AC Mk IV...the general consensus?

[PGC1877]

I am about to pull the trigger on a low mileage all original AC MK IV in a color I love. I am a former owner of a 1959 AC Ace-Bristol and an ERA "street" 427 so I am fairly familiar with both the marque and the type of car. What is the general feeling about these cars among Cobraphiles? They seemed to be getting pretty expensive as the original Shelby cars hit astronomical prices. Their alloy bodies and interiors certainly are beautifully made though the are a bit '80s underpowered. (I have a 2013 427R Corvette so if I need 2 1/2 times more power I can drive that..) Thanks for any thoughts...

[Mark IV]

The Mark IV is a great car, I have extensive experience with them. As long as you don't think it an "original 60's Cobra" you will love it.

[Mark IV]

What is the "AK" chassis number? I may have records.

[1985 CCX]

My $0.02

I love the cars, hope to have one some day.
Bonus is that they are actual production car in alloy
Power brakes
80's technology
Looks like a cobra
Power like 5.0 Mustang
Downers, they are not a concours car as of yet as they are considered by many organizations the start of the alloy continuations etc..
I tried once to buy one on the premise its a concours car, I was turned away at large event however I still regret the non-purchase.

As Rick said, as long as you don't believe its a 60's car you are good as they do differ a bit...

PULL THAT TRIGGER!

[PGC1877]

Thanks for the replies. The car would be just an occasional driver. I consider it a real AC made at Brooklands rather than Thames Ditton and a legitimate alloy factory built successor to the '60s car...similar but different but approved by Ford and AC... It certainly has as much right to attend the Cobra Family Reunion as a glass "Shelby" made in South Africa (Not that there's anything wrong with them, either). A bit of an "old man's Cobra" but then I'm an old man I visited the Autokraft factory in the late '80s while living in London. We drove down to Brooklands in my friend's '61 Ace-Bristol.

[Mark IV]

I have been to both the original Autokraft Brooklands "factory" and the later AC/Ford plant multiple times.

The MK IV was built to a very high standard and had high quality paint and finishing.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by PGC1877

I consider it a real AC made at Brooklands rather than Thames Ditton and a legitimate alloy factory built successor to the '60s car...similar but different but approved by Ford and AC... It certainly has as much right to attend the Cobra Family Reunion as a glass "Shelby" made in South Africa (Not that there's anything wrong with them, either).

"Cobra Family Reunion"? OK, this is where the thread goes off the rails.

Any "Cobra Family Reunion" (say like a SAAC convention), would likely invite any Cobra (fiberglass or alloy), including some boring beige ERA with two roll bars and a boat anchor 428 in it.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Any "Cobra Family Reunion" (say like a SAAC convention), would likely invite any Cobra (fiberglass or alloy), including some boring beige ERA with two roll bars and a boat anchor 428 in it.

Nah,

Kopec has pictures of that posted with "Do not admit" marked on them with all SAAC workers.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Any "Cobra Family Reunion" (say like a SAAC convention), would likely invite any Cobra (fiberglass or alloy), including some boring beige ERA with two roll bars and a boat anchor 428 in it.

I wouldn't take an AC Mk IV if you gave it to me.

[AC Ventura]

Three years ago I finally bought a Mk IV, after 22 years of looking, but never being in the right place at the right time. Mine is AK 1500 (1993) with the 302 efi. It’s a beautfully built car under the skin and by that I mean engineered. It’s also perfectly formed and handles and brakes well. It’s all 427 under there, barring the motor. I made sure I understood the market and buying it has been one of the highlights of my career. However, the downside for me has been the Fox Mustang 225 hp engine. Consequently, I researched to hell and back every option and finally decided to reengineer the car with an all alloy 427 FE. After 14 months it’s almost complete. Not everyone in the AC community shares my vision, but I know it will be fabulous and will in time become a family heirloom. However, I can also understand owners who are perfectly happy with the standard car. It’s economical, easy to own and everyone envies you on a warm sunny day. 15” wheels, anti roll bars and Avon’s transform the car. Good luck and ask online, or PM me of you need any advice. I know this car backwards and as a club member have access to all the Mk IV build records, so can intantly confirm the original spec of the car you are considering.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I wouldn't take an AC Mk IV if you gave it to me.

Well that statement certainly explains the choice of beige and the 428.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

Well that statement certainly explains the choice of beige and the 428.

I wouldn't take a Miata, Boxster, or Morris Marina either.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I wouldn't take a Miata, Boxster, or Morris Marina either.

And don't forget hydraulic lifters while you're forming your list of items you wouldn't take for free.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by RodKnock

And don't forget hydraulic lifters while you're forming your list of items you wouldn't take for free.

… yep, along with a pedicure.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by patrickt

… yep, along with a pedicure.

Well by default, you might as well add flip-flops and sandals to the list then.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by patrickt

I wouldn't take an AC Mk IV if you gave it to me.

Well, we are not giving you one so please accept a 1981 Chevy Citation as a consolation prize.

[CompClassics]

We just sold a highly original example to s buyer in Sweden.
Personally I thought it was a pretty neat car. The 5.0 in a Mustang was a pretty formidable car in its day, now imagine removing a couple hundred pounds and you have the MkIV!

[dacobb]

Did Kim Kardashian design the rear end of that thing?

[xb-60]

Ouch!
I wouldn't say no to a Mk IV

[PGC1877]

Well, for better or for worse, I pulled the trigger. Bought it from the collection of my dealer friend's longtime client. Getting picked up this week and shipped to my friend's shop in RI for check out. 1985 BRG/beige with 7K miles, last owner for 18 1/2 years. He bought it out of VA with 5K on it, I will be the third owner. Carb and single exhaust, said to be "on the button" and completely unmodified. We'll see...