AC Aceca-Bristol 1958 - World Of Classic Cars -

AC Aceca-Bristol 1958

A new special AC model made available beginning in 1956, the “hot” Aceca-Bristol was the “luxe coupe” version of the exciting Ace-Bristol, powered by a 1,971–cubic centimeter, six-cylinder Bristol engine, which was based on the famous pre-war BMW 328 mill that had hemispherical combustion chambers and an inclined valve train. Its greater performance unlocked the true potential of the chassis beneath, and the light and agile Aceca-Bristol would be a favorite of period road tests.
The Aceca-Bristol shown here has its original Bristol engine, the number of which matches the car’s original firewall tag, as well as AC Owners Club records.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1958

According to long-term owner and noted AC collector John Moir, the car’s original owner was Peter Winston, the son of renowned New York City jeweler Harry Winston. Young Mr. Winston had used the car as an everyday driver in Manhattan for some years, after which he sold it through an acquaintance to Tom Hickey, a well-known sports car racer from Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Eventually, Mr. Hickey decided to send the Aceca-Bristol back to AC Cars in Thames-Ditton, where it was totally refurbished to its original condition by the factory that had built it new! Upon its return stateside, the proud owner displayed the car at various New England sports car events, where it was very popular and became well known as one of the finest Aceca-Bristols in the world. Only when Mr. Hickey was stricken with a tragic illness did he sell his AC to perhaps the most avid of its many admirers, John Moir. It was acquired from the Moir stable by its present owner two years ago.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1958

The last three decades have left the car with a wonderful, rich “patina,” a term often overused but well applied here. The red leather interior has softened and been broken-in gently, and it is as comfortable as it appears. The dashboard instruments and interior trim are still in beautiful condition throughout, and the black lacquer finish, which shows only the lightest of wear, is still in very good condition. As recently as 2015, it placed Second in Class at the Misselwood Concours, entered by its current owner, a longtime ACOC member, and was reportedly a crowd favorite. Overall, the car is best described as resembling what a well-kept, gently driven Aceca-Bristol would have looked like circa 1968.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1960 - World Of Classic Cars -

AC Aceca-Bristol 1960

At the 1954 London Motor Show, AC debuted the Aceca, an attractive closed variant of their popular Ace Roadster. As would be expected from a coupe, the new model had a greater degree of refinement and sophistication, and passenger comfort was made a design priority. The chassis-mounted rear differential utilized rubber bushings, which reduced the amount of noise, vibration, and harshness transferred from the road to the car’s interior. In addition, the hand-built aluminum bodywork now included a bulkhead of sound-absorbing fiberglass between the engine and the passenger compartment. Nonetheless, this was no “softie,” and with fully independent suspension and a six-cylinder engine, the Aceca provided remarkable handling and spirited performance.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1960

This was never truer than in the Aceca-Bristol, a new special model that was made available beginning in 1956. The Aceca-Bristol was powered by a 1,971–cubic centimeter, six-cylinder Bristol engine, which was based on the famous pre-war BMW 328 mill that had hemispherical combustion chambers and an inclined valve train. Its greater performance unlocked the true potential of the chassis beneath, and the Aceca-Bristol would be a powerhouse in competition, as well as a favorite of period road tests, many of which noted that most amateur drivers would run out of skill before approaching the Aceca-Bristol’s own limits.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1960

The rare original left-hand-drive Aceca-Bristol was imported to Los Angeles in 1960 by Worldwide Automotive Imports, having been ordered by its first owner to the specifications of the SCCA E/Production class-winning Ace-Bristol, including the desirable higher-performance Bristol D2 engine, Laycock de Normanville overdrive (adding two additional gears to the already satisfying four-speed transmission), a racing-quality oil cooler for reliability, and front disc brakes to enhance the car’s handling.
Chassis number BEX 766 was completely restored, including a full engine rebuild, in 2002–2003 by Classic European Restorations in Oceanside, California, including being repainted in its original grey finish with grey leather upholstery and wool carpeting. Between 2006 and 2009, Kevin Kay. Restorations replaced the interior wood veneer and sorted various finish and accessory details.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960 - World Of Classic Cars -

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

In 1953 at Earls Court in London, AC Cars introduced the Ace, with its 100-horsepower AC powerplant in a light, tubular chassis under a beautiful, hand-formed aluminum body designed by Tojeiro. After numerous race successes in 1955 and 1956, in 1957 AC offered as an option the 2.0-liter Bristol six-cylinder engine, an advanced design derived from the BMW 328 unit, with three downdraft carburetors producing 120 horsepower (later to put out 128 horsepower in Stage II spec). Due to the light weight of only 1,650 pounds, the cars had impressive performance and handling and became fiercely competitive on race circuits around the world, including at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

Just four hundred sixty-six examples were built with the Bristol engine between 1956 and 1962. As Bristol discontinued their six-cylinder in 1961, the owner of AC, Charles Hurlock, was approached by Carroll Shelby to supply the Ace chassis and body, into which Shelby would install a Ford V-8. In 1962, the AC Ace–derived Cobra was born, launching a whole new chapter and enduring legacy continuing with this original design.
Chassis number BEX 1054, a factory left-hand-drive model, is listed in Ace Bristol Racing: A Competition History by John McLellan and Tony Bancroft, as well as in the AC Owners Club Register, as leaving the factory on April 13, 1959, noted as having “Stage II” engine preparation and achieving “11 class wins in SCCA races.” The original owner is recorded as Dr. R. Roth of Illinois, who registered it as a 1960 model year car. As of 1998, the McLellan book recorded that the car was owned by a Mr. Cronin in the United States.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

Jim Feldman, U.S. representative for the ACOC, located the car in Woodside, California, in Mr. Cronin’s ownership, approximately 10 years ago. Feldman, who is recognized worldwide for the quality and originality of his AC restorations, purchased the car as the ultimate basis for a future restoration. Accordingly, in 2006 he sold it to the consignor, who funded Feldman’s five-year restoration without regard to cost. Their agreement was that the car would be returned to its original specifications but at a level of quality equal or better than any Ace-Bristol now in existence.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

Feldman began his work by disassembling the car to the last nut and bolt. He determined that the chassis was in fine condition throughout, though some of the supporting tubes and inner panels would need replacement to ensure it was structurally sound; new frame and suspension fittings would be constructed with the stronger metal components later used by AC for Cobra chassis. The original six-cylinder Bristol engine, four-speed transmission, and rear end were rebuilt to modern vintage racing standards, matching the Stage II specifications of the original engine in components such as the high-compression head, driveshaft, bearings, pistons, and camshaft. With the possibility that the car might be used for long-distance touring, Feldman also fitted a correct period Laycock de Normanville overdrive. The result is a drivetrain that would be expected to produce more power than any regular 100D2 Bristol engine while being comfortable to drive at speed over long distances.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

Feldman fitted the period-correct optional aluminum fuel tank and second fuel pump running through a second fuel line into the carburetors. A period aftermarket glass fuel filter is the only modification from original specifications in the engine compartment. Though 15-inch wheels were available as an option in 1959, to later be used on the Cobras, Feldman decided to keep the classic-look 16-inch, 56-spoke, cross-laced wheels and narrow tires that are seen in period racing pictures, retaining the lovely stance with the optional disc brakes, fitted from new. Of course, five new wheels and original-spec Michelin X tires were secured from England.

AC Ace-Bristol 1960

All the original exterior panels were retained and carefully reconstructed by an aluminum panel specialist. The body was refinished in a lovely shade of Aston Racing Green, with complementary green upholstery. The car is fitted as original with the attractive and practical curved windshield that was optional on the last of the Aces and will be familiar to Cobra enthusiasts. It has period-correct racing seatbelts with brand-new webbing and comes fully equipped with new top and side-curtains.

AC Aceca Coupé Competition 1955 - World Of Classic Cars -

AC Aceca Coupé Competition 1955

Based on the open two-seat AC Ace, the Aceca was a hand-built grand tourer in the British tradition with ash wood and steel tubing used in the construction. One notable feature was the hatchback door at the rear making the Aceca only the second car, after the Aston Martin DB2/4, to incorporate this element. The hardtop coupe made its debut in 1954 and shared the same 1991cc, two-litre engine with the Ace and offered similar levels of performance.
The main difference between the Aceca and Aceca-Bristol was the engine; both used a straight-six unit but the Aceca shared its 90hp, 1,991cc overhead camshaft AC engine with the lighter AC Ace while the Aceca-Bristol used a 125hp 'D-Type', 2000cc unit sourced from Bristol Cars.
Factory records show an AC Cars build completion date of 14th September, 1955 - Chassis AEX 525 with the original two-litre engine fitted and registered as an export model. It was therefore lefthand drive and subsequently delivered to Portugal in 1955.   In 1962, a Portuguese nobleman, Francisco Jose Gentil Heredia, bought a new one of the rare, 35 factory produced, 2.6 litre Ruddspeed AC Aces - RSX 5009. He had it returned to the factory a number of times to increase the specification to Stage Four tune and fitted with Borrani wire wheels. Although officially 'road-going', the car was later raced in Europe, including Cascais.

AC Aceca Coupé Competition 1955

Tragically, however, the car suffered fire damage on a European ferry dockside in August 1964. This caused extensive damage to the aluminium bodywork and interior. It was stored for some years, in this condition, until Heredia's brother decided to carry out a mechanical transplant to the Aceca he then owned. The 2.6 litre Ford engine & ancillaries were professionally transplanted from the ruined Ace to this Aceca. (a modification that became accepted and approved by AC Cars who, by this time, were fitting either the Ford 2.6 litre engines or Bristol 2.2 litre engines to their production models). Also fitted were triple Weber carburettors, a Raymond Mays head (CL28694), a Moss gearbox, front-wheel disc brakes and rear drums, Ace front and rear over-riders and 15"x 6" Borrani wire wheels. The owner also had the front of the car lightly re-modelled to Ace/Cobra 'long-nose' dimensions, naturally in aluminium.

AC Aceca Coupé Competition 1955

In 1975, the car was exported to America where it remained until 2006 and this important example became extremely well known in the USA during its early history through the VSCCA and Historic Racing during its 29 years ownership with Mr. Warren Wegele and was reported to have always been a top ten finisher with a podium finish (2nd) in August 1989 at Meadow Brook Historic Races at Waterford Hills, MI.

Between 1987 and 2002 the car appeared at the following events;

Meadowbrook Historic Races - 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990.

Pocono VSCCA - 1988.

Pittsburgh Grand Prix - 1988, 1991, 1992, 2001, 2002.

Mid Ohio - 1992.

AC Aceca Coupé Competition 1955

Whilst in the States, a roll cage was also fitted and the suspension modified by the renowned engineer and race driver, Chris Lawrence (class winner - 1962 Le Mans) and who was also racing a 'Cobra-beating' Aceca on the West Coast. During 2007, the car was re-commissioned for the UK and, apart from light road use, has had some shake-down runs at Prescott and the 'Wings and Wheels' display/runway run at Dunsfold where it was reported to cause more of a sensation than the Cobra's.

AC Aceca Bristol - World Of Classic Cars - Rank 181

AC Aceca-Bristol 1960

The Aceca (pronounced "A-See-Ka") is a closed coupé from the British AC Cars company, produced from 1954 until 1963. The car originally had an AC engine but the similar Bristol-engined Aceca-Bristol was also available alongside the original from 1956 to 1963 when production of the engine ceased. A few cars were built from 1961 to 1963 with a 2553 cc tuned Ford Zephyr engine and sold as the Aceca 2.6.
Based on the open two-seat AC Ace, the Aceca was a hand-built grand tourer in the British tradition, with ash wood and steel tubing used in their construction. One notable feature was the hatchback at the rear, making the Aceca only the second car, after the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4, to incorporate this element.

AC Aceca Bristol 1960

151 Acecas, 169 Aceca-Bristols and 8 Ford-engined models had been built when production halted in 1963.
The main difference between the Aceca and Aceca-Bristol was the engine. Both used a straight-6 unit, but the Aceca shared its 90 hp (67 kW), 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) overhead camshaft AC engine with the lighter AC Ace, while the Aceca-Bristol used a 125 hp (93 kW) "D-Type" 2.0 L (1971 cc/120 in³) unit sourced from Bristol Cars. The Aceca-Bristol was also available with a milder "B-Type" Bristol engine of 105 hp (78 kW). The Bristol specification added $1000 to the Aceca's $5,400 price tag in the United States. In the UK, the basic car cost £1722.

AC Aceca-Bristol 1958

The front-end styling of the Ace and Aceca reportedly traces back to a design done by Pinin Farina for AC in the late 1940s. The car is rather light owing to a tubular frame, aluminium engine block and aluminium body panels. Large 16" spoked road wheels and near 50/50 weight distribution allowed exceptional handling on substandard pavements. Later Acecas feature front-wheel disc brakes (added in 1957), while all share transverse leaf spring IRS, articulated rear half-axles, worm-gear steering, an optional overdrive on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, curved windshield, and leather-covered bucket seats. The suspension is independent at the front and rear using transverse leaf springs.

Aceca-Bristol

AC Aceca Bristol Coupe 1960

The in-line six Bristol engine fitted to the Aceca-Bristol was based on a design from BMW with cast iron block and aluminium cylinder head. It has a single camshaft with pushrods running vertically to a rocker shaft on the inlet side of the engine and further horizontal pushrods running in 6 tubes over the top of the engine in order to reach the exhaust rockers. The two inclined rocker covers give the engine a similar appearance to an overhead - camshaft arrangement. Three inline Solex downdraft carburettors bolted directly to the cylinder head casting via small adaptor plates.

Driving

AC Aceca Coupe 1958

The car has a fairly hard ride owing to the stiff suspension and holds the road well in corners, with some oversteer. The narrow wheelbase is noticeable, though. On the downside, the 90 hp (67 kW) engine is best at higher rpm, so the 0-60 mph time is not exceptional. Other weaknesses include inadequate rear mirrors, even though the hatchback window affords a large rear view, a heating system that isn't suited for cold winters, and inadequate soundproofing for easy passenger conversation when cruising above 75 mph (121 km/h). The gear-shift is more solid than smooth and has synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th gears, only.