AC (1962 to Present)

Occupying a unique space between high-end replicas and historic revivals, AC Cobra continuation and replica cars cater to a market where the 1960s originals now command multi-million dollar premiums. Official continuation models, such as the Shelby American CSX series (CSX4000, CSX6000, CSX7000, and CSX8000), were first reintroduced in the mid-1990s and remain in production today as "rolling chassis" units. These vehicles utilize a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and are offered in classic 289 "Slabside" or 427 "Semi-Competition" body styles, typically featuring a 7.0L (427ci) or 4.7L (289ci) Ford-sourced V8 paired with a five-speed manual transmission. In 2023, the original manufacturer, AC Cars, evolved the lineage with the AC Cobra GT Roadster, a modern grand tourer featuring a bespoke aluminum spaceframe and carbon-fiber bodywork powered by a 5.0L Coyote V8 producing up to 488kW (654hp). The Australian market has a robust landscape of locally engineered replicas, with manufacturers like Classic Revival (CR-427) and Ardent Kits (formerly Harrison) producing ADR-compliant kits and turn-key builds that often utilize modern modular Ford V8s and independent rear suspension. While non-chassis-numbered replicas from brands like Factory Five or Backdraft Racing offer a more accessible entry point, official Shelby continuation cars retain higher collectibility due to their inclusion in the Shelby World Registry. Production of the classic-style CSX series continues alongside the modern AC Cobra GT Roadster and its newly introduced Coupe variant.

Occupying a unique space between high-end replicas and historic revivals, AC Cobra continuation and replica cars cater to a market where the 1960s originals now command multi-million dollar premiums. Official continuation models, such as the Shelby American CSX series (CSX4000, CSX6000, CSX7000, and CSX8000), were first reintroduced in the mid-1990s and remain in production today as "rolling chassis" units. These vehicles utilize a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and are offered in classic… Read more