Ernie Elliott

Driving the 2012 Iconic AC Roadster

All the latest surveys tell us that the luxury goods market is coming back strong. The stock market is improving. Wall Street bonuses are making a comeback. The people who have money and great paying jobs are getting back in the mood to spend.

It is into that groundswell of economic recovery among the elite that Iconic Motors is launching a very exclusive AC Roadster in early 2010. Much more than a kit car or mere Cobra knockoff, the AC Roadster, which will start at $475,000, has a start of the art chassis and electronics, as well as exclusivity since only about 100 will be hand-built.

Built in Livonia, MI, in the shadows of GM and Ford by former Big Three engineers, the AC is hell on wheels, but perfectly capable of handling daily commuting provided you are in sunshine and relative warmth. Having had the chance to drive the car at Ford's Dearborn, MI proving ground (leased by Iconic), I can attest that the 3.0-second 0-to-60-mph time is perfectly achievable. The difficulty may be in hearing yourself scream "Yee-Ha" over the roar of engine.

The V8 engine is built by Ernie Elliott in Dawsonville, Ga., having started out in life as an aluminum 427-cid Ford NASCAR block, with mostly forged steel guts. The fuel injection and intake manifold were developed by Iconic. It all produces 750 horsepower at the rear wheels. But beware if you attend one of Iconic's ride and drive events at a racetrack. There are no electronic stability electronics and no anti-lock brakes. This is wide-open driving fun.

Tags: AC cars, ac cobra, AC Roadster, Claudio Ballard, Ernie Elliott, Iconic Motors, luxist drives, Veedims