1948 AC 2-Litre Drophead Coupe

Registration No: KLM 558
Chassis No: L990
MOT: Exempt

• Reputedly the sole roadworthy survivor of just 14 Drophead Coupes made before the introduction of the Buckland model
• Extensively featured in Leo Archibald's book on 'AC Two Litre Saloons and Buckland Sports Cars' - a copy of which is included in the history file alongside the original buff logbook etc
• Restored during the early 1990s and treated to further fettling including an engine overhaul in 2009 at a cost of some £18,000
• A handsome 4/5-seater drophead coupe that is said to have been 'used regularly but sparingly over the years'

We are indebted to the vendor's agent for the following description:

This stunning 1948 AC 2 Litre, 6-cylinder triple carburettor drophead is a 5-seater tourer first registered in February 1949 in Burgundy with Beige hood and complimenting red leather interior.

With its light aluminium body and straight six engine fed by SU carburettors, the car is surprisingly nimble to handle.

The tourer was manufactured by AC Cars of Thames Ditton, Surrey, famous for the iconic AC Ace and AC Cobra of the 1960's. The company goes back to 1901 when their first motor vehicle was produced. In 1919 the company started production of its own AC 2 litre engine which was developed and improved over the years and basically propelled the AC cars for over 40 years.

This car is a rare example. Coach-built by AC themselves in the post-war years, only 14 were made in drophead form with this vehicle believed to be the sole survivor on the road today. This actual car is extensively featured in Leo Archibald's book on AC Saloon and Sports Cars - a copy of which is included with the car. The model was succeeded in 1949 by the AC Buckland DHC where some 70 or 80 were built.

In the early 90's the car underwent a restoration but then in 2009 was extensively gone through including a thorough engine overhaul costing over £18,000 with receipts on file. The car has its original jack, starting handle and a complete fitted tool kit enclosed in the boot lid. AC logo foot pedals and oil-can under the bonnet are some of the many features that make this car unique. The original semaphore signals still work although flashing traficators have been added.

The car is extremely well presented although some paint variation is evident. It has been used regularly but sparingly over the years.

The car comes with a wealth of historical paperwork including the original buff registration book.