Lot details Registration No: EPA 195 Chassis No: L426 Mot Expiry: May 2011
"The undisputed beauty of a March Special is more than surface deep. It is designed for enthusiasts who take pride and delight in their motoring" (Kevill-Davies and March advertisement, 1933)
Despite (or perhaps due to) nine years of stewardship under ebullient former Napier racer S.F. Edge, AC succumbed to receivership in early 1930. Snapped up by the Hurlock brothers to complement their thriving South London lorry, car hire, spares and haulage businesses, AC yielded a profitable servicing department and much needed factory space. Although, the new owners had no intention of becoming motor manufacturers, the infectious enthusiasm displayed by older staff members and the continuing orders placed by a fiercely loyal clientele saw them relent. Thus, in 1932 AC began to build a series of new cars based on a proprietary chassis fitted with a conventional ENV four-speed gearbox and their own fabulous John Weller designed straight-six engine. Something of an automotive milestone, this advanced 1991cc powerplant featured an alloy block, pistons and sump, chain-driven overhead camshaft and five-bearing crankshaft. Notably light and powerful compared to its peers, it was in production from 1919 to 1963.
The embryonic `Hurlock ACs' quickly gained a reputation for performance and agility. In a showing reminiscent of the marque's 1926 Monte Carlo Rally victory, a four car team took 1st, 4th and 6th places in the 1933 RAC Rally as well as winning the event's Concours d'Elegance. Buoyed up by their success (Charles and William had piloted the 4th and 6th placed cars respectively), the Hurlock brothers booked a stand at the London Motor Show that October. Utilising a new 9ft 7in wheelbase chassis with underslung rear axle, the show cars in their various tourer, saloon and coupe guises were notably rakish and lithe (a characteristic shared by their subsequent production siblings). Priced at a third more than their nearest competitor, Sir William Lyons' SS range, the cars' understated elegance and impeccable build quality drew comparisons among the contemporary motoring press with far more expensive machinery.
Arguably the most glamorous model in the new 'Hurlock AC' line-up was the one styled by avid Brooklands racer and future founder of the Goodwood circuit, Freddie March (grandfather to the current Earl of March). The proprietor of a successful coachwork design business, he oversaw the bodying of the first few March Special Sports Tourers but thereafter left AC to its own devices. Introduced in September 1933, the 16/70 sat on the improved low-type chassis which not only offered better roadholding / handling but also considerably more interior space; a real boon for taller drivers. Recording a top speed of 85.7mph when tested by The Autocar, the newcomer boasted triple SU carburettors and sundry tuning modifications. One of AC's slogans was 'The Saville Row of Motordom' and thus while the March Special Sports Tourer could be had in both high- and low-type chassis guises, just fifty or so are thought to have been made.
This particular example - chassis number L426 - was supplied new to Martin Harvey Esq. Migrating to America some time thereafter it was repatriated by renowned AC collector and historian David Hescroff Esq in circa 1979 / 1980. Sporting a fibreglass tail and somewhat down at heel, the March Special Sports Tourer was entrusted to Phil Whitaker Esq with instructions that it be given an extensive 'chassis up' restoration. Mr Whitaker carried out much of the mechanical and cosmetic work himself, though Rod Jolley Coachworks were commissioned to (a) reframe and repanel the 16/70 from its door hinges back and (b) fabricate new aluminium wings. The four-seater was rewired and upgraded with a modern fusebox which lives inside the bulkhead, while the coil was relocated to the battery locker for better protection and reliability. Pleasingly, the original (disconnected) components were refitted in their correct positions so as to give an authentic under bonnet appearance. Returning to the road in 1984, chassis 'L426' was used for a number of Continental trips and special occasions. Purchased from Mr Hescroff by Barry Sly Esq, the AC passed through the hands of Ivor Silverstone Esq and Simon Master Esq before entering the current ownership four years ago.
Featured in the book 'AC Heritage' by Simon Taylor and Peter Burn, the March Special Sports Tourer is understood to have covered some 14,000 miles since the completion of its restoration. The vendor further informing us that: "I have travelled about 1,300 miles in the 16/70 to attend various shows and VSCC events. During this time the cylinder head gasket has been replaced and a new radiator core and water pump fitted. The car now runs at 70-80 degrees Celsius and maintains oil pressure of 55-60 lb per sq in at 2,500rpm. The Moss four-speed gearbox has been overhauled and treated to new bearings, and has a precise gate which is a pleasure to use, once the driver becomes accustomed to it. The AC is equipped with Andre Hartford Telecontrol shock absorbers which can be independently adjusted to alter the damping whilst driving along via the two knurled knobs under the dashboard to the right of the steering column. The system has been refurbished and works well with the front and rear pressures displayed on gauges to the left-hand side of the dashboard. Some time has also been spent to ensure that the Bendix cable-operated brakes pull the car up smoothly and evenly. This together with the high geared steering provides the best ride and handling of any pre-war leaf-sprung sporting car that I have encountered.
The AC has a black double duck hood which folds flat behind the rear seat and is concealed by a cover which is held in position by two leather straps attached to turnbuckles in front of the boot lid. There is also a fitted tonneau to cover the rear seat area. The side screens which are in equally good condition are stored in a bag located in the boot compartment. I am now offering the car for sale to rationalise my collection and to concentrate on my competition car projects. I took the 16/70 to a local show in late June (2010) and was delighted to receive an award for the best presented car in the self-judged concours display from an entry of around 100 cars ranging from Model T Fords to Triumph Stags. So it is evident that Freddie March's coachbuilding style is still highly thought of, nigh on eighty years after its original conception. A copy of the original handbook and the 'Greyhound of The Road' mascot are included in the sale".
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