1956 AC Ace-Bristol

POA from Henderson Fellowes, London, UK

the AC Ace seemed to be undervalued. Not just in monetary terms: there was always a sense that people simply regarded it as the Cobra’s older, less exciting relative.

Those in the know have always appreciated the Ace’s more subtle approach, however. And the Bristolengined cars – the six-cylinder Bristol powerplant being a development of BMW ’s 328 unit – were a big improvement over the asthmatic AC-engined version, quickly becoming a racing success, with a class win at Le Mans. It’s a smooth and free-revving powerplant.

AC produced only 460 of these roadsters before supplies of the Bristol engines ran dry, making them fairly rare today. It’s amazing just how slender and restrained the Ace looks, especially in a traditional shade such as the Vineyard Green of this example, offered by Henderson Fellowes.

This was the 30th car off the Thames Ditton production line, destined for a life in the USA. AC importer Michell & Pauli of Los Angeles supplied the car to its first LA-based owner. In 1980 it was sold to Don Davis of Los Gatos, San Jose, who entered the Ace-Bristol in Historic races at Laguna Seca. It remained in California, regularly appearing at the Monterey Historic Reunion and other events.

In 2007, chassis BEX 182 returned to the UK and was subsequently sent to AC Ace restorer Winchester Motorsport. The body was stripped back to bare metal, the wheels replaced and mechanicals refreshed, with engine work handled by Stanton Motorsports. An overdrive was fitted to help drivability, with Weber carbs added to free up power. The original Solex units, needed to compete in Historic racing, are included.