Feel of the Forces

The existence of an actual limit of adhesion on a dry smooth surface seems to be a purely hypothetical question with the wide-section flat profile Goodyear Blue Streak tires. Michelin X tires have always been an inherent part of the AC Ace design and if the Blue Streaks fitted to the Cobra are superior on a dry track, they certainly are not in the wet, on ice and snow, or on a rough or irregular surface.

Among the many advantages of independent rear suspension, the one that stands out on the Cobra is the unloading of the rear drive shafts and the resultant lack of wheelspin, in spite of the lack of a limited-slip differential.

As for comfort, the independent rear suspension makes absolutely no contribution, since the springing is so stiff and wheel travel so restricted. The whole car feels like so much unsprung weight at low speeds, and it does not begin to soften up until about 50 mph. At racing speeds it is highly satisfactory, each wheel staying on the ground and no more than one deflection per bump being permitted by the hard springs and the efficient shock absorbers.

This ride gives the driver great confidence and helps improve his feel of the forces acting on the car, with the result that after a few hours at the wheel at high speeds he begins to feel like an integral part of the machine. Few modern sports cars can really give this impression—but then the AC Cobra is not so much a modern sports car as a traditional sports car brought up to the minute.

And this feeling is obtained more in spite of than because of the driving position. We were a little disappointed in the seats, which do not have enough backrest rake (and only fore-and-aft adjustment of the whole seat). The upright seating position is all right on a twisty circuit with plenty of arm-and footwork, but far from ideal on a fast course with sweeping top-gear bends. Since the steering is quite heavy at low speeds, turning the wheel is easier when it is located at less than arm’s length. At speed, however, the steering becomes lighter, and as wheel movements are ultra- small, with 1 2/3 turns lock to lock, most drivers would certainly prefer a more reclining position with almost straight arms.

Road shocks are felt in the wheel, but with such direct and ultra-sensitive steering, wheel movements are kept small and bumps could never alter the course of the car to any extent. Road feel is excellent, and corrections can be made almost before they become necessary.