1966 AC Cobra

1966 AC 289 Cobra Chassis No. COB6113 Engine No. 6D13R Matching Documented five owners 42,537 original miles No. COB6113 is one of only 17 right-hand drive AC 289 Cobra Sports produced in this configuration in 1966, and one of two believed to be finished in Pacific Green, a rare and original color. It is a 427 chassis with a larger diameter tubular frame, coil over suspension, rack and pinion steering, and a factory-installed 289 cubic inch (4.7-liter) Ford V8 engine. This Cobra represents a key point in the Cobras history, showcasing the continuation of the small-block Cobras production by AC Cars after Shelby American focused on the big-block 427 Cobra. Built in the autumn of 1966, No. COB6113 represents the final evolution of the legendary Cobra, hand-built in the UK following the end of Carroll Shelbys production. Fully documented ownership history with only 42,537 original miles, this exquisitely preserved example stands as a significant and highly collectible piece of Cobra history. Reported and believed to be the official AC factory display Cobra at the 1966 London Motor Show, held at Earls Court on October 18 to 19, 1966, and registered to AC Cars Ltd. on October 17, 1966, under number JGF 406D. No. COB6113 is understood to have been driven directly to the show, where it was exhibited in its original color combination of Pacific Green over Black leather. The Cobra was sold to the first owner, Mrs. Sheila Forsyth of Camberley, Surrey. The Forsyths retained the Cobra until May 1968, at which time it was consigned to AC dealer Scobies Garage in Bootham, York. The sales invoice described the car as: One AC 289 Sports car painted Pacific Green with Black trim, Hard Top, Chrome Wheels, Oil Cooler. Radio unfitted. Mr. Forsyths own property. On July 29, 1968, the Cobra was purchased by Julian Lyddon Gardner of London for 2,500. Gardner would own the Cobra for an impressive 13 years, during which the Cobra was routinely serviced by AC Cars Ltd., with thirty pages of original factory service documentation preserved from that time. On June 10, 1981, AC Cars carried out a Ministry of Transport inspection, noting 38,624 miles on the odometer. In July 1981, No. 6113 crossed the Atlantic Ocean and was sold to John Bassett of Palos Hills, Illinois, via marque specialist Rod Leach. In January 1984, it passed to a noted collector, Jerry Scheberies of Oakland, California, who is well-known for his Cobra and GT40 collection. During his tenure, the Cobra was used sparingly but routinely serviced by Jack Schroll of Mostly Mustangs, a respected shop in Oakland, California. A California smog inspection was performed on March 22, 1984, and the odometer was recorded at 40,470 miles. Scheberies retained the Cobra for nearly 40 years. On January 6, 2022, the Cobra was acquired by its current owner from Newport Beach, California, with 42,537 miles. As part of the transaction, the Cobra was accompanied by a significant suite of original and period-correct equipment: Five extra chrome wire wheels, spins, and spinners Set of side curtains Factory soft top with bows Factory hard top Tonneau cover The Cobra was restored by European Collectibles, where it underwent a no-expense-spared restoration. The aluminum body was stripped, photo documented, and refinished in the factory-correct Pacific Green paint. The tubular chassis and under panels were cleaned and recoated to original specifications. The interior was left untouched with the original black leather upholstery, Smiths gauges, AC pedal box, and factory wood-rimmed steering wheel. Exterior components such as glass, lenses, and trim were carefully reassembled using new seals, and the original brightwork was re-chromed. The matching 289 cu. in. V8 engine and gearbox were removed. The original carburetor and distributor were rebuilt, and a new distributor cap, rotor, plug wires, and spark plugs were installed. The radiator was flushed and pressure checked with all new hoses, clamps, and seals. At the same time, a new clutch, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, rear main seal, and front pulley seal were installed. The suspension was completely disassembled, media blasted, powder-coated, re-bushed with new wheel bearings, and reassembled. Fully rebuilt braking system includes new rotors, pads, rebuilt caliper, brake lines, and master cylinder. The fuel tank was removed, cleaned, repainted, and reinstalled with all new fuel lines. The engine was professionally tuned by a Southern California Cobra specialist. The wheels are 15-inch Halibrand Sunburst pin drive wheels with Avon radial tires, and the original chrome wire wheels are included. With only five documented owners from new, remarkable originality, No. COB6113 is an exceptional AC 289 Cobra that bridges the Shelby and AC legacies with grace. Offered with its matching engine and transmission, full ownership service history, original accessories, and recent restoration-all the hallmarks of a collector-grade Cobra.