Beschreibung:

Rightly regarded as one of the all-time great classic sports cars, the muscular, fire-breathing Cobra succeeded in capturing the hearts of enthusiasts like few of its contemporaries, the car's enduring popularity resulting in its revival in 1980 after twelve years out of production. Convinced that a market existed for a sports car combining European chassis engineering and American V8 power, Texan racing driver Carroll Shelby concocted an unlikely alliance between AC Cars of Thames Ditton and the Ford Motor Company. The former's Ace provided the simple twin-tube chassis frame - supplied with four-wheel disc brakes for the Cobra - into which was persuaded one of Ford's small-block V8s. The 4.2-litre prototype first ran in January 1962, with production - exclusively for the USA initially - commencing later that year. After 75 cars had been built, the 289cu in (4.7-litre) unit was standardised in 1963. Rack-and-pinion steering was the major MkII up-date; then in 1965 a new, stronger chassis was introduced, a move which enabled Ford's 427cu in (7-litre) V8 to be installed. Production ended in 1968 after 1,029 cars had been built, resuming in 1980 under the auspices of Brooklands-based Autokraft which had acquired the AC name. The MkIV Cobra employed the same chassis as the preceding MkIII and continued to use Ford V8 engines. Autokraft was granted exclusive use of the Cobra name in 1985, and production of the car continued into the 1990s. A unique Cobra MkIV personally ordered by its late owner - the one-time official Cobra importer for Italy - directly from the factory, this example is accompanied by correspondence between Carlo Talamo and Autokraft Managing Director Brian Angliss in which the latter states: "The car is constructed to the very latest specification and all possible options are already fitted. You will find the car a considerable improvement on your last car in build quality, design and performance." Left-hand drive MkIV Lightweight chassis number 'AK 1403' is powered by a factory-fitted, catalysed, 5.0-litre Ford V8 driving via a five-speed manual gearbox. The vehicle was delivered finished in Carlo Talamo's chosen livery of Ferrari giallo with black stripes and matching leather interior, black hood and matching tonneau. Its owner added the twin black stripes after taking delivery. Registered 'J122 DYE' in the UK to facilitate its export to Italy, the car cost £65,000 in April 1992. Its specification includes safety belts, roll bar, Halibrand-style wheels with wired spinners and yellow centres, Dunlop tyres, head restraints and twin exhausts. Presented in immaculate, 'as new' condition throughout having covered just 6,195 miles from new, it is offered with original tool kit, spare keys, sales invoice, owner's handbook and Italian registration documents. Local taxes will be liable if the car remains in Switzerland. Considérée à juste titre comme l'une des plus belles voitures de sport de tous les temps, la Cobra a réussi comme peu de ses contemporaines à conquérir le coeur des passionnés. Son renouveau en 1980, après une production interrompue 12 ans auparavant, a confirmé sa popularité persistante. Unique, cette Cobra MkIV, commandée directement de l'usine par Carlo Talamo – l'importateur officiel pour l'Italie – a été fabriquée dans le respect absolu de ses spécifications et dispose de toutes les options possibles. Conduite à gauche, châssis léger MkIV numéro «AK 1403», elle abrite un moteur 5,0 l V8 Ford catalysé d'usine et une boîte manuelle à 5 vitesses. Elle a été livrée avec peinture jaune Ferrari et intérieur en cuir noir, capote noire et bâche assortie. Son propriétaire a, par la suite, ajouté les doubles rayures noires. Immatriculée «J 22 DYE» au Royaume-Uni pour faciliter son importation en Italie, la voiture coûtait £65'000 en avril 1992. Ses spécifications comprenaient des ceintures de sécurité, des roues de type Halibrand, des pneus Dunlop, des appuie-têtes et un double pot d'échappement. Présentée «c