"Rightly regarded as one of the all-time greats, the fire-breathing AC Cobra has been highly coveted as far back as 1962. The late, great Carroll Shelby used a relatively simple strategy. Place a large engine in a light but beautiful body. Insert driver.
Those of us who have a general awareness of these motorcars will have a memory of the tremendous power of the AC Cobra, the 289ci model and then the 427ci with its seven litre Ford, V8. The issue with this is the powerful but weighty engine and, to a lesser extent, the bodywork, this has been reflected in the fact that AC Car Group Limited is finding a steady demand from true connoisseurs wanting the ultimate in individuality offered by the AC Cobra 427, which it has been continuously building since the early 1960s.
In 1996, AC developed the CRS, Carbon Road Series. The big engine remained but now twinned with a revolutionary, single-piece carbon-fibre tub. Working in parallel but with Lotus, John Owen was developing the highly successful 3.5 litre, V8, twin turbo engine pushing out about 350bhp. Lotus, quite rightly famed for their mid-engined mentality, could not make full use of this engine as it was specifically designed for front-engined production. It was at this point the Mr. Owen moved to AC and became their chief engineer. Bringing his light and powerful V8 with him. So now we have a F1-developed tub using the pioneering carbon fibre technology from the CRS mated to The 3.5 litre Lotus engine, now in the front, with twin Garrett turbochargers driving power through a Tremec T56, six-speed manual gearbox and BTR Hydratrak final drive limited slip differential (ratio 3.73:1) to the rear axle. Power steering is standard together with AP Racing dual circuit servo-assisted ventilated discs all round. High performance Avon tyres with Michel in Pilot Sport to the rear have been selected to create a special road/race package for the AC 212 S/C to ensure that the huge output of the Lotus V8 reaches its destination.
‘TAZ 212’ is featured in the AC Cobra 'bible', Trevor Legate's 'Cobra - The first 40 years' and at the time of its introduction, AC claimed that the 212 S/C was the world's fastest accelerating production car, this being one of just two righthand drive examples in the world. Its reputation continues when it served as AC's press car and subsequently featured by Octane, Car, Evo and Top Gear as well as an appearance in the Jeremy Clarkson video ‘Top 100 Cars’. As part of the initial press coverage it was also driven by motoring luminaries, Jeremy Clarkson, Damon Hill and Mark Blundell.
The interior is of full alcantara design and matching steering wheel with black leather seating and machined aluminium gearknob and handbrake. Twin hooped roll bars provide additional safety and, stowed away, are the all-weather equipment.
A large folder of bills and history accompanies the car, including all of the features written about it and the initial build information. It has been maintained regardless of cost and recently fully serviced, described as in generally very good condition throughout with surprisingly light road wear to the leading edges of the rear wheel arches and nose , it also comes with current MoT test certificate and V5C registration document.
This is a truly special piece of AC history, the Holy Grail for collectors. One of a kind."