--Bright Red, Black Bridge of Weir Leather Interior, Black Wilton
Carpeting, 4-Speed Manual Transmission, "Upgraded" to Bristol
Specification, Impeccable Provenance and Restoration. This AC Ace
Bristol is powered by a 1,971 CC OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine with
Triple Solex Carburetors and produces 128 BHP at 5,750 RPM. The
drivetrain runs through a 4-speed manual gearbox. It has front disc
brakes with rear drums and 4-wheel independent suspension. In its
day, the Ace Bristol was absolutely the car to have, offering a
responsive and capable driving experience. Later, it would become
the basis for Mr. Carol Shelby's venerable Cobra. It was shipped
from the A.C. factory in Thames Ditton to Los Angeles importers and
had remained in California for most of its life. This AC was shown
at The Pebble Beach Concours while under the ownership of Mr.
Ashenfelter, where it was the recipient of class awards on both
occasions. In the mid-1980's, it then changed hands to Mr. Sharp,
of Glendale, California. Mr. Sharp decided to remove the factory
Ace engine and place into another of his cars. In 1993, after
several years of ownership, the AC was sold-on and treated to a
complete restoration. It was at this point that this Ace was
upgraded to Bristol specification and fitted with its correct 100
D2 specification engine, drivetrain, larger capacity radiator,
differential and front disc brakes. In its most recent ownership
this AC has benefitted from four new Michelin X tires, full brake
service, some miscellaneous sorting and tuning, then participated
in the 2024 California Millie road rally, without fault and so well
without fault that is was then driven from the west coast all the
way back to the east coast via the old Lincoln highway route and
once again without fault so much so the car was then treated to a
complete engine rebuild and sympathetic restoration from Brad
Jenkinson / Eclectic Motors. The engine rebuild included IN
Engineering street / race cams, Cosworth pistons, flowed heads, a
bump in compression to 10:1, new pushrods, high performance valve
springs, and much more. Plus replacing the wheel hubs and axles / U
joints, addressed any paint imperfections, replaced the voltage
regulator, rebuilt the generator, rebuilt the tachometer, replaced
all control arm bushings, replaced wiper switch, replaced turn
signal relay plus more, all receipts are on file as well as photos.
With that work done, this AC was shown at the Festival of Speed and
Style where it took home the Chairman?s Award (their equivalent of
best in show). Afterwards was driven on another 1k mile rally in
fall of 2025 where, as one would expect, it once again performed
flawlessly. This is a well optioned and accessorized AC Ace
Bristol, with a remarkable pedigree and the product of old-world
engineering that is rarely found today. To date, it has always
received standard maintenance, when and where needed by its past
owners as well as marque specialists and thus, remains in excellent
in every respect. This AC is accompanied by its owner's manual,
restoration receipts, tool kit and bag, black soft top, restoration
photographs, full tonneau cover and Plexiglas windows. The AC looks
and performs as one would expect from an exceptionally restored
example and will qualify for almost any vintage sports car event,
the world over. It is likely one of the finest examples in
existence, and a wonderful opportunity to acquire an appreciating
mid-century automotive icon.
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