Fantasy Junction

Description

1962 AC Ace Bristol
s/n BEX 1166, Engine no. 100 D2 1064
Sage Green Metallic with Black Leather

Frequently described as the more sophisticated older brother of the Cobra, the AC Ace, and later the AC Bristol are embodiments of the quintessential British sports car. Featuring a beautiful and elegant hand-formed aluminum body, the car weighs less than 2,000 pounds, making it a very lithe and sporting car to drive. Originally powered by a comparatively anemic 100hp AC powerplant, the car received the excellent ex-BMW triple carbureted overhead valve inline-6 for 1956, giving the car a level of power that was more in keeping with the capabilities of its excellent chassis. The cars were successful in competition, with examples competing at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958, while in the United States, the AC Bristol won the Sports Car Club of America's E production class championship in 1957, 1958, and 1959. Just 466 examples were built with the Bristol power plant between 1956 and 1962, and when the supply of six-cylinder powerplants dried up, the Cobra was born, creating one of the most iconic and dominant sports cars of all time. Unlike the Cobra, however, the AC Bristols are eligible for the world's most prestigious events, including the Le Mans Classic, Italian and California Mille Miglia, and the Monterey Historics, and others.

Accordingly, while remaining road registered, s/n BEX 1166 has been an active participant in the Monterey and Wine Country Historic races under its current custodianship. During this time race preparation and regular service work has been performed by the famed Phil Reilly & Co, Inc. and McGee Motorsports, Inc. While this particular example has been an active vintage racecar for several decades, it still retains both its matching number engine block and head, and is a desirable D2-spec car from new.

Previously sourced from a long term owning family fanatical about their Bristols, Fantasy Junction had the pleasure of supplying this AC Ace-Bristol to the current owner in 2012. At that time it had received a full repaint in sage green metallic, and presents beautifully today. Since then, other work performed, mainly by Reilly & Company has included:
• In-depth safety inspection and fluid check
• Rewire tail and brake lights
• Shrink wrap brake lines and connectors
• Adjust rear brakes and tighten half shaft fasteners
• Tighten leaf spring center plates
• Lube all chassis points
• Clean fuel pump filters
• Reposition outer front leaf spring clamps
• Replace fuel lines from pumps to carburetors
• Install new Radiator
• Restore oil cooler
• Install thermostatic radiator fan and dash switch
• Restore turn signal control box
• Install new driver’s side shoulder and lap belts
• Install new steering column grommets and felt bushings
• Install new Raydot side mirror
• Install competition transponder bracket
• Install oil and water warning lights
• Install oil pressure and water temperature sending units to cylinder block
• Fabricate new rear tow hook
• Service steering box
• Install fire bottle
• Install battery disconnect switch
• Restore voltage regulator and generator
• Re-enforce front control arm mouth and lower fender brace

As would be expected of a competition prepared AC Bristol, the car is very sprightly on the open road. The suspension has a taut, firm feel, and the disc brakes are every effective. The steering is precise and well centered. The transmission requires deliberate action on behalf of the driver, but operates properly. The engine makes very good power, and revs freely with a crisp exhaust note. In short, the car is positioned perfectly to be a hybrid road rally/vintage race car, and could be driven to the track, raced, and driven home.

Cosmetically the car presents as a very attractive driver with fresh paint of a straight and sound body. The car sits on aluminum 15” Borrani wire wheels, with a matching Borrani spare. The interior of this example is discreetly fitted with under dash warning lights, and a removable roll bar, both for competition purposes. The engine bay, truck, and underside are all representative of a very well prepared historic rally/race car.

This is an excellent opportunity to acquire a wonderfully sorted matching-numbers AC Bristol roadster prepared for aggressive driving events. A proven event car, this example is eligible for prestigious rallies and events around the world. It comes with records for work performed under the current ownership period, a car cover and extra set of keys, a small box of extra parts, and unrestored weather equipment including a top and bows, and side curtains.

Note: While currently registered in California as a 1962, this car is believed to have been produced in 1960.

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