It was Carroll Shelby who was first to utilise the American V8 power unit, after racing in Europe in the late 1950s, he realised that a combination of a lightweight American V8 engine and a proven European chassis was a winning combination.

He found that a Ford V8 installed in the chassis of an AC Ace was the answer, and thus birthing the Cobra.

The car set new standards of performance for road cars and was highly effective in competition.

The early cars featured a smaller capacity 260cu engine, which was later enlarged to 289cu.

When fitted with ever more powerful engines, the cars’ chassis capabilities were stretched to the limit and Shelby approached Ford to take their concept a stage further.

The old adage, 'Win on Sunday, sell on Monday' became a reality for Ford.

Together with Shelby they were able to create a new chassis which had an entirely new frame, dubbed Mk.

III, with all-independent suspension by coil springs and double wishbones.

Clothing this new frame was virtu...