AC

Year of foundation 1904-2008

The history of AC Cars, one of the oldest British car manufacturers, is a fascinating blend of innovation, economic ups and downs, and iconic models that have shaped the history of the automobile, especially sports cars.

The Beginnings (1901-1920): From Three-Wheeled Vehicles to the First Four-Wheeled Cars

1901: John Weller, an engineer, and John Portwine, a wealthy butcher, founded Weller Brothers Ltd. The initial idea was to produce a high-quality yet low-cost car.

1903: Weller Brothers Ltd. unveiled the Auto-Carrier, a three-wheeled cargo vehicle with a single-cylinder engine, at the Crystal Palace Motor Show in London. The vehicle's success prompted the founders to change the company name to Autocarriers Ltd.

1907: Production diversified, and alongside the cargo vehicle, the "AC Sociable," a three-wheeled passenger version, was launched. The name "AC" began to appear.

1919: After World War I, the company focused on the production of four-wheeled vehicles and introduced a straight-six engine, designed by Weller, which would become a benchmark for the company for decades.

The Selwyn Edge Era and Racing Successes (1921–1930)

1922: Renowned Australian racing driver Selwyn Francis Edge acquired the company, which changed its name to AC Cars Ltd. Under his leadership, the company focused on the production of sports and racing cars.

1926: An AC car won the Monte Carlo Rally, marking a major success for the brand.

Late 1920s: The Great Depression hit the company hard, forcing it to cease production.

Rebirth and the Arrival of the Ace (Postwar–1961)

Postwar: The company resumed operations, albeit with difficulty.

1953: The AC Ace is launched, a sports car with a lightweight aluminum body and a tubular chassis. Its elegant design and excellent dynamics make it a highly sought-after car, especially in the racing world.

The Birth of a Legend: The AC Cobra

1961: This is a turning point for the company. American driver Carroll Shelby, after racing Aces in America, has the idea of ​​combining the Ace's lightweight and agile chassis with a powerful Ford V8 engine. He contacts AC, who accepts the proposal.

1962: The first AC Cobra is born, a car that will become a legend. The combination of a refined European chassis and a brutal and powerful American engine creates an unbeatable racing car and a style icon.

The Cobra continues to be produced in various versions (such as the 289 and the famous 427), and the car achieves numerous successes on the track, competing with the most prestigious Ferraris.

The final decades and the brand's survival

1970s: The company continued to produce sporty models, but the market changed and competition became fiercer.

1980s and later: The AC brand changed hands several times. Attempts were made to revive the Cobra with new versions and other models were also produced, but the company faced continuing financial problems.

Today: The AC brand is still active, producing modern Cobra-inspired models and selling licensed replicas of vintage models. Its legacy lives on through the iconic Cobra, which remains one of the most desirable classic and collectible cars in the world.