The AC Aceca-Bristol was the slightly higher-performance version of the Aceca (pronounced "ah-see-ka") - a model that was essentially a modified coupe-version of the
AC Ace-Bristol 1960 In 1953 at Earls Court in London, AC Cars introduced the Ace, with its 100-horsepower AC powerplant in a light, tubular chassis under a beautiful, hand-formed aluminum body designed by Tojeiro. After numerous race successes in 1955 and 1956, in 1957 AC offered as an option the 2.0-liter Bristol six-cylinder engine, an advanced design derived from the BMW 328 unit, with three downdraft carburetors producing 120 horsepower (later to put out 128 horsepower in Stage II spec). Due to the light weight of only 1,650 pounds, the cars had impressive performance and handling and became fiercely competitive on race circuits around the world, including at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958. AC Ace-Bristol 1960 Just four hundred sixty-six examples were built with the Bristol engine between 1956 and 1962. As Bristol discontinued their six-cylinder in 1961, the owner of AC, Charles Hurlock, was approached by Carroll Shelby to supply the Ace chassis and body, into which Shelby would install a Ford V-8. In 1962, the AC Ace–derived Cobra was born, launching a whole new chapter and enduring legacy continuing with this original design. Chassis number BEX 1054, a factory left-hand-drive model, is listed in Ace Bristol Racing: A Competition History by John McLellan and Tony Bancroft, as well as in the AC Owners Club Register, as leaving the factory on April 13, 1959, noted as having “Stage II” engine preparation and achieving “11 class wins in SCCA races.” The original owner is recorded as Dr. R. Roth of Illinois, who registered it as a 1960 model year car. As of 1998, the McLellan book recorded that the car was owned by a Mr. Cronin in the United States. AC Ace-Bristol 1960 Jim Feldman, U.S. representative for the ACOC, located the car in Woodside, California, in Mr. Cronin’s ownership, approximately 10 years ago. Feldman, who is recognized worldwide for the quality and originality of his AC restorations, purchased the car as the ultimate basis for a future restoration. Accordingly, in 2006 he sold it to the consignor, who funded Feldman’s five-year restoration without regard to cost. Their agreement was that the car would be returned to its original specifications but at a level of quality equal or better than any Ace-Bristol now in existence. AC Ace-Bristol 1960 Feldman began his work by disassembling the car to the last nut and bolt. He determined that the chassis was in fine condition throughout, though some of the supporting tubes and inner panels would need replacement to ensure it was structurally sound; new frame and suspension fittings would be constructed with the stronger metal components later used by AC for Cobra chassis. The original six-cylinder Bristol engine, four-speed transmission, and rear end were rebuilt to modern vintage racing standards, matching the Stage II specifications of the original engine in components such as the high-compression head, driveshaft, bearings, pistons, and camshaft. With the possibility that the car might be used for long-distance touring, Feldman also fitted a correct period Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The result is a drivetrain that would be expected to produce more power than any regular 100D2 Bristol engine while being comfortable to drive at speed over long distances. AC Ace-Bristol 1960 Feldman fitted the period-correct optional aluminum fuel tank and second fuel pump running through a second fuel line into the carburetors. A period aftermarket glass fuel filter is the only modification from original specifications in the engine compartment. Though 15-inch wheels were available as an option in 1959, to later be used on the Cobras, Feldman decided to keep the classic-look 16-inch, 56-spoke, cross-laced wheels and narrow tires that are seen in period racing pictures, retaining the lovely stance with the optional disc brakes, fitted from new. Of course, five new wheels and original-spec Michelin X tires were secured from England. AC Ace-Bristol 1960 All the original exterior panels were retained and carefully reconstructed by an aluminum panel specialist. The body was refinished in a lovely shade of Aston Racing Green, with complementary green upholstery. The car is fitted as original with the attractive and practical curved windshield that was optional on the last of the Aces and will be familiar to Cobra enthusiasts. It has period-correct racing seatbelts with brand-new webbing and comes fully equipped with new top and side-curtains.
1956→1962 AC Ace-Bristol Despite being one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers, AC made its best impression with the Ace as debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. It was one of England’s first post-war sports cars, featuring an attractive body and a simple, yet sporting, chassis. In later years, the design was used by Carol Shelby to create the more blatant Shelby Cobra. Brothers Charles and Derek Hurlock bought AC during and managed it during this transitional period. They partnered […]
1956→1962 AC Ace-Bristol Despite being one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers, AC made its best impression with the Ace as debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. It was one of England’s first post-war sports cars, featuring an attractive body and a simple, yet sporting, chassis. In later years, the design was used by Carol Shelby to create the more blatant Shelby Cobra. Brothers Charles and Derek Hurlock bought AC during and managed it during this transitional period. They partnered […]
1957 AC Ace-Bristol – Ex-Bill Love / 1000 km of Daytona 1959-Supplied new to American west coast racer, William ‘Bill’ Love-Raced by Love in SCC
1956→1962 AC Ace-Bristol Despite being one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers, AC made its best impression with the Ace as debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. It was one of England’s first post-war sports cars, featuring an attractive body and a simple, yet sporting, chassis. In later years, the design was used by Carol Shelby to create the more blatant Shelby Cobra. Brothers Charles and Derek Hurlock bought AC during and managed it during this transitional period. They partnered […]
1957 AC Aceca Bristol Engined Vin Number: BE724Registration Number: 500BBPFully restored to Concours condition with a body off by nut and bolt restora
Anno 1960 - Chassis no. AEX 756
1956→1962 AC Ace-Bristol Despite being one of Britain’s oldest car manufacturers, AC made its best impression with the Ace as debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show. It was one of England’s first post-war sports cars, featuring an attractive body and a simple, yet sporting, chassis. In later years, the design was used by Carol Shelby to create the more blatant Shelby Cobra. Brothers Charles and Derek Hurlock bought AC during and managed it during this transitional period. They partnered […]
The AC Aceca-Bristol was built from 1956 as a more powerful variant of the AC Aceca, the addition of the Bristol suffix denoted the fitment
1954 AC Aceca Introduced in 1954, the Aceca was a fastback version of AC’s seminal Ace roadster. Built as an exclusive Grand Touring car, each Aceca featured new curved windshield and a hinged rear hatch. Like the Ace, the Aceca had the same sporting independent suspension and lightweight aluminum body that made the car popular. Half way into production, the antiquated prewar AC engine was replaced by a Bristol unit having 120 bhp. About 300 Acecas were completed before both […]
1954 AC Aceca Introduced in 1954, the Aceca was a fastback version of AC’s seminal Ace roadster. Built as an exclusive Grand Touring car, each Aceca featured new curved windshield and a hinged rear hatch. Like the Ace, the Aceca had the same sporting independent suspension and lightweight aluminum body that made the car popular. Half way into production, the antiquated prewar AC engine was replaced by a Bristol unit having 120 bhp. About 300 Acecas were completed before both […]
1954 AC Aceca Introduced in 1954, the Aceca was a fastback version of AC’s seminal Ace roadster. Built as an exclusive Grand Touring car, each Aceca featured new curved windshield and a hinged rear hatch. Like the Ace, the Aceca had the same sporting independent suspension and lightweight aluminum body that made the car popular. Half way into production, the antiquated prewar AC engine was replaced by a Bristol unit having 120 bhp. About 300 Acecas were completed before both […]
1958 AC Ace-Bristol Roadster crossing the auction block at Monterey 2019 as S90.
The Bristol 407 GTZ Zagato coupé was a styling exercise displayed at the Motor Show but not developed as a production series.
