Racing driver Carroll Shelby sent a letter to British manufacturer AC Cars asking if they would produce a car to him featuring a V8 engine with a light chassis. AC Cars accepted, and after some time they sent the car to Shelby. He then tested the car, and one night dreaming about it came with the “Cobra” name. That is how the myth was born.
Design: The interesting thing about the AC Cobra is that it borrowed pieces, parts and accessories from several other cars (including a Ford based engine, Jaguar in-board disk brakes, and a VW Beetle steering rack). Overall the manufacturer managed to create a very unique and memorable design around the car, however.
Performance: This car was responsible for the implementation of road speed limits in the United Kingdom. Ouch! The 427 version packed a 7-litre engine, with 425 horse power and a 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h) acceleration of 4.2 seconds.
Chick Factor: Medium. Same as the Ferrari 250 GTO below, this car was manufactured in the 60s so it won’t be considered sexy by women in general. Smart ones will definitely love it, though.
