AC Owners Club Forum

AC Owners Club Forum => Mk IV, Superblower, CRS and other Continuation Cars Forum => Topic started by: Brian on November 08, 2010, 14:39:01

Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 08, 2010, 14:39:01: Hello everyone,
   I am trying to gather a little more information on the cars built in 1995. I have AKL1397 that will be going up for sale soon. It is reported as 1 of 5 built for a group of Ford Motor Company Executives. I have read up on the history of AC Cars but wondered if there was anyone that could provide a little insight into what sounds like some of the last cars produced.

   Thank you for your time and any information you can provide.

   I will post some pictures as soon as I figure out how too....

   Brian
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: SB7019 on November 08, 2010, 20:45:32: Have you checked on the Mk!V register? This is freely available online to members and can be accessed via the Members Area on he home page. Looks like your vehicle was supplied as a rolling chassis so it is possible that it went to an FMC executive. A number of them had Mk!Vs and as they also had good access to the Detroit based engine builders (Roush in particular)they were able to put together some pretty hot combinations. I can remember having dinner in Detroit with one of them in 1995 and discussing the fact that he had dropped a 500hp motor into his. However I also believe that most of them bought their cars during the period of Ford ownership, which ceased in 1992. Do you know where your vehicle was first titled as the Ford guys were invariably based in Michigan?
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 09, 2010, 02:38:19: I should clarify "I Have" as it is in my possession but not my car. The car is owned by Peter Pestillo. He is a friend of the family and I was able to get some more information from him. apparently these were ordered by Neil Ressler (who got one along with Bill Ford and 2 others). The car was sent to Roush Racing for the powertrain and final assembly. It has a FI 351 Cleveland tuned to 400 HP.
   I am really trying to gather information on other Cobras to compare this one too. Peter was able to find 2 receipts (1 from AC Cars Ltd and 1 from Roush). Were most of the AC Cobras put out as rolling chassis' or did AC Cars turn out mostly complete units? Does it make a difference (in the eyes of the MKIV community) in value or originality if Roush installed the power train and final assembly compared to a complete car by AC?

   thanks again and I will look into the MKIV registry now that I can access the members page.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 09, 2010, 02:55:15: For some reason I cannot access the members area of the home page. Does the registry show how many cobras were built in 1995 and what the chassis numbers were?
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 09, 2010, 11:28:29: Brian, Try club Cobra and ask...they have most all AK's listed as well. Jim
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Mark IV on November 09, 2010, 12:27:56: The cars for the Ford execs like Peter's were shipped as "rolling chassis" as they got higher power, non-certified engines. I thought Peters car was earlier, around 1986 although since this is an AKL it might be his second car. I remember Brian Angliss telling me about all the Ford execs who blew some of the bonus money of the mid 80's glory days with him. Peter was the union negotiator/HR guy who was a star in the 80's.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 09, 2010, 13:09:15: Thanks guys. The car looks mint. I have not found any issues looking it over and it was driven to my house. It has 659 miles on it. The 2 receipts that I do have total more than $100K ($62 for the rolling chassis and $43 from Roush).

Now for opinions....Do you think this car (I know I need to get pictures posted so you can see the condition) would bring $100K today?
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 11, 2010, 02:05:23: Can't figure out how to post pictures, but I have a couple on club cobra. Question I posted over there...Did all of the steering wheels leave AC with a signature? If yes, then who's was it?

   Thanks,
   Brian
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 11, 2010, 02:42:38: Brian, No signatures from Brian Anglis group that I've ever seen
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: MkIV Lux on November 11, 2010, 09:37:41: quote:
Originally posted by Brian

Can't figure out how to post pictures, but I have a couple on club cobra. Question I posted over there...Did all of the steering wheels leave AC with a signature? If yes, then who's was it?

   Thanks,
   Brian



   here it is, Brian

   http://www.clubcobra.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=107615

   The signature on the wheel is E.Nardi (Enrico Nardi) steering wheel manufacturer of Torino(Italy).

   Nice car indeed, as one can see from the pics. Dashboard and steering wheel indicate mid nineties design.

   The long exhaust pipes are identical to the ones on my MkIV (AKL 1417 produced July 1993).

   This brand-new car, manufactured in May 1995 as a rolling chassis, should easily fetch over 100 k$

   Another 3 rolling chassis were produced in May 1995. But they were normal AK ... cars, not Lightweight chassis.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 11, 2010, 14:09:11: MkIV Lux, Thanks for the assistance and information!

I am waiting for a sunny day here in the Michigan fall to get it out and take some pictures. Any recommendations (I will post in Club Cobra)on where to advertise? Hemmings, Dupont Registry..
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 12, 2010, 13:22:00: Nardi...of couse...i thought we had a C.S. signature
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 13, 2010, 19:21:47: Well, I finally was able to get pictures of the Cobra outside. Here is a link to the add at Club Cobra -

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3338&cat=2
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: ak1234 on November 13, 2010, 20:36:40: " It has a FI 351 Cleveland " ... this cant be correct for obvious reasons. They didnt make a 351c in 95, 351C is a poor choice for a motor, dont think ROUSCH would choose a C motor.

Ron
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 14, 2010, 01:36:34: Ok, so Peters memory was not correct or bad information somewhere down the line. I just took closer look at the engine...5 bolts on the valve covers = Windsor right?

   I edited the ad. I have a friend that might be able to put me in contact with the Roush guys who were working during the time of the build. I will see if I can get any more details. All I have now is a Roush invoice with 3 pages of parts (no engine identified) and labor for Development engineer, Development technician, Machinist, Engine build-up tech and Vehicel painter.

   Guess that's why I am on here ensuring what I have is good ;-)
   Brian
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: linklaw on November 14, 2010, 03:59:06: There should be a Roush engine number on the bell housing. Look to the rear of the intake manifold for a number like "40X000X". According to the guys at Roush, the first number gives the bore diameter, in the example above, it would be 4.0 inches. The second two numbers are the thousandths over that the engine is bored and the last numbers are the engine serial number. My engine was installed by Roush and I recently blew a head gasket. I got the above info from Roush while trying to identify my engine.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: MkIV Lux on November 14, 2010, 10:57:28: quote:
Originally posted by Brian

Well, I finally was able to get pictures of the Cobra outside. Here is a link to the add at Club Cobra -

   ..



   Brian, is the suspension fitted with sway bars front and rear?
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 14, 2010, 19:10:09: Linklaw - I did a quick look over but cannot find a stamp at the top near the rear of the intake manifold. I will take some more time to thoroughly look it over. Anywhere else to look for a stamp on the engine block? I don't see any metal tags either for identification. but again will keep looking

   MkIV Lux - Sway bar in the front, looks like traction control bars in the rear. The Cobra is so low to the ground that I cannot get any of my jacks underneath it (not even the motorcycle lift).

   I have more pictures but cannot figure out how to post here. Any assistance or is it easier to post on club cobra and link it (I did figure that one out).?

   Thanks again for the feedback.
   Brian
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 14, 2010, 20:55:22: traction bars on IRS..???
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: nikbj68 on November 14, 2010, 21:19:16: Hi Brian, That`s one beautiful MkIV, and if I had $125k to spare, it wouldn`t be for sale any more!
   I can`t imagine having a car like that and only putting 659 miles on it in 15 years... that`s an average of 44 miles PER YEAR!!!
   One point though... with so little use, it may need an amount of 're-commisioning', new tyres, bushes etc, no matter how well it has been stored. There have been a few owners who report tyres 'going off'!
   I did a posting photos tutorial post HERE (http://"http://www.acownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=145"), 5th post down, but for now, here are some of yours:

   (http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds/data/2/large/IMG_2099.JPG)

   (http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds/data/2/large/IMG_2104.JPG)

   (http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds/data/2/large/IMG_2116.JPG)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: MkIV Lux on November 14, 2010, 21:45:03: quote:
Originally posted by Brian
   ......
   MkIV Lux - Sway bar in the front, looks like traction control bars in the rear.

   ....
   Brian




   No traction control bars on the MkIV, are better described as tranction & transverse control bars, I guess. What you see from the side is ~~then probably~~ possibly the rear sway bar fixed underneath the chassis rails and leading under the lower wishbone. The end of the sway bar is generally the lowest element you can see underneath the car's rear end (except for the wheels of course [;)]). As one can see from your pics, no sway bar at the back-end.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 15, 2010, 01:02:03: (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2132.jpg)
   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2133.jpg)

   Testing photobucket images of rear suspension "looks like traction control bars"
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 15, 2010, 01:14:20: Woohoo! Success.
   Thanks nikbj68! I assume the certain amount of "re-commissioning" would be negotiated in the final price of the car.

   Time for a good cleaning under there, better figure out how to get this thing off the ground. Are there specific areas that you can place a jack on these chassis'? Last thing I want to do is dent something. I will get the wheels off and take more photos.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 15, 2010, 01:20:16: Front swaybar..
   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2148.jpg)
   Coilover..
   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2147.jpg)

   I think i'm getting the hang of this[:)]
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 15, 2010, 01:28:25: Engine..

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2059.jpg)

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2138.jpg)

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2140.jpg)

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/AC%20Cobra/IMG_2144.jpg)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Alan Faulkner-Stevens on November 15, 2010, 08:27:49: Hello Brian, Thank you for posting details and pictures of #1397. Using this information I have updated my copy of the MkIV Registry information. I will be passing this forward to the Club to again update the on-line version, with other new information I have learned since the last posting. Would it be possible for you to directly send me copies of the photographs for storage in the hard copy files? many thanks
Alan Faulkner-Stevens [MkIV Registrar]
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: TLegate on November 15, 2010, 11:35:53: I agree regarding recommissioning. I recently talked a friend into buying a 1965 E-type with a genuine 18,000 miles from new, not been turned over for 35 years. It was a 5-figure sum to rebuild the engine, acid-dipping etc to flush out the cr*p. Mind you he really does have a time-warp car now (pity its just an E-type though :-)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: linklaw on November 15, 2010, 18:09:58: Here is a photo of my Roush engine number. I misspoke before when I said the number is on the bellhousing. It is on the top of the block between the bellhousing and the rear of the intake manifold. John
(http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w230/jmlink/IMG00036-20101115-0816.jpg)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 16, 2010, 16:55:59: Alan, yes I can email you photos.

   TLegate, I can understand the tire replacement, bushings and other rubber components that typically breakdown over time, but I wouldn't think a 5 figure engine tear down would be required for a 95'. Any items specific to these Cobras that need replaced at interval or typical car maintenance?

   Linklaw, Thanks. I will give it another inspection.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: TLegate on November 16, 2010, 21:06:17: Brian: Not suggesting that your car requires a full rebuild. I'd certainly hope not! That was just an example of what happens in the world of old motors when a car is left undriven for 35 years. But it still performed well and now performs even better
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: nikbj68 on November 17, 2010, 00:18:22: Nice work with the piccies, Brian, and I have to say, the rubbers on the balljoints & linkages look really fresh, in fact the whole car looks like it just rolled out of the finishing shop! I somehow doubt you will be it`s custodian for long.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 17, 2010, 04:15:01: Ok, so this I can understand...

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/IMG_2168.jpg)

   But this, who would take this car out in inclimate weather?

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/IMG_2155.jpg)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on November 17, 2010, 04:17:51: Linklaw -
   this is all I can find at this point. I had to downsize the photo for the site but it reads: FV8351914895. At this point I do not see any other numbers on the block. Maybe Roush didn't do that in 95'?

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/IMG_2175.jpg)

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/IMG_2178.jpg)
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: nikbj68 on November 17, 2010, 11:30:47: quote:
Originally posted by Brian...who would take this car out in inclimate weather?

   (http://i1230.photobucket.com/albums/ee497/all4snow/IMG_2155.jpg)

   Obviously NOBODY, seeing as they hardly took it out in the dry, either!!! [:D]
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: TLegate on November 19, 2010, 18:06:24: Ship it to me - I'll put some stone chips on it!
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: nikbj68 on November 19, 2010, 18:57:03: HEY!!! I saw it first!
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 19, 2010, 20:17:33: See it on EBAY @ $125,000 US
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 19, 2010, 20:19:22: Beg forgiveness see it on Club Cobra @ $125,000USD
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: nikbj68 on November 19, 2010, 22:53:30: I`m only about $124,500 short of the asking price... go on, you can have it. :(
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: jbottini on November 20, 2010, 17:35:55: don't need bookends!
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on March 22, 2011, 00:48:17: price drop - just in time for spring!

http://www.clubcobra.com/classifieds/showproduct.php?product=3338
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: Brian on July 14, 2011, 19:14:26: Sold.
Title: AC Cobras built in 1995
Post by: SB7015 on July 17, 2011, 18:19:56: Did you achieve your 105,000 USD price tag?