It might be a kit car and replica favourite, but you can’t beat a genuine AC Cobra – in presence or pace. A glorious shape with enough power to make you quiver in fear, you would be deceitful to yourself should you claim to never have dreamed of one.
A perfect amalgam of power, speed and splendour, the Cobra MKIII 289 is the perfect car to own for thrills and satisfaction.
The MKIII Cobra was produced between 1965 and 1968, and although never raced by the Shelby team (and omitted from homologation in the 1965-racing season), the cars were raced successfully by many privateers and went on to win races deep into the 1970s. It’s bred with extreme heritage and the mere glimpse of one today will spread a smirk from ear-to-ear.
There is no argument when it comes down to a Cobra 289 – beautiful to look at with an accompanying soundtrack any composer would be proud of; its sheer presence sends lesser cars diving for cover.
However, it’s an absolute thug of a motor for unwary drivers. Many will have been sideways, whether they wanted to or not. Weighing less than a tonne and blending 271bhp with 269 lb ft of torque, this V8 will take you from 0-60mph in 5.5 seconds and all the way to 130mph.
As if that wasn’t lairy enough, the succeeding Cobra 427 underwent open heart surgery and returned with a 7-litre unit producing 410bhp and a top speed of 170mph, knocking a full second off the 0-60mph sprint.
As you will no doubt be able to gather, the 427 is totally berserk. A Cobra of any form isn’t exactly an everyday car, but the 427 is the most unreasonable of the lot. Many owners will have been fired backwards through the pearly gates, whether intentional or not.
Therefore, the 289 is our choice. An ideal amalgam of power, speed and splendour, the Cobra MKIII 289 is the perfect car to own for thrills and satisfaction.
With any car of this stature, you’ll need deep pockets to keep one in tip-top condition. The fuel tank is 15 gallons and you will burn through that at a rate of 15mpg if you tread carefully. Whip the bajesus out of one and not only will you average single figures, you’ll also need new rear tyres. And perhaps a neckbrace.
But if you are looking for fuel economy you shouldn’t be looking at a Cobra in the first place. If you are looking for speed, poise and beauty then you are viewing the right car. If you are looking for fun, charm and utter awesomeness, then you need look no further.
If all this talk of Cobra-ness hasn’t swung your mind, simply take a look at this one. Its gorgeous – and could be yours.
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