Vehicle Description
AC Cars Ltd. has a long and illustrious tradition of building some
of Britain's most memorable sporting cars. Founded in 1908, the
company first made utility vehicles delivery and trade under the
"Auto Carriers" banner. Around 1920, new management arrived and
reorganized the company as they shifted focus to become serious
manufacturers of quality sporting cars. Racing and record-breaking
became a priority, and the achievements quickly followed, with AC
scoring the first ever British victory in the 1926 Monte Carlo
Rally. A series of sporting saloons and touring cars sustained AC
until the outbreak of World War II when wartime contracts made AC a
handy profit. By the early 1950s, sales of their saloon cars began
to fall, and management decided a new direction was needed to keep
AC Cars relevant. The company hired a talented young designer named
John Tojeiro to design a new sports car around AC's venerable
inline-six. Tojiero caught the attention of AC after word got out
about the exquisite sports racing cars he built in a rented garage
near the AC factory. For the new road car, he applied his racing
experience, equipping the car with four-wheel independent
suspension and a twin-tube chassis. First shown at the 1953 Earls
Court Motor Show, the Ace was a beautiful little two-seat roadster
that held the distinction of being Britain's first all-independent
suspension sports car. The venerable overhead cam AC 1,991 cc
inline six was standard, with a Bristol-sourced 2-liter six coming
later as an option. Production began in 1954, and buyers relished
in the Ace's sublime handling and 100mph performance. In 1955 the
pretty Ace roadster was joined by the equally lovely two-seat
fixed-head Aceca Coupe. With an emphasis on Grand Touring, the new
coupe came equipped with roll-up windows, improved sound
insulation, and a useful boot beneath the opening rear hatch. The
performance was nearly identical to the open car, and the looks
were unspoiled (some would say they were enhanced) by the addition
of the lovely flowing roofline. Whether one prefers the open Ace or
the closed Aceca, the elemental design is one of the greatest of
all time, achieving iconic status through the many Cobra replicas
that are still produced today. This 1958 AC Aceca is an original
left-hand drive example and one of just 151 AC-powered Acecas
produced in total. Chassis number AEX672, this car was completed on
June 24, 1958, and shipped to BC Sports Cars of Vancouver, British
Columbia. Exceedingly rare, this is one of just 28 AC-powered
Acecas produced in 1958 and one of only 11 exported to Canada
during the model's entire run. It is an attractive car that has
never been entirely apart, instead, treated to restoration work
where needed, and now presented with a charming, road-ready
character. In 2007, AEX672 received some careful restoration work,
including a bare-metal respray, with an emphasis on retaining the
car's exceptional originality. Concurrently, the AC 2-liter
inline-six (number 2356-W) was rebuilt with particular care given
to preserving the original look. The car benefits from regular use,
care, and maintenance at the hands of its current enthusiast owner.
Attractively finished in light metallic blue, the Aceca rides on
argent painted 16-inch wire wheels, shod with correct style B.F.
Goodrich Silvertown bias-ply tires. As this car has seen regular
road use, a few minor touch-ups can be found on close inspection,
yet there remains a lovely and warm luster to the paintwork. Body
fittings and accessories include the rare tubular bumpers, the
classic egg-crate grille, and the scarcely seen roof-mounted
aerial. A pair of period correct Lucas Flamethrower driving lamps
on custom brackets supplement the tripod headlamps. The interior is
a particular highlight of this marvelous Aceca. Original leather
covers the seats, dash and door cards, and the wood door caps and
fascia panels have been carefully preserved. Newer carpets
integrated nicely into the otherwise original cabin. Numerous rare
period-correct accessories include the radio and speaker box, green
tinted Perspex sun visors, optional Moto-Lita steering wheel, even
the original seat belts. Smiths dials are restored, and the
switches and controls are in excellent original order. At the time
of the restoration, the window frames were re-chromed, and both the
windscreen and Perspex rear hatch window were replaced. An original
owner's manual and a very rare factory tool kit are included in the
sale. Under-bonnet detailing is also quite tidy, with a polished
cam cover and a trio of S.U. carburetors. Numerous records show the
car was regularly serviced and maintained, with recent receipts for
a new fuel tank and additional maintenance items. The AC 'six' runs
and sounds good, emitting an evocative bark from the exhaust,
although a recent period of disuse means some additional dialing-in
and service is recommended. Following its restoration, the Aceca
was shown at several prestigious concours, including the Amelia
Island Concours d'Elegance in 2009 as well as the Meadowbrook
Concours, and Glenmoor Gathering in the same year. Enthusiasts
covet the Aceca for the performance, Italianate styling, and
practicality. This car's charming, well-preserved character make it
ideally suited for entry into a wide array of driving events,
tours, and rallies around the world. It is eligible for such as the
Colorado Grand, Tour Auto, and the Targa Florio; events that are
sure to highlight the Aceca's exquisite poise and charming
character. Please note that this Aceca is a 1958-model year car;
however, it is currently titled as a 1959-model year. For
additional details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/6355-1958-ac-aceca/