Fantasy Junction

Description

1957 AC Ace Bristol s/n BEX 378, Engine No. 100D 727 Teal with Red Leather In 1953, AC Cars built the Ace Roadster with a 100hp AC power plant riding on a light, tubular chassis under a beautiful, hand formed aluminum body. In 1956, AC built the Bristol Roadster which featured the lightweight tubular Ace chassis and a 2.0 litre Bristol six-cylinder engine with 3 downdraft carburetors producing 120 horsepower. Due to its light weight of only 1650 pounds, the car had great performance and handling. These cars raced at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958. Just 466 examples were built with the Bristol power plant between 1956 and 1962. When Bristol ceased building their 6-cylinder engine in 1961 the owner of AC, Charles Hurlock, was approached by Carroll Shelby to use a Ford V8 in the Ace chassis, producing the AC Cobra in 1962. Production of the Ace Bristol ended the same year. The AC Cobra was further developed into the legendary 289 and 427 Cobra`s which dominated the motor racing world. Unlike the AC Cobra, this AC Bristol (produced in 1957) is eligible for many of the premier historic events such as the Le Mans Classic, the Monterey Historics, and the Italian and California Mille Miglia, among others. This particular chassis was delivered on December 2nd 1957 via Precision Auto in Houston, Texas. The first owner was most likely a US Serviceman who exported the car to Saigon, Vietnam. Previous owner F. Giglotti brought the car in 1974, apparently having returned from South East Asia in 1973 with the same Serviceman who exported it. Mr. Giglotti parked the car in 1974 until the current owner bought it and commenced a body off restoration. The restoration was a recent and comprehensive endeavor, which included a bare metal up repaint in this striking non-metallic teal, compete interior re-upholstery in red leather with red carpets, and engine rebuild from the crankshaft up with parts sourced from TT Workshops in England. The transmission and differential were opened and inspected, and new Spax shocks were fitted along with new period typical Avon tires. A new wiring harness was installed, the radiator re-cored, gas tank boiled out and refinished, and fuel pumps rebuilt, in addition to many other smaller items. The restoration work was finished in late 2007 and at this time the car has break-in mileage only. The paint and body work has been done to high standards. The panel match is good throughout. The paint, while fresh, has a few very minor imperfections associated with storage and assembly. The glass and many of the lenses were renewed as part of the restorative work. The car sits on painted wire wheels. The interior, trimmed in fresh red leather and matching wool carpet is absolutely stunning. While some of the Smiths gauges have been restored, others appear to be in very good original condition. This AC Ace Bristol is fitted with a three spoke wood rimmed steering wheel much like it would have been delivered with new. The engine compartment has also been restored. Many of the correct finished have been applied where appropriate. While not detailed for show purposes, the engine bay is more than presentable and is in the ideal condition for use on rallies or tour events. The underside shows every sign of a relatively fresh body off restoration, and is free of rust or obvious damage repairs. While the car is not overly detailed, evidence of much recent work is present. Mechanically, the car is in good condition. The newly rebuilt engine starts easily and makes excellent power with minimal smoke. The clutch and transmission both operate as they should, although there is some light bearing noise when the car is in neutral. As a 1957 year of production, this car remains eligible for this and many other prestigious events around the globe. With the car comes the restored top and frame, tonneau, reprinted Bristol engine manuals, and a photo and written documentary of the restoration work.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608

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