AC Cars (originally established as Auto Carriers Ltd.) was a British automotive manufacturer that was established in 1901. Throughout its history, AC has dealt with numerous corporate, financial, and ownership troubles, yet in spite of these issues, the company has created some of the most highly regarded and recognizable models in the motoring world. Beginning with models such as the Sociable, 12HP, and Six, the company established itself as a serious player in the early British automotive market. Yet it was later models like the 2-Litre, Aceca, and Greyhound that cemented AC's position amongst the world's top sports car makers. Of all of it's creation's, AC's most iconic model was the Ace, a successful and capable car in its own right, the Ace would be the platform Carroll Shelby would use to create the legendary Shelby Cobra. Corporate troubles saw AC's fortunes decline, with few models built before the company was sold in 1986, with the AC name being used to this day.