Shelby Cobras. A more durable Toploader gearbox was installed, as well as ventilated disc brakes from the Ford GT40 at the front and solid discs at the rear. It was then equipped with 7.5’’/9.5’’ Halibrand wheels, a competition gauge, and an oil cooling system. In 1987, it was sold to JP. Lafuge, who owned a beautiful collection in the Paris area. After a minor incident, he had the car sent to the factory in England for repairs. Once back in France, he kept the car until 2005, when it was acquired by the current owner, a passionate French collector of rare automobiles and motorcycles. Although he had little opportunity to use it, the car received regular maintenance, which has allowed it to remain in such excellent condition today.

This AC Cobra features a finer, purer bodywork from the 289 versions, without a roll cage or hood air intake, while concealing the formidable 7L engine that contributed to the legendary status of this iconic model. Its exhaust system exits at the rear rather than the sides, which is much more aesthetically pleasing. Various original parts will be included with the car (front bumpers, and chrome rear bumperettes).

Its interior is superbly patinated, with the original black leather seats and period instrumentation. The aluminium body is in excellent condition, and the paint still retains its original shine. It is rare to find an authentic European original AC 289 Sports. This one, having received technical upgrades at the factory, represents a fantastic opportunity to combine authenticity with high performance. The AC Cobra remains one of the legends in the history of the automobile.

Please note that contrary at what is written in the paper catalogue the side exhausts will not be provided with the car.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout