AC Cobra 289
The lightweight Anglo-American icon that redefined the sports car.
- Power
- 271 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 5.5 s
- Top speed
- 138 mph
- Est. value
- $850k–$1.4m
About the AC Cobra 289
The AC Cobra 289 represents the definitive 'small-block' evolution of Carroll Shelby's vision, mating a lightweight British AC Ace chassis with Ford's 289 cubic-inch Windsor V8. While the later 427 is more famous for its brute force, the 289 is often preferred by drivers for its superior balance and agility. The early 'leaf-spring' cars (MkI and MkII) dominated American road racing in the early 1960s, famously challenging Ferrari on the international stage. Its combination of a simple tubular frame and high-revving American power created a performance benchmark that remains a cornerstone of car culture.
AC Cobra 289 specs
The AC Cobra 289 produces 271 bhp (202 kW) and 423 Nm (312 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and has a top speed of 138 mph (222 km/h).
| Make | AC |
|---|---|
| Model | Cobra |
| Generation | 289 |
| Trim | 289 |
| Years | 1962–1965 |
| Type | Classic |
| Body style | Roadster |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Production | About 655 built |
| Original price | About $6,000 when new |
| Engine | 4.7-litre Ford Windsor V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,727 cc (4.7 litres) |
| Induction | Naturally aspirated |
| Power | 271 bhp (202 kW) at 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 423 Nm (312 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 6,500 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 5.5 s |
| Top speed | 138 mph (222 km/h) |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 950 kg (2,094 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 285 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is an AC Cobra 289 worth?
A typical AC Cobra 289 is estimated to be worth $850,000 – $1,400,000 (about £634,000 – £1,040,000).
Its original price when new was about $6,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
AC Cobra 289 rarity in CarSpot
The AC Cobra 289 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
AC Cobra 289 fun facts
- The first 75 Cobras actually used a smaller 260 cubic-inch V8 before the 289 became the standard powerplant.
- Early MkI cars used worm-and-sector steering, but the MkII introduced in 1963 upgraded to a more precise rack-and-pinion system borrowed from the MGB.
- The 289 Cobra was so successful in racing that it led to the creation of the aerodynamic Daytona Coupe to compete on the high-speed straights of Le Mans.
