AC Ace Bristol

The AC Ace is regarded as the quintessential British sportscar, frequently described as the more sophisticated brother of the Cobra. Built between 1953 and 1963 AC took a design by John Tojeiro that used a light ladder type tubular frame, all independent transverse leaf spring suspension and an open two seater all alloy body made using English wheeling machines.

Early cars took their power from AC’s elderly 100bhp two litre engine. From 1956 AC adopted the ex BMW two litre straight six cylinder Bristol engine with triple carburation. Fitted with a four-speed gearbox, top speed leapt to 116mph with a 0-60 mph time of just 9 seconds. AC enjoyed a successful motorsport program with a AC Bristol winning the 1957, 1958 and 1959 Sports Car Club of America’s E Production class, and running at Le-Mans in 1957 and 1958.

The AC Bristol powered Ace, offered here at Autostorico is a 1956 matching numbers example finished in British Racing Green with Black leather interior. BEX 182 (Chassis number) left the Thames Ditton factory on 26th July 1956 and was exported to Michell and Pauli of Los Angeles who were one of the first AC distributors in the USA. The car remained in the USA passing through several owners before Don Davies, an avid AC collector and racer, bought BEX 182. He undertook a full restoration following his purchase and actively campaigned the car during his ownership, with his last race being at the Monterey Speed week at Laguna Seca Raceway.

The car returned to the UK in March 2007 before being purchased by its current owner in September of that year. BEX 182 was then passed to the respected AC specialist Nigel Winchester of Winchester Motor Sport who undertook a no expense spared restoration which included removing the engine and gearbox and stripping the whole body, ready for a bare metal respray in its current British Racing Green colour (originally White).

The car was also subject to a full mechanical overhaul including an engine rebuild by Bristol engine specialist Steve Stanton of Stanton Motorsport. The gearbox was rebuilt and had overdrive fitted with the differential running a new 3.91 ratio. Other notable works included overhauling the braking and suspension system, re-wire, new wheels and tyres, interior re-trim, full weather gear and supplying a detachable roll hoop. Currently running on triple Webber carburettors (Solex’s included) this stunning example has been sparingly used by its current owner and is an absolute joy to drive.

Offered for sale with a current V5 registration document, a history file containing numerous invoices, photographs and other related material.

Eligible for the world’s most prestigious events, including the Mille Miglia, Le Mans Classic and other historic race and rally events.

Viewing strictly by appointment only.

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