- One of only eight authentic LHD AC 289 Sports produced

- Sold new in Belgium in 1967

- Superb presentation and elegance of its purity

- Aluminum body, factory-modified 427ci engine

- 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’. It was sold new in Belgium by Claude Dubois, the famous Belgian racing driver who was based in Brussels and was also an AC distributor in the country.

The car passed through the hands of various enthusiasts and, in the early 1990s, it was acquired by one of the greatest Parisian collectors. After a collision, he sent the car to the factory in England for repairs. He took the opportunity to have the original 289ci Ford V8 replaced by a 427ci engine, the big 7-litre unit fitted to the last Shelby Cobras. A stronger Toploader gearbox was also installed, along with Ford GT40-type ventilated front disc brakes and solid rear discs. It was in 2005 that this car joined the collection of the current owner, a true enthusiast of sports cars and motorcycles. He will have little opportunity to use it but it will nevertheless receive regular maintenance which allows it to be in such beautiful condition today. This AC Cobra has the narrower, purer appearance of the 289 models, without the rollbar or bonnet air scoop, but concealing all the while the formidable 7-litre V8 which contributed to the story of this legendary model. Its exhaust exits from the rear and not the side, which is much more attractive. Various original parts will be supplied with the car (side exhausts, chrome-plated front bumper and rear overriders). The interior has a lovely patina with its original black leather seats and period instruments. Its aluminum bodywork is in excellent condition and the paint retains all its shine. It is unusual to find an AC 289 Sports supplied new in Europe. With the benefit of the technical improvements made at the factory, this car is a fantastic opportunity to combine authenticity and high performance, and the AC Cobra remains one of the legends of automotive history.

Photos © Kevin Van Campenhout