2000 | AC Cobra 212 S/C

At the turn of the Millenium, the AC Car Group introduced the AC Cobra 212 S/C. A thrilling blend of classic style and modern performance.

Hilton & Moss are pleased to present this lightweight sportscar that combines the effortless styling of a true automotive icon in the AC Cobra with the innovation of British engineering by way of the Lotus 3.5 litre powerplant. Mixed together, with the addition of modern engineering methods and materials, the result is impossible to ignore.

The Cobra 212 S/C (Semi/Competition) is a truly unique car, with just two examples ever being built. This particular car is the first of the two, and featured prominently at the 2000 British International Motor Show, where it was displayed by AC Cars, as seen in the below video hosted by a then up and coming Richard Hammond. Serving as press car it featured in Octane, Car, Evo and Top Gear at the hands of Damon Hill and Mark Blundell, as well as Jeremy Clarkson's in his 'Top 100 Cars' where it came 49th overall. The car also features in the book 'Cobra. The First 40 Years' written by Trevor Legates. It was also the pace car for the first ever NASCAR race at Rockingham in 2001.

Impressively, the body of this Cobra was built as a one-piece carbon-fibre moulding - the first of its kind at the time - providing not only the strength of carbon fibre, but also the lightweight characteristics meaning the car weighs just 900kg overall. The carbon-fibre weave can be seen under the paintwork. A bespoke carbon-fibre hardtop was made for the car in 2010 by its then owner, who wanted to drive the car to Le Mans whilst having a degree of protection from the elements. Additional door-mounted side windows are also presented with the car and can be fitted or removed with ease. Behind the cockpit, two roll hoops sit prominently, mimicking the style of the Cobras that came before. The 15-inch Halibrand wheels, finished in gloss black and fitted with Avon tyres, compliment the red bodywork perfectly.

The interior of the Cobra remains largely unchanged from its original specification. The black Alcantara bucket seats provide support to the occupants, with a red suede Momo steering wheel creating a focal point against the black Alcantara dashboard which houses the dials necessary to monitor the cars parameters, as well as the heating controls and a single DIN radio. The door cards are also finished in black Alcantara, with a deep black carpet completing the interior. A weather kit also comes with the car allowing the cockpit to be covered when the hardtop is not fitted, as well as the cars original red suede steering wheel.

At the heart of the car, you'll find the 3.5-litre Lotus Esprit twin-turbo V8. Producing 350hp (Giving a power to weight ratio of 390bhp per ton) the car accelerates from 0-60mph in 4 seconds, 100mph in 9 seconds and on to a top speed of 155mph. The power is supplied by a pair of Garrett T25 turbochargers and is driven to the rear wheels through a Tremec T56 six-speed gearbox, AP Racing clutch and a BTR Hydratrack limited-slip differential with a 3.73:1 final drive. The car also features power assisted steering. The '212' name is derived from the engines 212 cubic inch capacity, continuing the trend of naming Cobra's after their engine capacities.

Having covered just 24,000 miles, the car has a comprehensive history file, documenting its ownership and extensive service history over the years.

An instantly recognisable classic, this Cobra 212 presents a rare opportunity to own a genuine piece of Cobra history. With a well-documented, notable history and ground-breaking engineering, this car is sure to turn heads and win over hearts wherever it goes.

Fully inspected and prepared by the expert Hilton & Moss team, the car is available now for immediate demonstration and viewing at our Hertfordshire showrooms. We welcome part-exchange and can also offer competitive finance.