Vehicle Description
AC, one of Britain's oldest independent marques, was a survivor.
After two world wars and the Great Depression, AC steadfastly
remained in business, building desirable low-volume, yet
high-quality motorcars. In the wake of WW II, AC resumed production
in 1947 with a sporty saloon powered by their venerable 1,991 cc
OHC inline six-cylinder engine. In 1949, a drophead coupe joined
the lineup, produced only during that year. Succeeding that in 1950
was the sporty and appealing two-door, five-passenger convertible
sports tourer, with coachwork by Buckland Body Works of
Hertfordshire. The handsome Sports Tourer was produced through 1956
and was an important milestone for AC, as it marked the transition
from traditional saloons and dropheads to the thoroughly modern,
John Tojeiro-designed AC Ace, a car that inspired Carrol Shelby to
create the iconic Cobra. An exceedingly rare early post-war AC,
this example is one of only 85 produced, and just three known
survivors with straight door tops. This car boasts intriguing and
well-documented history, having been purchased new by Mr. John Moir
- a man who would later become one of the most respected
authorities on the marque, and a devoted collector of AC cars. In
the late 1940's Mr. Moir drove his father's old Cadillac V-16
through the busy streets of Boston, where he lived. Wanting a
smaller car to negotiate the busy traffic, his father asked for
advice from a family friend regarding a suitable replacement. This
friend, a lover of British motorcars and a Lagonda driver,
suggested an AC. This was a time before the Ace and Cobra had made
AC a well-known marque in America. So, Mr. Moir requested a
brochure from AC and soon ordered this AC MK1 2-Litre Sports Tourer
finished in black with a special request for roll-up door windows.
This magnificent car arrived at the docks in New York City and soon
after was in his hands and on the streets of Boston. Mr. Moir
states in a handwritten note, which is included with the records
that accompany this car, that he drove this car until 1956 when he
sold it to a fellow teacher, who then sold it a year later to a
dealer. Thirty years later Mr. Moir saw an ad in a two-year old
Antique Automobile Club of America magazine that was offering a
black AC Tourer that he was sure was his old car. He called the
current owner and flew to PA within days to reunite with his
beloved AC Buckland. In his letter, Mr. Moir states that when once
he convinced the seller that he had indeed been the original owner,
they were both near tears. He was able to reacquire his old AC
after thirty years, and commissioned Sebert Motor Car Company in
Ontario, Canada to perform a comprehensive restoration to return it
to the exact specification as he had ordered it. In 2014, the AC
changed hands, joining the collection of noted collector Bobby
Monical who continued to care for the car and maintain the
excellent restoration. It has benefited from proper care and
storage and is undoubtedly one of the best examples of an AC
2-litre tourer available. As restored by Sebert Motor Car Company
in the early 1990s, the car is finished it in its original colors
and specification both inside and out, incorporating correct
details and finishes. After many years of light use and care, a few
minor paint imperfections can be noted on close inspection, but
otherwise the car remains quite attractive and well-preserved.
Excellent tan leather seats show just the slightest bit of use, and
are complemented by excellent wool carpets and beige door
cards/dash. Modified at the factory to have roll-up door windows,
it also includes rear side curtains in beige canvas to match the
top. Power comes via the 1,991 cc OHC inline six-cylinder with
triple SU carburetors, producing 74 horsepower, and connected to a
four-speed manual transmission. The engine rests in a tidy and
authentically detailed engine bay. The chassis featured hydraulic
front brakes and mechanical rear brakes, solid front and live rear
axles, with transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs. Rolling stock
consists of steel wheels finished in red with black rims and fitted
with blackwall Firestone Deluxe Champion tires. An attractive,
fascinating, and rarely seen touring car from AC, this lovely motor
is highly eligible for many prestigious pre-1957 driving events.
This may well be the finest example of its type, with the added
cachet of unique special-order features, original engine, and a
rich, fascinating history with one of the marque's foremost
champions. Offers welcome and trades considered For additional
details please view this listing directly on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7394-1950-ac-mk1-2-litre-sports-tourer/
