AC Cobra 289, what's it worth???

[289ACE]

The door hinges are correct for the Ace and the hood/trunk hinges are also correct for Aces. Cobras changed the hood/trunk hinges and went to a tubular version. Sorry he will not divulge the chassis #, but as Ron said, if it was originally a Bristol powered car it should have a BEX prefix, if AC powered, it would be AEX. The numerical part of the chassis number will visible on the trunk/hood/door hinges and if it is a 1960 model the numbers will be 4 digits around 1100.
Jay

[Woodz428]

Although he won't divulge the serial # he shouldn't have an issue with just the prefix. I'm not an expert on pricing of this stuff, but would guess that after it is finished it wouldn't draw as much as a well equipped replica from several companies. I also agree that it would take ,probably, more than what you could get, to do it up. The labor would kill you...especially if you had thoughts of farming it out. Maybe Jay Leno is looking for a new toy. He could afford it and not care what it costs. If he's interested, I'll take in on

[1985 CCX]

The car would have more value as a Bristol as it is now just a hot rodded AC. This car would take heavy five figures to revive I am sure. I remember an Ace, four to five years back, with a similar conversion. If my memory serves me correct it sold for mid 40's as a decent running car. I have a picture of it at home in the garage. It was red w/o wheel flares just a narrow hip look to it and it also retained the AC flat windscreen.

Keep in mind to handle the 289 CS had to beef up the suspension etc. Many hours of Ken Miles yeilded what we know as a Cobra. If Shelby stuck with the AC there would have been many more DNF's as they fell apart.

A slabside KMS would probably save a few bucks and acheive a better performing car. At least one that would be safe on our NE roadways.

This car would make a great share after our next NE Breakfast 8-09-08 held in Nashua. Why not let the owner know about the gathering at Denny's off exit#6.

[yel911]

Thanks for the replies. FYI, I took this upon myself to post this car and the "value" question. The owner had nothing to do with it, he's just a car guy like everybody else, reguardless of what you drive. One more thing.... when I saw the car sitting there, I had to share it with people that live and breath it. What better people to show it to. Jeff, we'll hook up and you can take a look for yourself.

[Trevor Legate]

It should prove a worthwhile restoration project for some hardy soul. A good Ace-Bristol sold for £106,000 including buyers premium at the Bohams sale at Goodwood last Friday (call it $200,000 - www.bonhams.co.uk click on the 'sales catalogue' link under the £2.2 million Jaguar D-type feature (yep, UK pounds) and go to Lot 518.

[PANAVIA]

Before everyone gets autction fever, remember the cars that do best are documented and photographed throughout the ages as preserved and then maybe restored. lost cars rarely meet expectations due to the unknowns.

no matter how you restore this car, it will not bring the money that a well documented ace would. the history would come out :this was hacked once...etc. and slow buyers down.

if someone was talented this could be a good project.

I hope it goes back to the UK and gets put back to Ace Spec.

--Bonhams is my favorite auction outfit, they are selective on what they offer and can provide examples you cant get anywhere else on some things.

[silverback]

It Is or looks to be an a/c bristol based on the photos I have see and comparing It to my own a/c bristol export. The interior shots showing the foot boxes and frame as well as the hood and deck lid brackets are all a/c bristol, based on the year the # should be in the 400's