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COB 6008 – TODAY
Once the long process of restoration was complete in May 2011, the Cobra was given a shake-down run at Mallory Park to check for any potential mechanical problems prior to being shipped to France to compete in the Le Mans Legends race. The car ran well coming fifth in class and recording a top speed of 167mph along the Mulsanne straight. Shortly afterwards 6008 appeared at the prestigious Salon Privé concours meeting at Syon Park, west London, where it attracted considerable interest. Amongst the visitors to the show was classic car dealer Michael Fisher who recognised the number plate and realised this was the same AC Cobra he had owned thirty years ago. He was able to provide further information about the history of the car.
During August, 6008 once again made the journey to the Croft circuit in Yorkshire to take part in a photoshoot for a Swedish motoring magazine. Once again Bruce Ropner and Keith Schellenberg took the opportunity to get behind the wheel and revive old memories, as did Jack Sears who recalled the day he borrowed the Cobra to qualify for one of the first events to be held at the circuit in 1964. At the age of eighty one it was soon apparent that Jack had lost little of his ability as he unleashed the power of the 289 engine. He was accompanied by his old Willment race engineer, Mike Brown, and after several laps of the circuit Jack arrived back claiming he felt fifty years younger.
6008 continued to compete in a wide variety of motorsport events including the 2011 Goodwood Revival where Eddie Cheever co-drove the car. With the Shelby AC Cobra celebrating its fiftieth anniversary in 2012, 6008 will continue to add to the history of this famous marque.
