Guides by Make: AC Guide
From Classic Car Life
Looking for AC used cars for sale? Read this guide for more information on AC, the popular manufacturer that reigned supreme in the automobile market for much of the early 20th century and still produces cars to this day.
AC still remain popular with buyers of classic cars to this day – to learn more about the history of the manufacturer and popular AC models, read on.
AC Cars – Classic Cars from the Manufacturer
Auto Carriers, or AC as it is more commonly known, has origins dating all the way back to 1903. The manufacturer’s first ever model, the 20HP touring car, was unveiled to the world at the Crystal Palace Motor Show in this year. This vehicle attracted plenty of attention, and was a phenomenal financial success in the company, aiding the rapid production of AC cars in 1919, after manufacturing resumed following the conclusion of the First World War.
However, the company went into rapid design after the devastating effects of the Great Depression in 1929. Production of these classic cars was muted for a number of years, until the early fifties, when the AC Ace sparked a revival of the company’s fortunes. The lightweight chassis of these popular AC cars was envisioned by the celebrated designer John Tojeiro. The AC Ace was hailed as an instant success by critics, and even featured in the Le Mans races of 1957 and 1958.
However, the company is perhaps most famous for the AC Cobra – or the Shelby Cobra as it is sometimes known. The company was approached by legendary automotive designer Carroll Shelby in 1962, and after adding a Ford V8 engine to the AC Ace Chassis, the AC Cobra was unveiled to the world.
The AC Cobra was produced in two versions – a street car option and a competition version. The AC Cobra competition effort was one of the classic cars of the 1960’s racing era, and continued to feature on the racing circuit well into the 1970’s.
