Left: The AC Coupe (A98) at the '64 Le Mans trials
Photograph by: Bernard Cahier, From: Sports Car Graphic, July 1964 Article ":Le Mans Trials" ©1965 Petersen Publishing Co.
The AC "A98" Le Mans Coupe:
AC Cars of England, who manufactured the bodies and chassis of Shelby's 289 and 427 Cobras, constructed their own version of a "Daytona Coupe" planned as their entry for Le Mans 1964. In spite of the odd chassis number (A98), it was based on a normal 289 leaf-spring chassis with a coupe body styled by AC's Alan Turner. This coupe is famous for its test runs prior to the race performed by drivers, Jack Sears and Peter Bolton on the M1 motorway at speeds in excess of 180 mph! Subsequently, 70-mph speed limit signs were posted on the M1. An interesting feature is the eyebrow over each wheel that was designed to separate the airflow over upper and lower body sections.
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Left: The AC Coupe (A98) at the '64 Le Mans trials |
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Photograph by: Bernard Cahier, From: Sports Car Graphic, July 1964 Article ":Le Mans Trials" ©1965 Petersen Publishing Co. |
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The car was completely destroyed at Le Mans (its only race) when a tire failed at high speed. Tragically three boys that sneaked through the fence for a better view were killed in the accident. The remains of A98 were purchased in 1972 and after 12 years, the car is back and has been making appearances at several vintage events. Its current owner is Scotland's Barrie Bird.
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Left and Below: A98 at the Le Mans "Legend" event 2001. |
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Another shot of the Coupe at Le Mans. Photograph by: John Brooks ã 2001 |
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