Fantasy Junction

Description

1959 AC Ace-Bristol
s/n AE 1016, Engine no. 1079 100 D2
Black 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 Ace-Bristol (titled as a 1957) is eligible for many of the premier historic events such as the California Mille Miglia, and the Colorado Grand, among others.

This AC Roadster was originally ordered and invoiced as a standard \"UK Market” AC Ace with high-compression (8.0:1) 2.0-liter ACE engine, No. CLB-2392. It retained this engine for some years until being upgraded with a late specification Bristol engine, number 1079 100 D2.

s/n AE1016 was ordered new by European Cars Company Ltd., of London. It was ordered new and shipped from the AC Factory in Thames Ditton on February 28th, 1959. The original exterior color was \"Bright Blue Metaline\" and it was trimmed in a red full leather interior, just as it is today. The original hood and tonneau cover were both black, as presently seen on the car.

AE 1016 is a late specification AC Roadster, which correctly features the front Girling Disc Brakes and four-speed gearbox with electrically actuated overdrive- the later a feature that not even the original Bristol engine cars can boast! It is titled, identified and registered in all documents as a 1957 model to allow it entry to better rallies, races and tours, but is in fact a late specification, 1959 model by build date.

The European Cars Company Ltd, sold the car new to the Davies Car Centre Ltd at 22-34 Horn Lane, Acton, London W3. They in turn sold it to the first private owner, Mr. K.L. Bowers, who also resided in Acton, London. The car was issued and remained for most of its life on UK registration plates \"605 UMH\".

s/n AE 1016 was carefully preserved and well cared for throughout its life which has seen it travel to the four corners of the world including a long-stint in a private Japanese Museum Collection for nearly 20 years.

Although the subject of an engine upgrade and an exterior color change, this particular example is a remarkably well preserved car which appears to have an entirely untouched, and un damaged body and chassis. The Interior, floor, and inner fender panels all appear to be original to the car, further supporting the unmolested and undamaged nature of the car.

Included with the sale of this example is the top and top frame, and matching spare wire wheel with tire. This well traveled AC has been the subject of magazine articles in Classic Cars and also Thoroughbred & Classic, and original copies of both of these accompany the car.

Frequently described as the more sophisticated older brother of the Cobra, the AC Ace Bristol is an embodiment of the quintessential British sports car. Featuring a beautiful and elegant aluminum body, the car weighs less than 2,000 pounds, making it a very lithe and sporting car to drive on tour and rally events, many of which, this car perfectly suited for.

Please note that this car is titled as a 1957.

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