AC Cobra 302 MKIV - SVO Lightweight Engine Conversion

1987 AC Cobra 302 Mk IV – Chassis No. AK1220

This exceptional original AC Cobra 302 Mk IV was hand-built at Autokraft/AC Cars Brooklands factory, where each car required approximately 900 hours of skilled craftsmanship. Its hand-formed aluminium body, traditional Cobra silhouette and extensively developed chassis combined authentic character with improved comfort, handling and usability.

Originally supplied by Rod Leach’s Nostalgia, the sole authorised UK Autokraft dealer, AK1220 was ordered in November 1987 and finished in Jaguar Westminster Blue with Burgundy Connolly leather and matching Wilton carpets. Its distinctive specification includes a bespoke steering wheel boss believed to be one of only two produced for clients together with a factory fitted Nardi Mota-Lita Italian wood rimmed steering wheel and gear knob, factory stainless steel sports exhaus system, 16-inch black Halibrand-style alloy wheels, glass wind wings, chrome stone guards and full wet-weather equipment.

The Ford Mustang 5.0-litre V8 was specially ordered with Holley carburettors and a decat exhaust system, increasing output to approximately 245 bhp some 20bhp over the standard fuel-injected specification. This £1,200 factory option made the car both rarer and more spirited.

In April 1990, AK1220 returned to the Autokraft factory for the highly desirable Stage 3 SVO Lightweight engine conversion, believed to have been completed on only 20 right-hand-drive examples. The upgrade included alloy cylinder heads, roller camshafts, larger valves, a Holley carburettor and big-bore free-flow exhaust, raising output to approximately 345 bhp. The original factory invoice remains within the car’s comprehensive history file.

Known to TOP 555 since 2014 and joining our private collection for a 2 year period AK1220 has subsequently passed between discerning collectors and has covered only limited mileage. Throughout this period, it has been maintained without compromise by respected AC Cobra specialists, including Thunder Road and Redline Engineering Ltd.

Today, AK1220 remains an outstanding, matching-numbers and unmodified example, retaining its factory SVO conversion and presenting in superb condition throughout.

Its extensive history file includes, Original owner’s handbook, Comprehensive leather folder with service records and MOT certificates, Original AC sales brochure, Factory documentation and SVO Stage 3 Engine conversion invoice, Factory jack and spare wheel, Two keys, indoor cover and wet weather equipment.

With exceptional provenance, rare factory specification and remarkable originality, AK1220 is unquestionably among the very finest AC Cobra Mk IV examples available today.

Prepared for sale with a comprehensive service and the fitment of a new clutch.

Please contact our sales team to discuss the history and availability of this exceptional motor car.