AC Ace-Bristol Roadster 1958, Inglaterra

AC Ace-Bristol Roadster 1958, Inglaterra
Fotografia

Chassis no. BEX1019

1 of 466 produced between 1956-1962

Two owner car

Driven less than 20,000 miles since 1958

Comprehensive restoration completed in 2017 by Vintage Auto Restoration and Repair in Roanoke, Virginia

D2 2.0L inline 6-cylinder engine, engine no. 826

Three downdraft Solex carburetors

Close ratio 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive

Independent front and rear suspension

Transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs

Front disc and rear drum brakes

Finished in Princess Blue Metallic with Dark Blue British leather upholstery

Smiths instruments

Wood-rimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel

Chrome wire-spoke wheels

History and restoration booklet

Owner's and workshop manuals

Original tool kit

Original LeMans racing radiator cowling and roll bar included

Hood bows, convertible top, tonneau cover, side curtains and storage bag

Two sets of Keys

Based upon a sports racer designed by John Tojeiro and introduced at the London Motor Show in October 1953, the Ace remains the signature product of Britain’s AC. Equipped with fully independent suspension and sleek bodywork reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari Barchettas, the Ace won nearly universal praise from its inception. After 220 Aces were built with AC’s proprietary engine, the 1971cc Bristol Six was available in 1956, creating the Ace-Bristol, which was inspired by British racer Ken Rudd. Initially producing 103 HP and rising to 125 HP in D2 specification, Bristol’s powerplant traced its origins to BMW’s legendary prewar 328. This 1958 AC Ace-Bristol is one of 466 produced between 1956 and 1962. Powered by the top D2 2.0L inline 6-cylinder engine, it is a two-owner car with less than 20,000 miles of use since 1958. It benefits handsomely from a comprehensive restoration completed in 2017 by Vintage Auto Restoration and Repair in Roanoke, Virginia. In addition to its D2 Bristol engine, the car is equipped with a close-ratio 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive, triple Solex downdraft carburetors and front disc and rear drum brakes. Visually striking in Princess Blue Metallic with Dark Blue British leather upholstery, it features Smiths instruments, a Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel and chrome wire-spoke wheels. Accompanying items include a history and restoration booklet, owner's and workshop manuals, an original toolkit, an original Le Mans racing radiator cowling and roll bar, top bows, convertible top, tonneau cover, side curtains with storage bag and two sets of keys. In addition to providing one of the finest driving experiences in all of postwar motoring, Bristol-powered Aces were brilliant on the track, winning three successive SCCA E-Production championships between 1957 and 1959, two D-Production championships in 1960 and 1961, and a 1959 Le Mans class victory. The Ace-Bristol is notable for being considered one of the best postwar sports cars, and this car is a stellar example of the breed.