1962-65 Exoto AC Cobra 260 & 289

An Evolving American Vision, More Cubic Inches

While Shelby American was working overtime to meet demand for the Cobra 260, Ford was busy discovering the true potential of their newest V8 motor. Small changes had been applied over the production of the Roadster, improving the breed with almost every car to roll off the production line. The newly available Ford 289, perhaps the best American V8 of all time, was too tempting to resist and so the 289 Cobra was born!

The definitive replica of the definitive sports car!

Just as the Shelby Cobra story unfolds in the history books, Exoto follows the natural evolution of a landmark motor car. The Exoto team of dedicated enthusiasts put their minds and resources together in realizing the most ambitious project ever in the diecast modeling world: the grand 1:18 scale Cobra Roadster, paying homage to the definitive sports car!

Exoto presents a miniature replica of the classic Cobra 289 with stunning detail and accuracy. Beneath the hood with its accurate prop is the Ford 289 V8 engine that only improved on the original 260 c.i. motor. The interior was designed for road and track; Exoto’s team has taken the greatest care to reproduce Shelby’s cushioned leather seats and racing harnesses, the wood-rimmed steering wheel, and bright-beveled gauges.

Under the car is an accurate suspension with functional steering and realistic leaf-springs. The trunk, held open by an accurate and realistic support, houses a real wire-spoked wheel with precisely formed spare tire like the four on the car.

The combination of A.C. Ace chassis and updated Ford 289 c.i. engine was a revelation when it hit the streets and race tracks of the world in 1963. Known as the Cobra, the little A.C., once married to big V8 power, was a giant killer. In competition trim, it left Corvettes in the dust and took the fight straight to Ferrari, Jaguar and Aston Martin! Clothed in beautiful roadster bodywork, the A.C. Cobra wasn’t just a winner on the track, but was also champion of the streets.

The definitive replica of the definitive sports car!

The Exoto team of dedicated enthusiasts put their minds and resources together in realizing the most ambitious project ever in the diecast modeling world: the grand 1:18 scale A.C. Cobra Roadster, paying homage to the definitive sports car!

Exoto presents a miniature replica of the classic A.C. Cobra with stunning detail and accuracy. Beneath the hood with its accurate prop is the Ford 289 V8 engine. The interior was designed for road and track; Exoto’s team has taken the greatest care to reproduce the cushioned leather seats and racing harnesses, the wood-rimmed steering wheel, and bright-beveled gauges.

Under the car is an accurate suspension with functional steering and realistic leaf-springs. The trunk, held open by an accurate and realistic support, houses a real wire-spoked wheel with precisely formed spare tire like the four on the car.

Born To Race, Bred to Win

The injection of American V8 power, courtesy of Ford, was just what the beautiful British A.C. roadster needed! The melding of torquey motor and beautifully balanced chassis was destined for great success under the banners of numerous private teams.

The year 1963 saw the first of a long string of A.C. Cobra victories that would be achieved at every level of motorsport, from grass-roots racing to defending national honor at the most prestigious European events. The Cobra racers set the racing world on fire, doing battle with the Ferrari GTOs at Daytona and Le Mans, eating the competition for lunch and challenging the prototypes for outright wins. And that’s before the Cobra Daytona Coupe came along!

Competition Details

The Exoto team of dedicated enthusiasts put their minds and resources together in realizing the most ambitious project ever in the diecast modeling world: the grand 1:18 scale Cobra Roadster, paying homage to the definitive sports car!

Exoto presents miniature replicas of the competition versions of the 260- and 289-c.i. Ford powered A.C. Cobra with stunning detail and accuracy. Beneath the hood you will find competition Ford 260 and 289 V8 motors, typically topped with a quartet of Weber carburetors. The interior features four-point harnesses required for track use, and a roll hoop. Exoto’s team has taken the greatest care to reproduce the cushioned leather seats, the wood-rimmed steering wheel, and bright-beveled gauges.

Under the car is an accurate suspension with functional steering and realistic leaf-springs. The trunk, held open by an accurate and realistic support, houses a real wire-spoked wheel with precisely formed spare tire like the four on the car.