Registration No: WTG 339
Engine No: 213B6015
CC: 2600
Colour: Red
Trim Colour: Black
MOT: June 2013The history of AC is one of the most fascinating of all automotive stories. From invalid carriages to trains and golf troll...
Registration No: WTG 339
Engine No: 213B6015
CC: 2600
Colour: Red
Trim Colour: Black
MOT: June 2013The history of AC is one of the most fascinating of all automotive stories. From invalid carriages to trains and golf trolleys to the mighty Cobra, the company has spanned a uniquely broad and challenging technological spectrum since its formation in 1901.
The initial post-war fare was relatively staid, but the Ace and its descendants were to put the company on a whole new footing. Designed by John Tojeiro, it comprised a metal-framed, two-seater alloy body on a tubular ladder-type chassis. Suspension was transverse leaves front and rear - as proven by Cooper on its race cars. When introduced in 1953, the model was powered by AC's own 100bhp 2-litre straight-six engine. However, this was now rather long in the tooth, and from 1956 there was the option of the more modern and powerful (120bhp) 2-litre Bristol unit, the effect of which was to raise the top speed by some 15 mph and knock no less than four seconds off the 0-60mph time. The final iterations of the model - some 37 cars - were equipped with a 'hot' version of the 2.6-litre engine from Ford's MKII Zephyr, further boosting the Ace's already respectable performance. Then came the Cobra....
The Aceca was effectively a Coupe version of the Ace and was made from 1954 to 1963. The structure was basically the same, though in addition to having a roof, the Aceca featured a hatchback tail similar to that of the pioneering Aston Martin DB 2/4. The engine options were also similar and by the time production ceased, some 151 AC-engine Acecas, 169 Aceca-Bristols and eight versions with the Ford unit had been made
The red 1957 Aceca-Bristol offered has a most interesting history. It was entered in the 1958 RAC Rally and modifications it still sports include twin fuel fillers, wood-rim steering wheel and the indicator and horn controls on the fascia. It then had a spell in Ireland before returning to the UK around 1977. The vendor acquired the car in 1998, prior to which the original Bristol engine had been removed, its place being taken by a 2.6-litre Ford Zephyr MkII unit.
After purchasing the Aceca, he treated it to an extensive restoration that included the following: the engine was stripped and overhauled, all moving parts were balanced, and an unleaded cylinder head with polished ports and larger valves was fitted; as was a sports camshaft and the flywheel was lightened. Three 1.25in carburettors on an Aquaplane alloy inlet manifold were added; also a reconditioned five-speed gearbox and adapter plate. A six branch exhaust manifold and stainless steel system was custom-made by Zero Exhausts. Other new engine related items included a spin-off oil filter, alternator, facet fuel pump, electric fan and alloy Ruddspeed rocker cover. New front disc brakes were fitted, the rear brakes were relined and the callipers reconditioned. The body was stripped back to bare metal, repairs made as necessary and new doors fabricated. All existing brake lines were replaced with copper items, a new fully-balanced propshaft was installed together with a refurbished differential and new wire wheels from Wire Wheel Services. The wiring, headlights etc were replaced, the speedometer and rev counter were rejuvenated by Vintage Restorations, the glass for the windscreen, doors and quarter lights was replaced and a new Perspex rear window fitted. All brightwork was either rechromed or renewed. All woodwork was relacquered and the interior treated to new leather, headlining and carpets.
Unfortunately, the vendor has had very little return from his substantial investment due to ill health and is now giving somebody else the chance to enjoy this fine looking and doubtless pretty rapid AC.
PLEASE NOTE: The estimate on this vehicle is £50,000 to 60,000 and its chassis number is BE 586