Vehicle Details
- Year: 1995
- Make: AC
- Model: Cobra
- VIN: SA9AK3022RA017003
- Mileage: 713
- Transmission: Manual
- Title Status: Clean
- Color: Signal Red
- Seller: porscheklaus
- Seller Type: Dealer
- Location: Spokane, WA 99224
- Dealer Fees: None
- Lot #: V-0009451
It is our pleasure to present this incredibly special 1995 AC Cobra MK4 Prototype. This Cobra is said to be one of only four examples built for the 1995 model year with this particular car, chassis #003, being the hand-built prototype debuted at the 1995 Detroit Auto Show. Following its debut, this Cobra is said to have spent the rest of its life on display at a Ford dealership in Flint, MI. with just 700 miles traveled in total. This is also the only one of these Cobras to have been DOT and EPA certified with the future intent to mass-market these vehicles through Ford dealerships in the U.S. A truly remarkable example remaining in outstanding original condition, this highly collectible AC Cobra prototype is now being offered for auction by its seller out of Spokane WA.
Commissioned specifically for the Detroit Auto Show, this 1995 example is said to have been entirely hand-built by a sole craftsman in Surrey, England. The aluminum bodywork was hand-hammered on the same bucks and equipment used to produce the original Shelby-era Cobras. Having spent its entire life on display in a climate-controlled environment, the original Signal Red paint is said to remain as new. A ceramic coating was also recently applied, detailed images are provided in the photo gallery. Distinguishing this prototype is a unique rear-exit exhaust and AutoKraft-made Hallibrand-style center-lock wheels that have never been removed and remain safety-wired and dressed in their original Good Year tires.
Inside, the black leather interior has been left untouched and entirely original. All gauges and accessories are said to remain fully functional.
This Cobra is equipped with a Ford 5.0 L fuel-injected V8 engine paired with a T5 5-speed manual gearbox sending power to the rear wheels. Other mechanical features include an independent rear suspension and 4-wheel disc brakes. Since the seller’s recent purchase, the gas tank has been filled with fresh gasoline and stabilizer, and the car has been driven lightly for mechanical exercise.
This sale will include the original books, tools, spare tire, wiring diagram, tonneau cover, side curtains, additional knock-off wheel locks, and a clean title. A unique piece of American automotive history, this AC Cobra prototype is a true one-of-a-kind collector's item.
Auction Results
- Sold for: $145,000
- Auction End: Apr 02, 2021 08:10:55PM UTC
- Number of Bids: 37
Comments (69)
Thanks all....pretty neat car, for sure!
Congrats chapel99, A truly GREAT car! listen carefully and you will hear the applause.
I see no $145 k bid posted.
Sold for $145,000
Congrats to @Chapel99 and @porscheklaus! Great car and a great buy!
Bid in the amount of $145,000
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not going to lose this over $500...
Bid in the amount of $98,000
so close ....
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nudge nudge :)
Bid in the amount of $92,000
@Kah48 we will retract the bid, please refresh and re-enter the correct amount. Thank you.
Sorry meant to put a bid for 92000.00 can please correct that thank you
Bid in the amount of $88,000
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@JJensen True, the cockpit was extended to accommodate taller drivers. I'm shorter 5'8", on a good day. The first think I noticed when I first drove the car was just how far forward I had to move the seat. Years ago, I drove a '65 427.... I barely fit. A much taller driver would be comfortable in this car.
Thanks for the bid Jensen.....
Bid in the amount of $70,000
Beautiful car. I remember when these cars were offered as new. I thought the cockpit was stretched a few inches to accommodate taller drivers and give extended leg room. I recall the wheel base was not altered from the original. Can anyone chime in on this ?
Just a FYI; we did build cars with the optional roll bars and hood scoops in the early 80's.
Included in the sale are all of the cars original accessories: Complete tool roll with Snap-On tools, full size spare, toneau cover (and cover), full roof (never erected and cover)) Side curtains (and cover) Jack (and cover) Single lug wrench. (the cars original wheels have never been removed from the car, the original safety wires still in place) Owners manual, Electrical diagram, misc factory photo(s) (of other cars) A complete set of three prong "Shelby" knock offs - as new. Additional set of alloy brake and clutch pedals. Battery tender. (Battery is less than 1 year old)
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EPA approval was granted on July 31, 1981 for Brian's Autokraft MKIV with the 351W engine. DOT was carried out by Jasjit Rarewala commencing on Aug 10th 1983 and approved by DOT Sept 24th 1985.
@porscheklaus A typo, late 80's Ford bailed....
Again, I think these cars are way ahead in quality compared to their MKI, MKII, MKIII predecesors as I have been in many.
This is an AC, also an AutoKraft and Ford was legit in cooperation and ownership so its a real car. Not a kit, not even a replica.
Funny when I brought AK1085 to my local Ford dealer I stated that I still had warranty mileage as it had no time limits... LOL, they too thought it funny....
@1985CCX WOW and thank you. As you pointed out so very well, information on these fantastic cars can be difficult to come by. Your clarification is much appreciated. It really is a very special car. Thanks again.
@porscheklaus (I am to work with ACOC and SAI to revive AC MKIV Regoistry so who ever gets this car contact me..)
These cars are real, but real AC's versus SAI cars. The stories are varied and interetsing enough I know the Ford exec that worked with Brian to get the homologated and DOT approved. Its a great story so to avoid sleep I'll give cliff notes.......
Brian was buidling restoration parts and bodies for cars earlier than these cars were conceived. The interest was to finally make a car and that is what he did with a little conversation with Ford.
Ford was interested (The Fords) and the board at Ford, not so until the Fords gave each member a car then = Great Idea!
The first cars sent over were MKIII variants that were seized and later given up and some became COX cars and others early AK cars. (not DOT)
David W was critical in the development of the MKIV for Ford. And once Ford execs were on board they bought into AC Cars (51% I think)
Things for DOT side markers, collapsing bumpers, side impact beam, extra frame support, power brakes, extended nose, smog legal and seat backs to name a few.
The cars were time consuming to build so there was a 6 car MOQ for dealers and then they were expensive so those dealers that got them sat on them awhile.
The 302 was used as it was the 5.0 for the Mustang and DOT compliant thus no 427. When Ford went EFI so did these AC cars. So my guess this may have been one of the first test cars for show????
When Ford bailed in the lat 90's AC cars floundered and really in my opinion went away, there are the new MK's but they are basically very different and not sure I would shell out a deposit.
These AK cars were considered a Cobra outside the USA, Ford wanted Cobra for their use in the states. Thus the AK cars were known as the AC-MKIV
They are AC Cars
They are in the registry (SAI previous editions as new additions only have 2000/3000 cars)
Extrememly Well built
Very nice driving cars
Carburated into 1985
EFI 1986 on...
Seeing how this car is AK2003 it must have been titled later as there are only a few labeleed AK2XXX as the majority AK1XXX cars. The car is currently in the previous SAI registry.
Phew... Hope this helps..
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@racer355 What I was told by Sealy (I should mention he was AC's Vp at the time the car was built) and it has been a couple of years since our conversation, was that the "premise" behind the car was Mr and Mrs. Jones could order a real alloy 427 bodied car with modern drive train, fully adjustable suspension, real brakes etc, EPA'd and DOT'd for $105,000, that number according to the window sticker. The cars would be built in Surrey and delivered through Ford dealerships here in the States is what I recall. If we look back at 1995 however, the car market was nonexistent and the plan never came to fruition, this car being the unicorn. Again, it is difficult to piece the history of AC together. The company has been around and "not again" for well over 100 years. There was a time the Ford was indeed directly involved with AC when it came to these cars, though I am uncertain as to when that relationship ended. The company was sold on in 1996. Regardless .... what we have here is a real 1995 AC mkIV, the Detroit stand car, with a hand formed alloy body, arguably a far better car than the original and most certainly not a "replica" with..... 700 miles on it .... :)
Bid in the amount of $15,000
@porscheklaus I do not mean to take away from the car because it is extremely cool, they are great fun, reliable and of course aluminum bodies. I like that they are AC, not Shelby. I wonder what show stand it was on since AC had not affiliation with Ford at the time here in the USA. EPA/DOT could have simply been to federalize the car since it is the same spec as the 1980’s Mk IV’s. The fuel injected MK IV’s came with flat bonnets and none came with a rollbar from the factory. Many have been updated with a rollbar and of course the bonnet scoop could be added, we added several to Mk IV’s over the years. Does it have copies of the epa/dot import papers? That will certainly let you know how and who imported it. It is now over 25 years of age, so it’s being imported today would not be a problem, but if it has been here forever years already, the epa/dot papers would help sort some of your history. GLWTA
@racer355 I had a phone conversation with James Sealy a couple of years ago about the car. He contacted me through a mutual acquaintance . The opening comment of his conversation with me after "hello" was "you found our prototype" I was not exactly sure what he meant by the comment but, 1995 was the year the car was "relaunched" at the Detroit auto show and according to him (Sealy) this is the car that was on their stand at the show. I can also gather from the conversation that this car was and is indeed EPA/DOT certified for US use and I don't believe any other later cars were. I have tried to contact AC in order to get better clarification directly from them but, so far, to no avail. In doing research on the car and writing the piece, pcarmarket found a video of the 1995 Detroit show, showing the car. The last two photos in the advert are from that video. (I was impressed they had gone to that length. ) Not sure if that helps. As you know, finding information on the cars can be a bit trying. What you and I can both agree on however, is the level to which these cars are built is absolutely impressive.
@porscheklaus Unless I am missing something, they started in 1982 and they we carbureted through to the beginning of 1986. The car used for EPA/DOR was a carb car. In 1986 they became fuel injected as this car is. I am not sure what makes it a prototype?
1995? Maybe it was the prototype injected car from
1985?!?
Not banging it, love it and have owned many thought the years, have an original now.
The late 1990’s were the superblower and could not to be imported to the USA. It is very cool, but the year does not make sense.
Best,
Tom P.
@Butzi911 Great stuff Butzi, thanks
@porscheklaus You're welcome . I always respect genuine classics. I found this 1984 Motorsport magazine article online. https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/archive/article/may-1984/73/autokraft-ac-mkiv. This should help the audience understand the true provenance, history and capabilities of these cars. Enjoy the read from 1984!
@Butzi911 Thanks Butzi. True statement yet many in the automotive world are unfamiliar with just how good, well built, exceedingly rare these cars are. They were built using the very same jigs, tools and bucks used to produce the chassis and bodies for Shelby. I quit trying to explain it at car shows.... but, still carefully guard the car from errant children and strollers :)
I cannot emphasize enough the level of fit and finish this car is finished to. Rolls - Royce quality! Door and panel fit is simply amazing. Doors can be closed using but, one finger. It is my understanding that John Owen(s) was single handedly responsible for the production of this car.... an extremely gifted craftsman. Perhaps another thing to consider is just how well this car drives. I've had the good fortune to pilot a real 427 Cobra. I raced sports cars for nearly 30 years... car scared the absolute crap out of me. This car, with modern brakes, suspension and an IRS rear end is an absolute pleasure though..... I am no Kin Miles :)
@maxmilford Good question, first Autokraft acquired the AC name in 1982 (I believe) 427 bodywork rather than 289 body work, fuel injected 5.0 liter, T 5 gearbox, EPA and DOT certification (on this car). I am sure there are many more differences that I may not be aware of.
Pic 61 has a plate depicting this as an Autokraft car. I'm originally from the UK. These were genuine AC cars built under license with Autokraft in Brooklands, Surrey England. All Aluminium geniune turnkey hand built. These are considered genuine AC cars in the 1990s. I had their leaflet from the Earl's Court London Motorshow when I was teenager!!! This will be the real deal. Beautiful car. Good luck with auction @porscheklaus
What is the difference between this car and the Autokraft Cobras that were aluminium alloy bodied cars with Ford engine?
I think it is imperative to point out that this is not "kit" car or replica. The alloy body on this car was created by hand, it is NOT a plastic or fiberglass car. These cars produced by AC are so well built that even Bob Lutz purchased one... I'd say he knows "just a little" about cars. The fit and finish on this car is far superior to anything Shelby was offering back in the day but, with all respect to Shelby, 'Ol Carrol was building race cars, fit and finish were understandably not the focus. This AC presents itself as new, truly. Some VERY fortunate individual is going to end up with a simply fantastic and extraordinarily rare motorcar...happy bidding. Please feel free asking any questions that you like. I will do my very best to answer promptly.