Today, Texas-based Unique Performance and AC Cars Ltd (United Kingdom) have officially paved the way to return genuine sports cars to North America from the British trademark. Unique Performance will serve as the exclusive distributor of the carbon fiber bodied AC MKV component roadster and will also offer limited numbers of other Anglo-American sports cars beginning in April 2006.

"AC is one of the most admired and respected marques in the world," stated Douglas Hasty, president and CEO of Unique Performance. "Their sports cars ignited a passion that still burns inside enthusiasts today. For over a century, the company has built cars with superb engineering, old world craftsmanship and classic designs. Our agreement with AC makes it possible for a few in North America to enjoy one of these magnificent machines that combines a British chassis with American V8 power."

The AC MKV is produced in a European factory and will be imported to Unique Performance in Texas as a component car. Unique Performance will make the genuine AC available throughout its dealership network in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The MKV is an open-roof car, inheriting design cues from the Le Mans winning AC Cobra while integrating multiple components of modern technology. The offerings are not replicas and will come as complete rolling chassis assemblies that are painted, fully instrumented, and upholstered along with brakes, suspension, exhaust, and wheels underneath. All that is missing from the MKV is the powerplant and transmission.

On that note, the AC MKV is built ready to accept a sweet mix of Ford V8s: the 4.6 liter, the 302 CI, and the 351W crate motor. Tipping the scales at just 2650 pounds, the nimble MKV is propelled from 0 to 60 mph by the Ford Racing 4.6 liter crate engine in about 4.5 seconds. "The AC MkV is wickedly addictive," Hasty added. "One drive in the scorching fast sports car creates an adrenalin rush that will last a lifetime. The AC MkV offers heritage, performance and timeless styling that stirs the soul."

The actual AC chassis is renowned in the history of sports cars. Carroll Shelby, a native Texan, imported several of the rolling assemblies in the 1960s to create the infamous Cobras that conquered the international sports car racing world.

AC's MKV has already reached the US borders and the Chiltern Green sports car is set to be mated to a Ford Racing 4.6 liter and T-56 transmission for demonstration and exhibition. More MKVs will follow in 30 days, with Unique Performance accepting orders as of April 1, 2006.

Visit the Unique Performance site for more information