1957 AC Ace Bristol

Lot details
Registration No: YPX 630
Chassis No: BE367
Mot Expiry: April 2008

Introduced in October 1953, the AC Ace was essentially a reworked version of 'LOY 500' the handsome John Tojeiro designed sports racer with which motor trader Cliff Davis had notched up six wins and four seconds that season (in addition to placing ninth overall at the Goodwood Nine-Hours). Lured into collaboration with the Thames Ditton manufacturer by the promise of a £5 per car royalty fee (capped at £500), Tojeiro ensured that the new model's ladder-framed tubular chassis enjoyed the same handling prowess as its competition forebear by equipping it with all-round independent transverse-leaf suspension. Styled after 'LOY 500' (itself modelled on the Carrozeria Touring clad Ferrari 166 MM Barchettas), the Ace was arguably even more handsome. Initially powered by AC's own 1991cc OHC engine, the availability from February 1956 onwards of another straight-six in the guise of Bristol's tuneable 1971cc unit gave the aluminium bodied sports car a welcome boost in both sales and performance. Upgraded with Girling front disc brakes in 1957, Ace-Bristols achieved considerable success at Le Mans (1957: 10th o/a & 2nd i/c, 1958: 8th o/a & 2nd i/c, 1959: 7th o/a & 1st i/c) as well as dominating the Sports Car Club of America's production championship for classes E (1957-1959), D (1960) and C (1961).

A home market Ace Bristol, 'YPX 630' was supplied new to Ken Rudd of Worthing on 21st February 1958. Passing through the hands of Connaught Engineering (September 1959), A.E.C. Miles & Co (January 1960) and Alan Wershat (October 1962) thereafter, it was entrusted by the latter to AC for a substantial renovation in 1964. Apparently taken off the road a few years later, the two-seater resurfaced during 1981 with Lawrence Loveless who set about an extensive "ground-up, body-on" restoration. Stripped down, the original Bristol engine (number 100D 714) was reassembled with "new gaskets, hoses, timing chains and bearings" as well as "the camshaft, cam followers and clutch from a very low mileage unit". Benefiting from a thorough overhaul of its brake (disc front / drum rear) and suspension assemblies, the Ace was also treated to a bare metal respray and new tan carpets. Taking delivery in August 1983, new keeper Michael Campbell Bowling promptly dispatched the car to AC for further fettling including the installation of an oil cooler, new water pump and electric radiator fan etc.

Reportedly "further renovated and retrimmed at a cost of £5,643 (bills on file)" while in the possession of Lord Portman (1985), 'YPX 630' was acquired some eleven years later by its previous keeper, David Newman. Lightly modified with a high capacity fuel pump, aluminium foam-filled petrol tank and adjustable shock absorbers etc, the Ace Bristol took to the tracks not long after. Entering the current ownership in 1999, it has since covered some 6,700 miles. A distance which is said to have encompassed "AC Club sprints at Goodwood as well as International rallies in Switzerland, Germany and Luxemburg etc". Finished in red with light tan leather upholstery, this historic sportscar is described by the vendor as being in "very good overall" condition. Stated to retain its original engine and body, the two-seater is currently in road going trim but is accompanied by "a spare set of four 15-inch 72-spoke wire wheels shod with Dunlop racing tyres and an original AC Perspex racing screen". Summed-up by its present custodian as "an important and excellent example of this rare and evocative model", 'YPX 630' is offered for sale with a VSCC Competition Log Book, large history file, current MOT certificate valid until April 2008 and historic class (free) road tax valid until September 2008.