 | Roadster
Chassis Num: CSX 3221
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Production of the Cobra Mark III began on January 1 of 1965. The chassis, designed in cooperated with Ford, used 4-inch main chassis tubes and had coil spring suspension all around. The prior chassis had used 3-inch tubes. The new car had wider fenders and a larger radiator opening. Power was from the 'side oiler' Ford 427 engine rated at 485 horsepower and offering a top speed of 180 mph in the competition model.
Cars were sent from England to the United States as unpainted rolling chassis. Shelby American workshop finished the ensemble. In total, 300 Mark III cars were sent to Shelby in Los Angeles during the years 1965 and 1966, including the competition version. Also, 27 small block narrow fender versions, which were known as the AC 289, were sold in Europe. It was raced successfully by many privateers and went on to win races all the way into the 1970's. 31 unsold competition cars were detuned and made road worthy and called S/C for semi-competition. Today, these are the rarest and most valuable models and can sell for in excess of 1.5 million dollars.
The AC 427, also known as the Mark III, carried 18 imperial gallons and its empty weight was approximately 2,300 pounds. This example is one of the rare 427 S/C models. | |
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