1959 AC Ace Bristol

a late production example with factory disc brakes
retains its original 100D engine
delivered new to texas

Location: Registration:

available to view in central london

The AC ACe

Based on the design of ‘LOY500’, John Tojeiro’s Bristol-engined sports racer, the AC Ace was arguably even more handsome. Introduced in 1953 and initially powered by AC’s own 1991cc OHC engine (actually a 1920’s design), the Ace was an instant success with those looking for a stylish, great handling British sportscar. From 1956, improved availability of Bristol’s tuneable 1971cc six cylinder engine gave AC another power option for the Ace which gave the aluminium-bodied sportscar a welcome boost in both performance and sales.

Upgraded with optional Girling front disc brakes in 1957, AC Ace Bristols achieved considerable success at Le Mans as well as dominating their class in the Sports Car Club of America’s production championship for several years on the trot. Although a few late cars were fitted with the more prosaic but tunable Ford Zephyr engine, it is the Bristol variant that has gone on to be treasured by collectors all over the world for its superb all-round performance and unmistakable engine note.

The AC Ace Bristol is the archetypal classic British sportscar, offering a perfect blend of usable performance, great handling and long distance comfort all wrapped in an exquisitely styled body. Add in competition pedigree and recognised collectability and it could just be the perfect 50’s sportscar. Here at Brian Classic & Company we have a particular soft spot for the Ace Bristol and have owned something like 20 of them over the years, including a number that we completely restored from the ground up.

Sage-green AC Ace Bristol, front three-quarter from the left in a London mews

Sage-green AC Ace Bristol, high rear three-quarter from the right

chassis BEX1115

BEX1115 left the factory in October 1959 bound for Texas. This car, unlike many others that went to the US, seemingly had a gentle life and still retains its matching numbers engine, corresponding to the original chassis plate on the bulkhead. In addition, all of its important number stampings appear in the correct places on the bodywork, i.e. doors, bonnet and boot hinges, and the car retains most of its original trim and weather equipment.

The car came back to the U.K. over 30 years ago and spent a long time in the collection of a titled gentleman. The following owner purchased the car in 2010 but very sadly passed away only a couple of years later and the Ace sat, untouched, in his garage for the next decade, until his family felt they were ready to make the difficult decision to let the car go.

Its time in storage had not been too hard on the car and the recommissioning was largely concerned with the replacement and overhaul of perishable items. The hydraulic systems were fitted with new cylinders or rubbers as necessary, new front brake calipers were fitted and the fuel lines were replaced. The waterpump was rebuilt and upgraded by Ian Nuthall Racing and fitted with new hoses. Nuthall’s also supplied a complete new stainless steel exhaust system. A new set of 16” wire wheels were also fitted, with Dunlop tyres.

The history file contains various invoices for work carried out since returning to the U.K. including from Finburgh’s Classic Auto’s for the late owner, who had the car prepared with long Continental trips in mind. This included the fitment of an electric fuel pump, 12V power sockets in the cockpit and strengthened steering box mountings.

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