AC Cobra model cars celebrate one of the most famous partnerships in motoring, when AC Cars of England fitted Carroll Shelby's Ford V8 into the Ace roadster. Makers produce the Cobra, Ace and Daytona Coupe in diecast, resin and kit form, in scales from 1:43 to 1:8. Browse the range below, filter by scale or maker, and enjoy worldwide delivery.
From AC Ace to Cobra 427
AC had built the Ace two-seater since 1953, first with its own six-cylinder engine and later with a Bristol six and a Ford Zephyr unit. The Ace Bristol raced at Le Mans in the late 1950s and early 1960s, and is a popular subject in 1:43. From 1962 the car was transformed into the Cobra, built by AC in England and by Shelby American in the United States, initially with 260 and 289 cubic inch Ford V8s. Cobra Mark III production began on 1 January 1965 with the 7.0 litre 427 engine and coil-spring chassis, and the semi-competition 427 S/C was tuned to 485 hp. Production of the original cars ran until 1967. Because the car was also sold as the Shelby Cobra, many models sit in our Shelby model cars category too.
On track, the Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe driven by Dan Gurney and Bob Bondurant finished fourth overall and won the GT class at Le Mans in 1964, and the coupes went on to win the GT title in the 1965 International Championship for GT Manufacturers.
Which Makers Produce AC Models
Spark covers the racing side in resin, with Le Mans versions of the Ace Bristol, the Cobra 289 hard-top and the Daytona Coupe in 1:43 and 1:18. Solido produces affordable 1:18 diecast Cobra 427 models in road and racing liveries, while Kyosho and Norev have both made detailed 1:18 diecast Cobras. At the top end, GT Spirit has produced the Cobra 427 S/C as a 1:8 sealed resin model in a numbered limited edition. For builders, Revell offers the Cobra as a 1:24 plastic model kit.
Choosing the Right Scale and Material
Diecast Cobras in 1:18 often have opening doors, bonnet and boot, letting you see the big V8 and the simple cockpit. Resin models from Spark and GT Spirit are sealed, with no opening parts, but deliver crisp proportions and accurate racing details. The scale guide explains how 1:43, 1:24, 1:18 and 1:8 compare in size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brands make AC Cobra model cars?
Solido, Kyosho, Norev, Spark, GT Spirit and Welly have all produced the AC or Shelby Cobra in diecast or resin, and Revell makes it as a 1:24 kit. Use the maker filter to see what is available.
What is the difference between an AC Cobra and a Shelby Cobra?
They are the same car. AC built the chassis and body in England, and Shelby American fitted the Ford V8 and sold it in the United States as the Shelby Cobra, which is why model makers use both names.
Is there an AC Cobra model kit?
Yes, Revell has produced the Cobra as a 1:24 plastic kit for assembly and painting. Diecast and resin models arrive fully built.