1960 AC Aceca Bristol 'Ace Bodied'

Lot details
Registration No: DMT 70
Chassis No: BE774
Mot Expiry: March 2011

This car was originally built by AC Cars Ltd as an Aceca-Bristol two-seater fixed-head coupe. The notable Motor Dealer and Racer, Mr Ken Rudd supplied it to first owner, Mr F K Sharpe of Lincoln on 11th February 1960. As delivered the car was finished in Princess Blue with red leather interior and silver wheels, it also sported the desirable options of an overdrive gearbox and front disc brakes.

The AC was next heard of during 1980, when a Mr P Ward rescued the non-running car from a garage in Bristol. By that time it had lain dormant for many years and along the way had acquired a one-off coupe body. Deterred by the estimated quote for repairs that he received from AC Cars Ltd, Mr Ward decided to sell the two-seater. Thereafter, it passed through the hands of several well-known AC Owners' Club members who began the process of restoration. The chassis and suspension were completely refurbished and a new aluminium Ace body was commissioned from renowned metalworkers Shapecraft, copied from the earliest known surviving AC Ace (chassis number AE24).

The current owner acquired the unfinished project, less engine and gearbox, in 1999 and spent several years completing the work. A correct specification engine and gearbox were fitted and the AC reunited with its original registration mark, 'DMT 70' (non-transferable), having been reserved by the DVLA pending completion. The AC Owners' Club committee accepted the car as being the original vehicle, and it appears in their Aceca-Bristol register with the comment that it is now Ace-bodied.

Sensible upgrades were incorporated to make the two-seater better suited to today's road conditions but these can easily be reversed by a new owner should they so wish. The uprated components comprise: rack and pinion steering (original steering system is supplied); stainless steel manifolds and exhausts; better headlamps; higher efficiency oil pump; electric fuel pump; stainless steel fuel tank; locking filler cap; spin-on oil filter conversion; diaphragm clutch; thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan and dual-circuit brake master cylinder.

After 2,000 miles the opportunity arose - and was taken - to acquire the car's original Bristol 100D2 engine. The straight-six was then entrusted to a professional firm for an extensive overhaul which included the fitting of new pistons and bearings and the conversion of its original cylinder head to take unleaded valve seats and valves etc. Since being re-installed, it has been run-in and set-up on a rolling road to ensure that it performs as a 100D2 unit should.

After being off the road for the best part of 30 years, the AC now looks stunning in a subtle metallic silver colour. While to the interior, its red leather upholstery and similarly hued carpets are offset by a Mota-Lita wood rim steering wheel and black-faced instruments. Having been zeroed during restoration, the odometer stands at less than 5,000 miles, with the original engine having done about 2,000 miles since being refreshed. No hood is fitted.

The bodywork, paintwork and trim are described as generally excellent, acquiring a nice patina. The five Michelin X tyres are almost new. Tasked with fitting replacement Solex carburettors and attending to various minor items last year, the specialist firm Spencer Lane-Jones reportedly commented that 'DMT 70' was the fastest AC Bristol they had ever tested. Recent car tax (historic) and MOT.

This car is therefore in a very presentable condition and is crying out to be used and enjoyed. It combines the advantages of the Aceca's heavier-duty chassis and flexibly-mounted rear differential with the open-air motoring of the Ace.