--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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