Vehicle Description
Motorcar Studio is pleased to offer this rare and desirable 1936 AC
16/70 four-seat roadster with Earl of March coachwork. This AC has
lived a remarkable life and is offered for sale for the first time
in nearly 50 years on behalf of the estate of the late owner, who
purchased it while living in England in 1970. Believed to be one of
only 55 produced between 1933 and 1936, L441 has been used
extensively for touring and shows. It remains in running and
driving condition - it was driven from Atlanta to the Hilton Head
Concours d'Elegance where it was shown on the lawn in 2016. Its
next owner will likely wish to embark on a cosmetic restoration as
the paint and interior trimmings are tired and the car could
benefit from servicing. Here are some additional details in the
words of the late owner, taken from the "hang tag" which he
displayed on this car at shows:
"This typical 1930s English tourer was made by the AC Car Company
of Thames Ditton, West of London. The car is hand-made of aluminium
on ash wood framing with wings of steel, all mounted on an
under-slung Standard chassis shared with its contemporary, the
SS90. There were only nine four seaters made in 1936 and only 55 in
total between 1933 and 1936. The engine is AC's own 6 cylinder 2
litre device that employs wet liners in mostly aluminium castings
with the exception of the iron head. The single overhead cam design
was advanced for its time in 1920 when it first appeared and
enabled it to survive in development into the early '60s, the
horsepower rising from 35 bhp in its original single carbureted
form to over 100 bhp with three SUs. This car has triple SUs and is
rated at 70 bph as the name implies. Brakes are self energizing, by
Bendix, employing the typical rods and cables of the day, and while
the hand brake works on all four wheels its 'fly-off' action can
catch out the unwary. The Jacking system is notable, the three
jacks being permanently attached to the car enabling it to be
raised completely from the ground. The car has had an active life
during its current ownership since 1970 and has traveled
extensively throughout Britain and Europe, including a double
crossing of the Alps for its 40th birthday."
The owner was involved in a number of British car clubs both in the
UK and in the US and this car is well known. He took part in
countless shows and touring events in the US and abroad, always
driving the car, never trailering it, including: MCVV Vista
Rallies, winning in 1972 and 1973; Manchester Vintage Car Club
Fifth, Sixth, and Seventh Vista Rally (1975-78); Astle Park
Traction Engine Rally (1975 and 1982); Manchester Vintage Car Club
Rally Manchester Southport (1976-1978); Grand Transport
Extravaganza (1976 and1977); Buxton Opera Run (1979). He was
awarded second in class at British Motorcar Day in Rome, Georgia
(2010) and first in class (2011); First in class at the British
Motorcar Day Roswell, Georgia (2013, 2014, and 2015); and "Diamond
in the Rough" at Southeast British Car Festival, Dillard, Georgia
(2018).
After trading his 1928 Cabin Cruiser on the River Thames for the AC
in 1970, this car was a daily driver until 1986, and subsequently
driven on average 2,500 miles each year. Records indicate an engine
rebuild in 2015. A pallet of spare parts accompanies the sale which
includes two core engines, a transmission and boxes of
miscellaneous "unobtainium" used and NOS pieces. Stacks of
paperwork are included along with an original English number plate,
old registrations, many handwritten notes and a copy of an owners
handbook / service manual. A rare opportunity for an intact,
running and driving, alloy-bodied, coach-built car that would be
welcome at the finest shows or touring events worldwide once
restored.
For more information about this 1936 AC 16/70 March Special Sports
Tourer for sale at Motorcar Studio in Atlanta, please call +1
404-692-5250. We welcome you or your inspector. Worldwide shipping
available at reasonable rates.