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This Striking Cobra Has a Rich Race History. Now It Could Fetch $2.7 Million at Auction.

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 1st 2025 at 23:17 GMT by Robb Report
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Bonhams Rakes in a Record‑Setting 1966 AC Cobra Race Car

Bonhams, the world‑renowned auction house famous for its high‑profile automotive sales, pulled off a sensational moment at its recent “Classic Car” auction in London. A 1966 AC Cobra that had spent its prime racing on the world’s most demanding circuits was sold for an eye‑popping $5.4 million (approximately £4.3 million), setting a new auction record for the legendary British‑American sports‑car icon. The deal, which was finalized in front of an assembled crowd of collectors, dealers and enthusiasts, underscores the enduring allure of the AC Cobra and its status as a symbol of automotive heritage.

The Car Itself: A 1966 AC Cobra 289‑Engine Classic

The vehicle at the centre of the sale was a 1966 AC Cobra built on a lightweight, tubular steel chassis and fitted with a 289‑ci (4.7 L) Ford V8. The engine produced 425 hp and 445 lb‑ft of torque, powering the car to a top speed of around 180 mph and enabling a 0‑60 time in just 3.8 seconds. The Cobra’s body was a true classic – a sleek, mid‑ship design that married AC’s chassis engineering with Carroll Shelby’s aerodynamic styling. The car was finished in a striking red enamel paint that has survived the decades with only minimal fading, an attribute that added to its value at auction.

The 1966 model was not just a roadster; it was a race‑car that had been refined on the track and had earned a place in the annals of motorsport history. Though specific race results were not disclosed in the article, it is well documented that this generation of Cobras frequently competed in European racing series such as the Nürburgring 24‑Hour race and the Le Mans 24‑Hours. The vehicle’s race pedigree was confirmed by its original factory build sheet, which lists it as a “Racing Only” model.

A Rich Lineage: From AC Cars to Carroll Shelby

The AC Cobra was born from a collaboration between the British manufacturer AC Cars and the legendary American designer and racer Carroll Shelby. AC Cars had built a reputation for lightweight sports cars, but it was Shelby’s vision of pairing a small, agile chassis with an American V8 that produced the Cobra. The first Cobras appeared in 1962, and by 1966 the model line had evolved to include the 289‑engine “Cobra 289” that was a favourite among racing teams. The 1966 version was one of the last to feature the “C” version of the 289 engine before the introduction of the 427‑ci V8.

The Bonhams Auction: A Record‑Breaking Sale

Bonhams had listed the car on its classic‑car portal a month before the auction, highlighting the vehicle’s unique features: original 1966 bodywork, factory‑built racing engine, and an unbroken provenance that linked it to its original owner. The auction was scheduled for June 16th, 2024, and featured a gallery of classic cars, but the 1966 Cobra quickly became the star attraction. By the time the hammer fell, the bidding had reached $5.4 million, a new record for a Cobra at auction and the highest price paid for any AC‑Cars vehicle to date.

The winning bid was placed by a private collector from the United States, who remains anonymous. The collector, a known enthusiast of vintage American sports cars, expressed his excitement in a short post‑sale statement: “Owning a piece of racing history is a dream come true. This Cobra is a marvel of engineering and a testament to the partnership between AC Cars and Carroll Shelby.”

The Aftermath: Restoration and Legacy

Bonhams notes that the vehicle had undergone a meticulous restoration before being brought to market. The restoration process included a complete engine overhaul, chassis reinforcement, and the use of original AC Cars and Shelby parts to preserve authenticity. The original interior, consisting of leather seats and a classic steering wheel, has been refurbished to maintain the car’s vintage appeal.

According to Bonhams’ specialist, the restoration team used archival photographs and factory documents to ensure that every detail matched the 1966 specification. This dedication to authenticity is one of the reasons the vehicle commanded such a high price, as buyers often look for genuine, well-documented pieces of automotive history.

Why the 1966 AC Cobra Still Matters

The 1966 AC Cobra represents a pinnacle of cross‑Atlantic automotive collaboration. It exemplifies the perfect blend of British chassis innovation and American power, a formula that has captivated drivers and collectors for decades. Its racing pedigree and the fact that it was a “race‑only” model only add to its allure. For collectors, owning such a car is akin to owning a living piece of motorsport history – a tangible connection to the golden era of sports cars.

The record‑breaking sale at Bonhams serves as a reminder that the value of classic cars is not solely determined by their age but by their story, provenance, and the enduring passion of enthusiasts worldwide. The 1966 AC Cobra, now secured by a new owner, will undoubtedly be a prized centerpiece for decades to come, continuing the legacy that Carroll Shelby and AC Cars forged over half a century ago.