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Carroll Shelby's AC Cobra: V8 Power Redefined in 1960s

4/6/2026

41 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Carroll Shelby persuaded Ford to develop a V8-powered version of the AC Ace in the early 1960s, yielding the AC Cobra 260.
The AC Cobra 260 used a 4.3-liter V8 delivering 260 hp.
Shelby later introduced the AC Cobra 289 with a 4.7-liter V8 delivering 271 hp.
It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reached 150 mph, though tests showed 130 mph in racing against Corvettes and Ferraris.

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Story summary

Carroll Shelby persuaded Ford to develop a V8-powered version of the AC Ace in the early 1960s, yielding the AC Cobra 260.
The AC Cobra 260 used a 4.3-liter V8 delivering 260 hp.
Shelby later introduced the AC Cobra 289 with a 4.7-liter V8 delivering 271 hp.
It accelerated to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and reached 150 mph, though tests showed 130 mph in racing against Corvettes and Ferraris.