Wilf makes an excellent point about the history of the AC/ACE from a British stand point. I think I'm beginning to understand it.
The AC has a nice history going for it. C.S. being so involved in the European market at the time certainly would have noticed it's accomplishments. As FATE would have it, when AC lost the engine supplier, Shelby's timing was perfect! Amazing that he was able to bring together all the elements that culminated in the end product, the Cobra.
To say that AC was going under could be to easily interpreted as saying, "AC was a looser." In fact, they were a winner fallen on hard times. It was a beautiful partnership, AC, Shelby and Ford!
As to Cobras after 1967? I can't agree with that. ONLY Shelby in my mind can make a "Cobra". Ford may own the name, but without Shelbys "blessing" it aint a Cobra! AC could make them, but they weren't "Cobras". The Kirkhams make an oustanding "REPLICA", but it takes Shelby to make it a "Cobra". Hey, thats just the way I see it (IMHFOAIYDLI, bite me)!
Ernie