1958 AC Ace Bristol

Lot details
Registration No: TSU 173
Chassis No: BEX 404
Mot Expiry: April 2004

When launched in 1953, the AC Ace caused a quite a stir, not only for its still drop dead gorgeous lines, but also for being one of only two production motor cars then available with all independent suspension. Initially, with AC's own 2-litre 90bhp engine, the Ace delivered 0-60mph in 11.4sec and go 103mph flat out. However, with the more robust and more powerful 125bhp Bristol engine underbonnet from 1956, 0-60mph took 9.1sec and it would do 118mph! The Ace Bristol became the car to have - and to beat - on rallies and in racing.
This Ace Bristol originally left AC's Thames Ditton workshops in 1958 and was full restored by the late Chris Bradbury in the early 1990s, the sports car subsequently being driven by his wife before sale. The current West Sussex owner acquired it in 2002.
We understand from him that it has a fully rebuilt 100DS-spec Bristol engine with sports cam, Cosworth pistons, gas-flowed cylinder head, a Bristol gearbox with the desirable overdrive feature, front disc brakes and 15in wire wheels. It is finished in a most attractive colour combination of light metallic green with contrasting dark green nose band, both reportedly being in excellent condition, and the interior is trimmed in green leather, which is said now to be nicely patinated. With the benefit of VSCC papers, it can continue to be exercised in all manner of well run events.