Shelby and AC Join Forces in Cobra Market
Shelby and AC Sign Definitive Agreement to Join Forces to Produce Cobras For the US and UK Markets
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 4 -- Carroll Shelby International, Inc. and AC Motor Holdings, Ltd. announced today that an agreement has been reached between the two companies which will result in a collaborative effort on a very exclusive Shelby/AC Cobra. This historic move is being led by Carroll Shelby International, Inc.'s Chairman and Director Carroll Shelby and AC Motor Holdings, Ltd.'s Chairman and CEO, Alan Lubinsky.
"We are very excited for the opportunity to bring AC's quality and craftsmanship to the Shelby Cobra world once again," says AC Motor Holdings, Ltd.'s Chairman and CEO, Alan Lubinsky.
Details of the production and launch of this model Cobra will be forthcoming. In addition, the two companies will combine their efforts in areas of marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, and product development. The agreement also includes the purchase of an equity stake in AC's manufacturing facility in the UK by Carroll Shelby International, Inc.
About Carroll Shelby International, Inc.
Carroll Shelby International, Inc. is the parent company of Shelby Automobiles and Carroll Shelby Licensing.
Shelby Automobiles Inc. is manufacturing high performance Shelby vehicles under the guidance of the legendary Carroll Shelby and will be involved in prototype manufacturing, design and engineering projects; and plans to increase production and availability of these Shelby products through an expanded dealer network and direct sales under a license agreement with Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc. For more information, call 702/325-4851 or visit the company's web site at www.shelbyautos.com .
Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., founded in 1988, is the exclusive holder of automotive manufacturer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby's trademarks and vehicle design rights, which include some of the world's most famous muscle cars and high-performance vehicles, including the car that brought home to the U.S. it's first and only FIA World Manufacturers Championship in 1965, the famous Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. It also holds trademark rights for Shelby-branded apparel, accessories and collectibles. For additional information about the company or licensing opportunities, call (310) 914-1843, or fax (310) 914-1853 or write to Carroll Shelby Licensing, Inc., 11150 West Olympic Boulevard, Suite 1050, Los Angeles, CA 90064 or visit www.carrollshelby.com .
About AC Motor Holdings, Ltd.
The history of AC dates back more than a century to 1901, when British entrepreneur John Portwine and engineer John Weller designed and built a four-seat touring car, which they exhibited at the 1903 Motor Show at the Crystal Palace in London. Their second effort was a three-wheeled delivery vehicle in 1904 -- the Auto Carrier. By 1907, their first successful passenger car, called the Sociable, was created, bearing the now famous AC emblem. In the 1950's the AC Ace was conceived and many people felt was the nicest British sport car of its time. In the 1960's AC assisted Carroll Shelby in realizing his dream of creating one of the most famous sports cars of the 20th century, the Shelby AC Cobra. To this day the AC brand is well known for its craftsmanship. In 1999 AC produced the largest one-piece carbon fiber automotive body that was used on a production car, the AC Cobra CRS. It weighed about 49 lbs without the closures. AC has recently agreed to open a research and development center in Malta and will also be producing certain of its future model range at a facility in Malta. www.acautomotive.info
