The story of the AC (Auto Carriers Ltd.) auto firm’s founding is a tale of innovation and evolution in the world of automobiles that dates back to the early 20th century. AC, a British automobile manufacturer, is best known for producing the legendary AC Cobra, a high-performance sports car.

The history of AC can be traced back to 1901 when John Weller, an engineer, and John Portwine, a finance expert, joined forces to create Auto Carriers Ltd. The company’s original focus was not on building complete automobiles but rather on manufacturing three-wheeled delivery vehicles known as autocars. These autocars were essentially small, motorized tricycles designed for carrying goods and were powered by small single-cylinder engines.

In 1903, the company introduced its first four-wheeled vehicle, the AC Sociable. This vehicle was a significant step forward, featuring a small, air-cooled engine mounted at the front. The Sociable was a two-passenger, three-wheeled car that gained some popularity during the early years of motoring.

The breakthrough for AC came in 1919 when they unveiled the AC 16/40. This was a four-wheeled car with a six-cylinder engine, a departure from their earlier three-wheeled designs. The 16/40 was well-received and marked AC’s transition into producing more conventional automobiles.

In the 1920s and 1930s, AC continued to produce a range of cars, including sports models like the AC Ace, which was introduced in 1922. These cars were known for their quality and performance, establishing AC as a respected name in the British automotive industry.

However, the most famous and enduring chapter in AC’s history began in the 1960s when Carroll Shelby, an American racing driver and entrepreneur, approached AC with an ambitious idea. Shelby envisioned installing a powerful American V8 engine into the lightweight AC Ace chassis, creating a formidable sports car for racing. AC agreed to the partnership, and the result was the iconic AC Cobra, also known as the Shelby Cobra.

The AC Cobra made its debut in 1962, featuring a Ford V8 engine. It quickly gained a reputation for its incredible speed and performance, both on and off the racetrack. The Cobra dominated various racing competitions and became an instant legend in the world of sports cars.

Over the years, different versions of the Cobra were produced, each more powerful than the last. The combination of British craftsmanship and American muscle made the AC Cobra an enduring symbol of high-performance automotive engineering.

Despite financial challenges and changes in ownership over the years, AC has continued to produce vehicles and has maintained its association with the AC Cobra, with various versions of the car still in production by different companies.

The founding of AC Auto Carriers Ltd. represents a journey from the early days of three-wheeled delivery vehicles to the creation of one of the most iconic sports cars in automotive history. The AC Cobra’s legacy endures, and the brand remains synonymous with high-performance sports cars that combine British craftsmanship and American muscle to deliver exhilarating driving experiences.