For the first time ever, AC Cars is unveiling the Cobra as a hard-top, celebrating the resurrection of something wonderfully mad and loud. This isn’t just any Cobra—it’s a retrofuturistic marvel packed with a 595kW V8 engine, setting new standards for vintage roadsters.

The spotlight is on the special ‘Clubsport’ launch edition, a limited run of just 99 units featuring the monstrous 595kW V8. Following this will be the standard Cobra GT Coupes, offering a choice between a naturally aspirated 336kW engine or a supercharged 537kW variant. 

The design stays true to its roots with a few modern twists. You’ll find redesigned light signatures, a 427-inspired bonnet scoop, and additional air vents along the lower ridges, keeping the classic Cobra aesthetic alive while adding a touch of the future.

The rear gets as much love, with larger, darker taillights nestled between a new ducktail spoiler and dual centrally mounted exhaust tips. The sharp 10-spoke wheels and new, bulkier wing mirrors replace the previous circular ones, ensuring the Cobra looks as aggressive as it performs.

Beneath the carbon fiber panels lies an all-aluminium chassis, drawing inspiration from the AC A98 Coupe that raced at Le Mans in 1964. This isn’t just about looks—the Cobra aims to distribute its 1,450kg weight evenly between both axles, making it a balanced contender in a world dominated by two-tonne performance EVs.

Deliveries are set to begin in 2025, with prices starting at £325,000 plus local taxes. How long before a cut-price version pops up in a Northampton shed? We can only speculate. But one thing’s for sure: the new hard-top AC Cobra is a thrilling blend of vintage charm and modern performance, ready to roar into the future.