Highlights
Fresh MOT with no advisories until 31st of July 2026, at 4,640 miles
- One of only two 212SC's built
- Less than 4,638 miles from new - lowest mileage example in existence
- Only 2 former registered keepers
- One of the last vehicles to leave the AC factory before its closure in 2001
- Factory engineered with Lotus 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
- 0-60mph in 4seconds and 0-100mph in 9secs
The Appeal
The Carbon Road Series re-energised the Cobra lineage in the late '90s, harking back to the high-powered, low-weight ethos of the original 60s icon. However, a year later, at the 2000 British Motor Show, another Cobra emerged that followed the same idea but took it one step further. That it would be the last new car developed by AC before it folded in 2001 makes the 212 Semi Competition, known as the 212SC, doubly significant.
This car was the marriage of two of Britain's most illustrious independent car makers - AC and Lotus. Developed by ex-Lotus engineer John Owen using the CRS as its starting point, the 900kg 212SC featured a Type 918 3.5L Lotus V8 engine, a duo of T25 Garrett turbos, a 6-speed Tremec gearbox, BTR Hydratrack LSD, power steering and AP Racing brakes.
First registered in July 2001 and with only 4,638 miles from new, this fabulous black 212SC is arguably one of the greatest AC-built Cobras. With that extensive specification and careful re-engineering by motoring royalty, this car is far more than a slavish 'continuation' car. It is a viscerally exciting sports car that despatches 60mph from standstill in 4 seconds and will hit 100 mph in 9 seconds.
The car is in very good, collector-quality car in great condition. This is verified by the advisory-free MOT, which runs to July 2025. It comes to market with a recent service.
History and Paperwork
- Manufactured in 2000 and first registered to Mr Saint of London
- Only 2 former registered keepers
- With the current owner for the past five years
- Recently serviced within the last 150 miles
- Comes complete with all-weather gear, spare wheel, toolkit and tonneau cover
- Chassis number CRSL9529
- MOT valid to 31st July 2025 with no advisories
The Condition
- Black carbon-fibre bodywork with distinctive and consistent carbon weave throughout
- Black Alcantara dashboard and leather seats in keeping with traditional Cobra materials
- Underside appears in smart condition, particularly impressive for a 24-year-old vehicle
- Boot compartment contains all original accessories including weather gear, spare wheel, toolkit and tonneau cover
- Presents well throughout, consistent with the low mileage
We’re so used to Cobras with racing stripes, bright chromework and fussy detailing that it is a joy to behold this 212SC. Its specification is clearly driven by a ‘less is more’ approach, which is fitting when you consider just how potent it it is.
It is also, as you can see, in very good condition. This is a collector car and the previous and current keepers have respected it. It looks barely altered from the day it left the factory 24 years ago.
The Mechanics
- 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine
- Tremec 6-speed manual transmission
- Twin T25 Garrett turbochargers producing 350 bhp
- BTR Hydratrack limited-slip differential
- Power steering
- AP Racing dual-circuit servo-assisted disc brakes all around
- Capable of 0-60 mph in 4 seconds and 0-100 mph in 9 seconds
- Previously held the record for fastest 0-100-0 mph time for a production car
- Recently serviced and the vendor states it is ready for demonstration and use
- No advisories on current MOT
Weighing in at just 900kgs, this 212SC was always going to be good. Add in a gold-plated specification, hand-picked by ex-Lotus engineer John Owen, and you have a truly exciting sports car. The statistics speak for themselves - 100mph arrives from standstill in 9 seconds.
The powertrain is Lotus’ excellent 3.5L Type 918 V8, equipped with a couple of T25 Garrett turbos. A Tremec 6spd manual gearbox, BTR Hydratrack LSD, AP Racing brakes and power steering show that despite this car being amongst the last to leave the AC works, no corners were cut in its construction.
The car has covered 4,638 miles in its 24 years. It comes to market with an advisory-free MOT and recent service.
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