Lot details Registration No: WTG 339 Chassis No: BE586 Mot Expiry: Exempt
1 of just 169 Aceca-Bristol cars made, factory records indicate that chassis BE586 was despatched to Castle Garage on January 15th 1957 and supplied new to D.G. Bennett Esq. A keen motorist, Mr Bennett contested the 1958 RAC Rally aboard `WTG 339' and reputedly commissioned AC to install its twin fuel fillers (a competition-inspired addition that the factory also made to Betty Haig's Aceca). Migrating to Ireland sometime thereafter, the two-seater was repatriated during 1977. Modified from Bristol to Ford Zephyr MKII power (a la the Aceca 2.6) before entering the previous ownership in 1998, chassis BE586 was subsequently treated to an extensive restoration. As well as a bare metal refurbishment of its aluminium bodywork, `WTG 339' was enhanced via a retrimmed interior, refinished brightwork and rejuvenated brakes (front discs / rear drums). Riding on new 15-inch `Cobra-type' wire wheels and fitted with a Ford Type 9 five-speed manual gearbox, balanced propshaft and refurbished differential, the AC also gained a new wiring loom, alternator, facet fuel pump and electric fan. Purchased by the vendor at our July 2010 auction, `WTG 339' has since benefited from an engine overhaul (`fast road' camshaft, ported head, lightweight Volvo pistons, new bearings), Ben Yates-supplied rack-and-pinion steering conversion, uprated transverse-leaf front spring (to compensate for the heavier 2.6-litre powerplant) and fresh gearbox bearings / seals not to mention an under bonnet fire extinguisher and inertia reel seatbelts courtesy of `Qickfit'. Sporting a remote spin-on oil filter, Ruddspeed rocker cover, Aquaplane inlet manifold and three 1.25-in SU carburettors, the Ford engine has been installed without disturbing its predecessor's chassis mounts. Described by the vendor as "running beautifully" and being in "excellent overall" condition, this historic Aceca comes with information dating back to 1978, numerous restoration photos / invoices and its original steering gear.
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