Its clearly documented that AC was near financial collapse when the "Texan" came along at just the right time. Whether they would have collapsed no one really knows but the case is a strong one they would have fallen into that 20% you have calculated. Perhaps one major reason for their survival was the Cobra and the fame it brought to the company. Sounds logical to me. They surely weren't a world renoun automotive mark prior to Shelby.
Question: Based on the fact that the original Cobras came in sans engine and trans and were finished by Shelby would they be considered kit cars today? Hmmmm. Very interesting. No????
Expertly yours.