| Production | |
|---|---|
| Model Year: | 1962 |
The 1962 AC Cobra 260 marks the beginning of an iconic roadster that combined British craftsmanship with American muscle. This classic roadster, known simply as the AC Cobra (260), was produced in 1962 and quickly became a symbol of sporty, lightweight performance cars. The Cobra 260 featured a compact and sleek design typical of early 1960s sports cars, highlighting minimalistic yet muscular styling. Although specific size data for this first generation Cobra is less commonly referenced, its dimensions reflect the essence of a pure roadster character: it was relatively short in length, narrow in width, and low in height compared to modern sports cars, contributing to its agile handling and dynamic driving experience. Typically, the AC Cobra 260 had a length around 3,800 mm (approximately 150 inches), a width close to 1,650 mm (about 65 inches), and stood low with a height near 1,130 mm (44 inches), giving it a low center of gravity and a sporty stance. The lightweight chassis was a key contributor to its performance, often weighing around 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs), allowing the car to accelerate briskly and handle sharply. Powered by a 4.2-liter (260 cubic inch) V8 engine sourced from Ford, the Cobra 260 introduced American power to British chassis ingenuity, setting the stage for later more powerful generations. Its minimalist roadster form lacked a fixed roof, emphasizing a pure, open-air driving experience popular among enthusiasts. Today, the AC Cobra 260 is celebrated not only for its historical significance but also for its balanced proportions and classic design, making it a beloved collector’s item and a subject of interest for those comparing vintage car sizes. Overall, the 1962 AC Cobra 260 remains one of the most iconic and revered roadsters from the early '60s automotive era, blending classic British sports car dynamics with raw American muscle, all packed into a compact, lightweight frame.
Discover the standout features that make the 1962 AC Cobra a leader in its class
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The 1962 AC Cobra 260 Roadster has classic compact sports car dimensions. It measures approximately 3,810 mm (150 inches) in length, 1,676 mm (66 inches) in width, and about 1,143 mm (45 inches) in height. These dimensions highlight its low-slung, agile sports car profile designed for maximum performance and road handling. The relatively narrow width and low height contribute to its aerodynamic shape and spirited driving experience while keeping the car lightweight and nimble.
The curb weight of the 1962 AC Cobra 260 is approximately 1,070 kg (2,359 lbs). This relatively light weight is largely due to its tubular space frame chassis, aluminum body panels, and minimalistic roadster design, which aimed to maximize power-to-weight ratio. The lightweight build plays a significant role in the car's excellent handling characteristics and acceleration, especially when paired with its potent Ford V8 engine.
The AC Cobra 260 is a two-seater roadster with a cockpit focused on driver engagement rather than spaciousness. Interior space is snug, typical for a sports car of its era, emphasizing close proximity to the controls and road feel. While there is adequate legroom for most adults, the cabin is compact and designed more for sporty driving than comfort or luxury. This modest interior space reflects the car's focus on performance over passenger comfort or cargo capacity.
The 1962 AC Cobra 260 is equipped with a fuel tank capacity of approximately 72 liters (19 US gallons). This capacity allows for a reasonable driving range given the roadster's performance-oriented 4.3-liter V8 engine, but being a high-performance sports car, fuel consumption can be comparatively high. The fuel tank size balances between providing enough range for spirited drives while maintaining the lightweight character essential to the Cobra's design.
Yes, the 1962 AC Cobra 260 fits comfortably into a standard residential garage. With its length of around 3,810 mm (150 inches or 12.5 feet), width of 1,676 mm (66 inches or 5.5 feet), and low height of approximately 1,143 mm (45 inches or 3.75 feet), it is smaller than most modern cars. Its compact size means parking in a typical single-car garage or driveway is hassle-free, making it very practical in terms of storage despite being a classic sports car.
The 1962 AC Cobra 260 was actually the initial generation of the Cobra lineup and did not have a direct predecessor model. It marked the introduction of the AC Cobra bubble with its distinctive combination of a lightweight British chassis and a powerful American V8 engine. Compared to the AC Ace on which it was based, the Cobra 260 was slightly modified in terms of engine bay and weight distribution to accommodate the larger Ford engine, but the overall compact and agile dimensions remained similar to maintain its roadster agility.
The 1962 AC Cobra 260 stood out in the early 1960s sports car market due to its compact size and lightweight construction combined with a powerful American V8 engine. Compared to contemporaries like the Jaguar E-Type or the Chevrolet Corvette of that era, the Cobra was smaller in overall dimensions, especially in length and height, emphasizing a rawer, more track-focused driving experience. Its width was narrower than many American sports cars, and it had a lower profile, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing weight, making it a nimble alternative in the competitive sports car scene.
The AC Cobra 260's exterior dimensions, notably its low height of about 1,143 mm (45 inches) and a narrow width of 1,676 mm (66 inches), play a significant role in its aerodynamics and handling. Its compact length of around 3,810 mm (150 inches) helps reduce weight and maintain a short wheelbase, which enhances agility and cornering response. The body shape is streamlined with minimal frontal area, contributing to lower drag coefficients for its time. This combination of dimensions fosters excellent high-speed stability and dynamic handling characteristics prized in roadster design.
The 1962 AC Cobra 260 offers very limited cargo or trunk space, typical of a focused sports roadster. It features a small rear compartment behind the seats often referred to as a boot, which is only sufficient for light luggage or small items. This compact cargo capacity aligns with the car's design intent, prioritizing lightweight performance and driver engagement over practicality. Owners often rely on minimalist packing or external luggage solutions for longer trips, as the trunk volume is quite constrained compared to modern vehicles.
The AC Cobra 260's chassis is a tubular space frame made from lightweight steel, which, combined with the car's relatively small exterior dimensions, results in an exceptionally rigid yet lightweight platform. This structural size and design provide optimal weight distribution and low center of gravity, essential for excellent handling and responsiveness. The compact chassis dimensions enhance agility and quick directional changes, making the 1962 Cobra 260 a legendary driver's car cherished for its raw driving dynamics and feedback on road and track environments.
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