AC Cobra Tyres
The AC Cobra fits a wide range of tyres, the original fitment was a
185x15
or alternatively a
205/70x15
.
Depending on the width of wheels used on your AC Cobra other fitments are:
Rears
Front
For these tyres please call 01302 711 123 or E-mail us at
sales@longstonetyres.co.uk
The 1990's continuation Cobra's (called AC Superblower) fitted 16" wheels in
225/50x16
front and
255/50x16
rear.
If you require new Borrani wire wheels for your AC Cobra then please click here for information on Borrani wire wheels.
AC Cobra History
The AC Cobra first came together in autumn 1961, thanks to Carroll Shelby. It compromised of an AC ace chassis with a huge Ford V8.
The AC chassis was extremely strong, and the Cobra also compromised of a robust 4HA Salisbury back axle.
The first 75 cars were equipped with a 4.2 litre engine, and the first 125 with Ace-type worm-and sector steering. From the beginning of 1963 the 4.7 litre engine, and rack and pinion steering became normal. By 1964 the Cobra’s body evolved further to the sensationally fast ‘Daytona’ coupe body.
The Cobra in just a few years had become extremely refined, thus the team won the 1964 World GT Championship, beating such powerful names as the 250GTO Ferrari, and the lightweight E-type jaguar.
1965 saw some vital changes for the AC Cobra. Firstly the transverse leaf springs were replaced by a coil-spring and double-wishbone layout. Secondly, and arguably the most dramatic transition the Cobra would face, the replacement of the 4.7 litre engine to a 7-litre Ford Galaxie based V8. This produced a staggering 345bhp at 4,600rpm, all this in a car just over 1000kg!
There was much confusion as to what the name of the car should be. AC insisted the car be called AC, however Shelby badged and marketed it as the Shelby American Cobra. Later and even more confusing the car was known as the Ford Cobra. Production of the AC Cobras was suspended in 1968, after which AC produced a long wheelbase version (the AC428, which was also equipped Frua coachwork). The last of these was produced in 1973. However under new management in 1983 the car was re-introduced due to popular demand, the Cobra was now fitted with a 5litre V8 Mk IV. The Cobras now produced were merely recreations of the original car, with the exception of the ‘Superblower,’ which was fitted with a supercharger and produced 355bhp!
