AD (United Kingdom) - AllCarIndex

Automotive Design & Development (AD) was a British automotive manufacturer active from 1982 to 1986. The company was initially established in Colchester, Essex, and was known for its involvement in the kit car market. Before adopting the AD name, the firm operated as Perry Automotive Developments, focusing on importing the US-made KARMA, which was a replica of the Ferrari Dino.

Under the AD brand, the company developed the AD 400, a convertible that featured a stretched KARMA shell and a custom chassis. This model was primarily constructed using Ford components, with options for V8 and V12 engines being considered during its development. The AD 400 was later marketed by Ferrante Cars and Trident Autovet under the name Chimera.

In addition to the AD 400, the company also produced a replica of the Cobra 427, utilizing parts from either the Ford Capri or Jaguar models. Despite its brief existence, AD contributed to the niche market of kit cars in the United Kingdom during the 1980s.