AC Cobra-type vehicle VIN asserted COB5998

[rstainer]

A California dealer offers for sale a vehicle described as a 1964 (sometimes 1965) 'Ford 289 Shelby Cobra s/n COB5998'. This vehicle has an AC rather than Shelby American VIN and is categorised by the AC Owners' Club as a Replica completed in 1995.

Please email me for the ACOC's public-domain findings if you would like further information.

Robin Stainer
ACOC Cobra Registrar

[TJinSA]

Found this description from an online brokerage site:

"... This particular car has completely unique and fascinating history. ..., this Cobra chassis was originally constructed by AC Cars, intended for use as a "show chassis." The chassis would showcase the unique tubular frame construction, reveal the 289 engine, ... Period photos confirm the right hand drive, leaf spring chassis ... ...

In mid-1965, ... chassis to Tex Collins of Cal Automotive where it could be bodied as a T-Bucket Roadster. ... left the finished car with Collins at Cal Automotive. ...

In the mid 1970s, ... street registered ... In the 1980s, Bandy sold the car to Geoff Shanklin ... commissioned the fabrication of an aluminum Cobra ... to 289 competition Cobra specs, ... in 1995 while retaining many of the mechanical components when it was first delivered to Shelby.

... including the suspension, a complete front end assembly for 289 Cobra, rotors and Girling caliper brakes, and numerous other rare original parts. ... raced off and on in the 1990s and sold to two next owners, and then restored again to the condition shown today and assigned the chassis number COB5998, the correct three-letter prefix for a right hand drive Cobra.

... The car was completed in time to accept the invitation and participate in the 50th Cobra Reunion held in Monterey, CA in 2013."

[rstainer]

Tom,

The brokerage site's facts are broadly correct. The ACOC Register, on the internet for Club members, reports this replica cobra as completed in 1995 and "Built by Kimmins Custom Fabrication, Cal, reportedly incorporating some original parts. LHD. FIA-style body. (Not an AC VIN) ".

AC never assigned Identification Number COB5998 to a vehicle or part-vehicle and the current vehicle's dash-plate asserts 'Manufactured by Shelby American Inc', not AC. The 'COB5998' Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) was 'assigned' thirty years later, but not by AC or Shelby American.

RS