Featured Automobiles
A.C. Cars – builders of iconic British sportscars
Originally established by John Weller as ‘Auto-Carrier’ to manufacture a lightweight tradesman’s delivery vehicle, the A.C. name was introduced in 1907 with the launch of the Sociable model, designed for personal transportation. A.C. Cars was controlled by S.F. Edge from 1922 until its forced receivership following the stock market crash of 1929. The business was purchased from the receivers by the Hurlock brothers and they and their family would retain ownership of the brand for the next 57 years
In the early 1950’s the Hurlocks realised that if they wanted to survive they had to change. In an amazingly short space of time they all but ceased production the worthy but dated ‘2-litre’ model and transformed themselves into a sportscar builder. Based on one of John Tojeiro’s successful sports-racing car designs, the prototype Ace was conceived, developed and unveiled all within a few months in 1953. The Aceca coupe appeared the following year. With a range of three engine options, both models continued in production largely unchanged for almost a decade.
The A.C. Ace Bristol and the A.C. Aceca Bristol, two of the most esteemed models produced at their Thames Ditton works, played a key role in elevating the company’s reputation during the late 1950s and early 1960s. The A.C. Ace Bristol was particularly lauded for its exceptional handling and driving experience. It was reviewed in Autosport in 1959 as being “well ahead of anything else,” and dominated the American sportscar championship from 1957 -61.
Meanwhile, the A.C. Aceca Bristol, a sleek and elegant coupe, catered to a different clientele, positioned as a “businessman’s express.” While it retained the performance characteristics of its sibling, it also offered a more refined, comfortable package for long-distance touring. Both models, powered by the high-performance Bristol engine, helped solidify A.C.’s brand as one of the most respected in the sports car market of that era.
