Vehicle Description
-Red with Black leather interior, Black carpeting, 4-speed manual,
Original LHD, Numbers matching, 18,000 miles from new, 1 of only
151 of the desirable first-edition Acecas built with the 2.0L AC
engine, Sympathetically restored and maintained when and where
needed with recent major servicing, Exceptionally preserved
example.
Derived from the quick and popular Ace roadster, the sleek Aceca
coupe was shown on the AC stand at the 1954 London Motor Show held
at Earls Court and was immediate proof that fast sports cars do not
need to be uncomfortable. With its lightweight aluminum bodywork,
hatchback configuration and high-quality interior appointments it
became one of the first modern high speed sport touring cars.
The AC Ace is powered by a 1,991 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
with Triple SU carburetors and produces 105 BHP at 4,500 RPM. The
drivetrain runs through a 4-speed manual gearbox with 4-wheel drum
brakes. In the day, the Ace was a very responsive and capable
package and "the car" to have.
This Ace left the factory on 21 June 1958 in the same color
combination and specification as it sits today. The Ace was shipped
to the Hap Dressel's AC Imports Inc, Arlington, VA, the East Coast
AC distributor at the time. The AC Ace is rarer than the Ace
Bristol with only 220 Ace's produced as opposed to 463 Ace Bristol
engine cars.
This AC Ace changed ownership from its first owner in the mid
1960's. It was then owned by the same AC collector through 2018. He
had not one, but two AC Acecas, the Aceca offered here being his
pride and joy. Throughout this ownership, this AC had moved with
its owner from New Hampshire to Nevada and finally to his
retirement in the State of Colorado. Sold in 2018 to a
dealer-collector friend of the owner, this AC was then treated to a
thorough mechanical overhaul and system overhaul throughout. Once
completed it was shown at the Concours on Rodeo in 2019. Autosport
Designs purchased the Aceca from this California ownership. Almost
immediately, the Aceca was sold on to a very well-known Long island
sports car collector enthusiast and friend of Autosport
Designs.
During this most recent ownership and within the last six months,
the Aceca received the following service-restoration at a cost of
approximately $35,000.00.
Servicing included: Full service maintenance, replacement of all
filters and fluids, Spark plugs, Ignition system service, Optima
battery and new cables, Rebuilt carbs, New exhaust manifold, New
stainless steel exhaust system, New fuel tank, New fuel pump, New
fuel lines steel and rubber, Accessory belts, New heater hoses, New
battery cutoff switch, Steering shaft lubricated, New rear
hubs-splines, New u-joints, New half shafts, Rebuilt differential
rear end, various suspension pressed bushings, New transmission
mounts, New wiring to front and rear lights, New tail and head
light gaskets, new wiper arms and wiper inserts, Sound proofing and
insulation to firewall, floors and boot areas as well as a set of
new MWS sealed painted wire wheels and new Michelin tires, New wire
wheel knock offs, New spare wheel and tire.
Currently in absolutely exceptional condition throughout, tis must
be one of the lowest original mileage Aceca's in the world and
which has been serviced thoroughly to make one of the finest
running Aceca's in the world. its original mileage can be
documented by any specialists inspection, it is truly a time-warp
AC Aceca. For the concours enthusiast it is perfect entrant for any
preservation class. On a recent road test, it proved to be
excellent in every way.
Of course, it is known fact that the AC Ace went on to serve as the
basis for the legendary Shelby Cobra. The Ace is ideal for vintage
rallies and tours such as the California Mille, the Copperstate
1000 and the Colorado Grand.
This AC is extremely user friendly and a joy to drive, even by
modern day standards. Sorted throughout, it is ready for immediate
use and enjoyment.
