ZAGATO has been in a front-engine-GT mood recently, and the AC 378GT was the only one in a series of sexy designs that was produced for sale.
This AC Cars 378GT was initially conceived as a new sports-car brand called Perana. With a tubular steel chassis and full engineering by Zagato, the car was thisclose to production form when Perana suddenly ran out of cash in the midst of the 2008-present economic meltdown.
Step in, AC Cars, a German and English consortium importing and selling South African-made Cobra MkVI models of various sizes and specifications.
The resemblance of the Perana Z-One, as it was to be called, to the legendary Shelby Cobra Daytona was lost on no one, and the car was reborn as the AC 378GT and put on sale in 2012.
Even in full production volume, the AC 378GT was an extremely niche product. There are no production figures immediately available, but we would estimate fewer than 25 of the AC 378GT exist. In total.
Power is from a 440-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 from Chevrolet, with sprint pace of 4.0-seconds to 60-mph and a Vmax of 185-mph.
2012 AC 378GT by ZAGATO
AC 378 GT Zagato wows at Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2012
Date: 5th Nov 12
Representing the best of old and new, the legendary AC brand showcased its new AC 378 Zagato at the Auto e Moto d’Epoca 2012 in Italy last month.
The AC 378 GT Zagato was on display along with some of the world’s most prestigious marques at Italy’s largest, international vintage car and motorbike exhibition, and proved a hit with attendees. Now in its 29th year, the show attracts over 60,000 visitors and brings together industry professionals and enthusiasts from all over Europe.
General Sir Jeremy Mackenzie, Chairman of AC Cars, commented: “The public’s reaction has been really encouraging. There was huge interest surrounding the car, which has an undeniable presence when you see it in the metal. It’s a supercar which combines great looks, a world-class driving experience and a phenomenal heritage.”
The AC 378 GT Zagato is a unique combination of Italian design flair, American V8 power and British sports car prowess. Designed by famed design house Zagato (known for its collaborations with Aston Martin, Bentley, Jaguar and Rolls-Royce), the latest AC model started life as a concept car unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in 2009.
Zagato’s design philosophy for the car is summed up in three words; simple, light and aerodynamic. With a kerb weight of only 1,465 kg and powered by 434 bhp, 6.2-litre V8 engine, the new car’s performance is electrifying. With an unrestricted top speed of 185mph and a 0-60 acceleration time of less than 4 seconds, there can be few doubts about the new car’s ability to perform in true AC style.
The AC 378 GT Zagato is now on sale in the UK and parts of Asia. The supercar is available to order with manual transmission, both in right-hand drive form for the UK market and left-hand drive form. The price for the AC 378 GT Zagato is £99,990 in the UK.
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