Norfolk-based AC Cars is launching a ‘suite of special anniversary models’ marking its 120 years in business; and while in the coming months AC Cobras will be going ‘fully green’ with innovative high-performance electric drivetrains that will achieve ‘outstanding results’ in terms of speed and power while being almost silent, the 12 AC Cobra Superblowers will possibly be the quickest production AC Cobras ever built, each being powered by a 580bhp supercharged V8 engine.

The 12 cars are based on the specification that was conceived and sold around the time of the marque’s Centenary Celebration two decades ago and celebrate 12 decades of AC Cars being in business, during which many important milestones have been achieved.

These include the first two-litre car to do 100 miles in one hour (100 years ago in 1921), and the launch of the AC Ace in the 1950s, which led to famous AC Cobra in the 1960s.

Alan Lubinsky, the man who has kept AC ‘alive’ over more than two decades, despite some extremely tough trading conditions, has few fears about the end of the ICE (internal combustion engine) age.

“We are confident in the future because we have moved quickly to put in place a new powertrain that can meet the challenges of the impending legislation changes while retaining the true essence of the AC Cobra’s unique appeal — appearance and ultimate performance.

“We are near the end of an era, and in time will be saying a final farewell to the iconic AC Cobra. However, these celebration cars guarantee that the legend that is the AC Cobra will live on into the future and outlive the ICE age.”