Vehicle Description
1966 AC 289 Cobra
• Chassis No. COB6113
• Engine No. 6D13R - Matching
• Documented five owners
• 42,537 original miles
No. COB6113 is one of only 17 right-hand drive AC 289 Cobra Sports
produced in this configuration in 1966, and one of two believed to
be finished in Pacific Green, a rare and original color. It is a
427 chassis with a larger diameter tubular frame, coil over
suspension, rack and pinion steering, and a factory-installed 289
cubic inch (4.7-liter) Ford V8 engine. This Cobra represents a key
point in the Cobra's history, showcasing the continuation of the
small-block Cobra's production by AC Cars after Shelby American
focused on the big-block 427 Cobra. Built in the autumn of 1966,
No. COB6113 represents the final evolution of the legendary Cobra,
hand-built in the UK following the end of Carroll Shelby's
production. Fully documented ownership history with only 42,537
original miles, this exquisitely preserved example stands as a
significant and highly collectible piece of Cobra history.
Reported and believed to be the official AC factory display Cobra
at the 1966 London Motor Show, held at Earl's Court on October 18
to 19, 1966, and registered to AC Cars Ltd. on October 17, 1966,
under number JGF 406D. No. COB6113 is understood to have been
driven directly to the show, where it was exhibited in its original
color combination of Pacific Green over Black leather. The Cobra
was sold to the first owner, Mrs. Sheila Forsyth of Camberley,
Surrey. The Forsyth's retained the Cobra until May 1968, at which
time it was consigned to AC dealer Scobies Garage in Bootham, York.
The sales invoice described the car as: "One AC 289 Sports car
painted Pacific Green with Black trim, Hard Top, Chrome Wheels, Oil
Cooler. Radio unfitted. Mr. Forsyth's own property."
On July 29, 1968, the Cobra was purchased by Julian Lyddon Gardner
of London for £2,500. Gardner would own the Cobra for an impressive
13 years, during which the Cobra was routinely serviced by AC Cars
Ltd., with thirty pages of original factory service documentation
preserved from that time. On June 10, 1981, AC Cars carried out a
Ministry of Transport inspection, noting 38,624 miles on the
odometer. In July 1981, No. 6113 crossed the Atlantic Ocean and was
sold to John Bassett of Palos Hills, Illinois, via marque
specialist Rod Leach. In January 1984, it passed to a noted
collector, Jerry Scheberies of Oakland, California, who is
well-known for his Cobra and GT40 collection. During his tenure,
the Cobra was used sparingly but routinely serviced by Jack Schroll
of Mostly Mustangs, a respected shop in Oakland, California. A
California smog inspection was performed on March 22, 1984, and the
odometer was recorded at 40,470 miles. Scheberies retained the
Cobra for nearly 40 years.
On January 6, 2022, the Cobra was acquired by its current owner
from Newport Beach, California, with 42,537 miles. As part of the
transaction, the Cobra was accompanied by a significant suite of
original and period-correct equipment:
• Five extra chrome wire wheels, spins, and spinners
• Set of side curtains
• Factory soft top with bows
• Factory hard top
• Tonneau cover
The Cobra was restored by European Collectibles, where it underwent
a no-expense-spared restoration. The aluminum body was stripped,
photo documented, and refinished in the factory-correct Pacific
Green paint. The tubular chassis and under panels were cleaned and
recoated to original specifications. The interior was left
untouched with the original black leather upholstery, Smiths
gauges, AC pedal box, and factory wood-rimmed steering wheel.
Exterior components such as glass, lenses, and trim were carefully
reassembled using new seals, and the original brightwork was
re-chromed.
The matching 289 cu. in. V8 engine and gearbox were removed. The
original carburetor and distributor were rebuilt, and a new
distributor cap, rotor, plug wires, and spark plugs were installed.
The radiator was flushed and pressure checked with all new hoses,
clamps, and seals. At the same time, a new clutch, pressure plate,
throw-out bearing, rear main seal, and front pulley seal were
installed. The suspension was completely disassembled, media
blasted, powder-coated, re-bushed with new wheel bearings, and
reassembled. Fully rebuilt braking system includes new rotors,
pads, rebuilt caliper, brake lines, and master cylinder. The fuel
tank was removed, cleaned, repainted, and reinstalled with all new
fuel lines. The engine was professionally tuned by a Southern
California Cobra specialist. The wheels are 15-inch Halibrand
Sunburst pin drive wheels with Avon radial tires, and the original
chrome wire wheels are included.
With only five documented owners from new, remarkable originality,
No. COB6113 is an exceptional AC 289 Cobra that bridges the Shelby
and AC legacies with grace. Offered with its matching engine and
transmission, full ownership service history, original accessories,
and recent restoration-all the hallmarks of a collector-grade
Cobra.
