1957 AC Ace

AC Cars’ new Ace model was thoroughly modern, boasting a John Tojeiro design that featured a lightweight tubular frame chassis with fully independent suspension and smooth straight-six engine, clothed in strikingly beautiful, open two-seater alloy bodywork. Three years later, the introduction of the Bristol engine brought a significant increase in power and overall performance, elevating the Ace to the level of the era’s most advanced machinery. Featuring three carburetors, optional front disc brakes, and a four-speed gearbox, the Ace Bristol offered a very responsive and capable package. These cars quickly became popular in racing, competing in everything from amateur events to outings at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958, and eventually providing the basis for Shelby’s Cobra a decade after the initial debut of the car. ‌ An original Ace-engined export model, chassis AEX142 was shipped from the AC factory in Thames Ditton to the Los Angeles importers in 1957, and spent much of its life in California. It was upgraded to full Bristol specifications in period, including the correct-type 100D2 motor by its then-owner, anglophile Erwin Ashenfelter. The car was shown at Pebble Beach in 1969 and 1970, receiving class awards on both occasions. ‌ When Mr. Ashenfelter passed away in 1986, the Ace was sold to a passionate AC enthusiast, Mr. Sharp of Glendale. During Sharp’s ownership, the Bristol engine was removed and fitted to another car in his collection. Beginning in 1993, the Ace underwent an extensive restoration that returned it to Bristol specification, once again using a correct-type and dated 100D2 engine. The restoration also included the installation of front disc brakes, an upgraded radiator and differential, and extensive cosmetic work, with the bodywork structurally refurbished where necessary before the car was repainted in the red hue it retains today. ‌ In 2007, the car passed through a Gooding & Company auction at Pebble Beach, marking the end of its California ownership. It subsequently passed through a series of East Coast custodians before being acquired by the current owner in 2024. Purchased with the intention of enjoying 1000 Miglia-style tours, the car was immediately shipped to La Jolla, California for the Concours d’Elegance and then entered in the California Mille. Chassis AEX 142 completed the 1,000-mile event without incident, after which its new owner decided to drive it home – to Maryland. Following the old Lincoln Highway across the country, the Ace covered another 3,000 miles without issue, including a 140-mile stretch of US 50 in Nevada, “The Loneliest Road in America.” There, the car averaged its own top speed for the duration of the 140-mile stretch. ‌ Upon its return home, and keen to further improve the car’s performance, the Bristol engine was entrusted to Eclectic Motor Company, where it was rebuilt with Cosworth pistons, IN Racing “street/race” cam, new rods, pushrods and valve springs, flowed heads, a match-ported intake, and an increased compression ratio. On the dyno, these modifications yielded more than 50 hp over a stock 100D2. At the same time, the car received a sympathetic cosmetic restoration. With the work completed, AEX 142 was awarded the Chairman’s Award, the event’s Best in Show, at the 2025 Festival of Speed and Style in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Since then, it has completed another 1,000-mile vintage rally and its owner reports that it remains ready for further showing or touring. ‌ A popular choice for historic rallies, this AC benefits from decades of experience on the vintage rally circuit, freshly refurbished mechanicals, and handsome cosmetics suitable for the show field. With its proven touring ability and recent mechanical attention, AEX 142 is well prepared for continued participation in the vintage events of 2027 and beyond. car

Stima:€267,225

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