AC Cobra MkIV, CRS and 212S/C (1983 - 2004)

In 1996, AC, based at Brooklands, developed the CRS Carbon Road Series with a somewhat disappointing 220HP 302 cubic inch pushrod V8 from the Ford Crown Victoria.

This was hugely improved by the AC ‘Superblower’ with the addition of a supercharger that put out 355HP and 522Nm torque.

But the finest version of all was the 212S/C fitted with the brilliant, much lighter, 3.5 litre twin-turbo 355HP/400Nm V8 from the Lotus Esprit V8. Power is fed through a 6-speed Tremac T56 manual gearbox to a BTR Hydratrack limited slip diff.

At the time, AC claimed that the 212 S/C was the world’s fastest accelerating production car (0-60 in 4 seconds).