To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys' Amelia Island event, 8 - 9
March 2019.
Estimate:
$400,000 - $450,000
- Discovered in long-term storage near Philadelphia
- Beneficiary of a recent high-quality, nut-and-bolt
restoration
- One of only 463 Ace-Bristols produced between 1954 and
1963
- Absolutely magnificent presentation throughout
The Ace, which was based on a sports racing car designed by John
Tojeiro, was introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1953,
and it remains the signature product of the AC marque. It was
equipped with four-wheel independent suspension and sleek bodywork,
which was reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari barchettas.
In 1956, the highly regarded 1,971-cc Bristol six became available,
upgrading the standard Ace to Ace-Bristol specification. This
high-revving, state-of-the-art power unit initially produced 125
bhp at 5,750 rpm, which rose to 128 hp in its ultimate D2
specification, care of increased compression from 8.5:1 to 9:1. The
engine could trace its origins back to BMW's advanced pre-war 328
design, which helped make it successful in racing well into the
1960s.
Bristol-powered Aces were brilliant in competition, winning three
successive SCCA E-Production Championships between 1957 and 1959,
followed by D-Production Championship in 1960 and C-Production
Championship in 1961. The Ace-Bristol also scored very well at Le
Mans, where it finished 2nd in class in 1957 and 1958 and achieved
a sterling class victory and 7th overall in 1959. This performance
no doubt left an impression on 1959 Le Mans winner Carroll Shelby,
who later created his own 289 and 427 Shelby Cobra derivatives
based on the classic AC Ace.
This beautiful 1956 example was purchased from a British sports car
collector in Philadelphia, following a number of years in storage.
The car has benefitted from a no-expense-spared, ground-up
restoration. During the recently completed four-year restoration,
great attention was paid to utilizing factory-correct parts and
finishes. Today, the car is presented in the stunning shade of
Aston Martin Almond Green. It rides on new, period-correct tires
which are mounted on handsome 16-in. chrome Turrino wire wheels
with AC knock-off caps. The car is powered by the desirable Bristol
straight six-cylinder engine which is paired to a four-speed manual
transmission. The interior has been freshly appointed in Andes
Green leather, sourced from Spinneybeck. Period-correct Wilton wool
was sourced for the carpet. Protection from the elements is
provided by either an Everflex convertible top with side curtains
or tonneau cover. The Ace-Bristol is accompanied by a tool roll,
original jack with rods, as well as a full-size spare.
One of only 686 Ace-Bristols produced between 1954 and 1963, this
example stands out as one of the finer restored examples available.
Fully sorted, having been driven 500 miles since the completion of
its restoration, this AC is ready for the road ahead.To view this
car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit
the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/am19.