Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, AC Cars, has unveiled the production version of its latest halo model, the AC Cobra GT Coupe, a dramatic fixed-roof evolution that signals both a technical and strategic leap for the marque as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Unmistakably rooted in the Cobra lineage yet pushed into a new design era, the GT Coupe introduces a more focused and aggressive interpretation of AC’s modern grand tourer philosophy. It sits lower, tighter, and more sculpted than its Roadster counterpart, with a fixed roofline that transforms the silhouette into something more architectural than automotive. The double-bubble roof and curving rear surfaces are not just aesthetic flourishes but functional aerodynamic solutions, refining airflow while preserving headroom and enhancing stability at speed.
The design draws clear inspiration from the AC A98 Le Mans racer of the 1960s, reinterpreting its Kammtail philosophy through a contemporary carbon fibre body. Rather than relying on extended overhangs or exaggerated aero appendages, the Coupe uses form efficiency to manage drag, allowing its proportions to remain clean while still delivering high-speed composure.
Beneath the surface, the car is built around an extruded aluminium spaceframe chassis that forms the backbone of the GT platform. Extensive use of carbon fibre bodywork keeps weight down to under 1600kg, while the near 50:50 weight distribution and low centre of gravity are engineered to give the car a responsive, fluid character. Roughly 75% of its engineering is shared with the GT Roadster, but refinements developed through testing have sharpened its dynamics and broadened its capability envelope.
Power is delivered by a 5.0-litre V8 offered in both naturally aspirated and supercharged configurations. In its most extreme form, the engine produces up to 730 PS and 820Nm of torque, propelling the Coupe to 60mph in under 3.5 seconds. The experience is further shaped by the choice of transmissions, with either a six-speed manual for traditional engagement or a 10-speed automatic with paddle shifters for rapid, modern precision.
Despite its performance credentials, the GT Coupe is not a stripped-back track machine. It remains firmly a grand tourer, designed to cover distance with comfort and composure. The cabin reflects this duality, blending hand-finished leather, bespoke detailing, and heritage-inspired switchgear with modern infotainment and digital driver displays. Even at its most technologically advanced, the interior retains a sense of craftsmanship that aligns with AC’s hand-built ethos.
Chief Executive Officer David Conza described the model as a defining moment for the company, highlighting its role in transitioning AC from a small-volume manufacturer producing around 100 cars per year to a global performance brand capable of scaling up to 1000 vehicles annually across its range, while maintaining exclusivity and bespoke craftsmanship.
Pricing starts at approximately £234,300 plus taxes for the naturally aspirated variant, rising to £256,300 plus taxes for the supercharged model. Each example will be individually commissioned, and production is strictly limited, with first deliveries expected in 2028 following completion of GT Roadster allocations.
Now open for reservations via ac.cars, the AC Cobra GT Coupe represents both a continuation and a reinvention of one of Britain’s most iconic performance nameplates. It is a machine that bridges decades of motorsport heritage with contemporary engineering ambition, carrying the Cobra legacy forward into a more global and more fiercely competitive era.
