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1958 AC Ace-Bristol

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1958 AC Ace-Bristol
Chassis no. BEX1019
1,971cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Downdraft Carburetors
130bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Fine example of the original and classic AC Ace Bristol Roadster
*Excellently restored
*Complete with tonneau cover, owner's manual, side curtains, and jack
*Eligible for some of the most desirable concours and driving events

THE AC ACE

The success of Cliff Davis's Tojeiro sports racer prompted AC Cars to put the design into production in 1954 as the Ace. The Davis car's pretty Ferrari 166-inspired barchetta bodywork was retained, as was John Tojeiro's twin-tube ladder frame chassis and Cooper-influenced all-independent suspension, but the power unit was AC's own venerable, 2.0-liter, long-stroke six. This overhead-camshaft engine originated in 1919 and with a modest 80bhp (later 100bhp) on tap, endowed the Ace with respectable, if not outstanding, performance.

In 1955 AC added a hardtop version - the fastback-styled Aceca - and both models became available from '56 with the more-powerful (up to 130bhp) Bristol six-cylinder engine. The 1,971cc Bristol six was based on that of the pre-war BMW 328, which featured an ingenious cylinder head, designed by Rudolf Schleicher, incorporating hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined valves without recourse to overhead, or twin, camshafts. Instead, the earlier BMW Type 319 engine's single block-mounted camshaft and pushrod valve actuation were retained, thus avoiding an expensive redesign. Two rocker shafts were employed, one situated above each bank of valves, giving the engine an external appearance almost indistinguishable from that of a twin-overhead-cam design. Downdraft inlet ports contributed to the motor's deep breathing, and its tune-ability made it a popular choice for British racing car constructors, most notably Cooper, during the 1950s. Externally, Bristol's clone of the BMW motor differed little from the German original, the most obvious difference being the adoption of SU, rather than Solex, carburettors part way through production. The most significant changes made by the Bristol designers were metallurgical, their utilisation of the highest quality materials contributing to greatly increased engine life.

The combination of a fine-handling chassis and a decent power-to-weight ratio - in Bristol-engined form the car could touch 120mph - helped the Ace to numerous successes in production sports car racing, arguably its finest achievement being a first-in-class and seventh overall finish at Le Mans in 1959. Indeed, its basic soundness and versatility were reflected in the fact that relatively few major changes were found necessary when the Ace was endowed with Ford V8 power to create the legendary Cobra.
Towards the end of production the Ace was also available with the 2.6-liter overhead-valve Ford Zephyr engine installed. Only 223 cars were delivered with the 2.0-liter AC engine compared with 463 Bristol-engined cars and a further 37 Ford-powered examples.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1958 AC Bristol roadster is one of a mere 466 produced between the years 1956 and 1962. The vehicle was the subject of a full restoration and was completed in the fall of 2017 by the talented British Auto Restorations of Roanoke, Virginia. The Ace was finished in Princess Blue Metallic paint with a deep blue leather interior. Included with this lovely roadster, is a complete history and restoration booklet, the owner's manuals, and workshop manual. The original tool kit remains along with a jack, factory original racing LeMans radiator cowl, as well as a factory original racing roll bar. We also include the always missing top bows, the convertible top for dreaded rainy days, tonneau cover, 2 sets of keys, a tidy storage bag for the top, and of course side curtains.

The Ace-Bristol is famous for its ability to drive to a competition, compete, win, and then drive home. This is achieved by a compact and efficient drivetrain commanded by the D2 2.0L inline 6-cylinder engine, complete with three downdraft Solex Carburetors and mated to a thrilling close ratio 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The Ace is equipped with independent front and rear suspension, transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs. It wears the factory optioned front disc brakes and rear drum for improved stopping and handling.

The 1958 AC Ace-Bristol offered to you is an exciting work of art only to be truly appreciated from behind the wheel.

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Time, Location
05 Mar 2020
USA, Fernandina Beach, FL
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[ translate ]

1958 AC Ace-Bristol
Chassis no. BEX1019
1,971cc OHV Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
3 Solex Downdraft Carburetors
130bhp at 5,750rpm
4-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
Front Disc - Rear Drum Brakes

*Fine example of the original and classic AC Ace Bristol Roadster
*Excellently restored
*Complete with tonneau cover, owner's manual, side curtains, and jack
*Eligible for some of the most desirable concours and driving events

THE AC ACE

The success of Cliff Davis's Tojeiro sports racer prompted AC Cars to put the design into production in 1954 as the Ace. The Davis car's pretty Ferrari 166-inspired barchetta bodywork was retained, as was John Tojeiro's twin-tube ladder frame chassis and Cooper-influenced all-independent suspension, but the power unit was AC's own venerable, 2.0-liter, long-stroke six. This overhead-camshaft engine originated in 1919 and with a modest 80bhp (later 100bhp) on tap, endowed the Ace with respectable, if not outstanding, performance.

In 1955 AC added a hardtop version - the fastback-styled Aceca - and both models became available from '56 with the more-powerful (up to 130bhp) Bristol six-cylinder engine. The 1,971cc Bristol six was based on that of the pre-war BMW 328, which featured an ingenious cylinder head, designed by Rudolf Schleicher, incorporating hemispherical combustion chambers and inclined valves without recourse to overhead, or twin, camshafts. Instead, the earlier BMW Type 319 engine's single block-mounted camshaft and pushrod valve actuation were retained, thus avoiding an expensive redesign. Two rocker shafts were employed, one situated above each bank of valves, giving the engine an external appearance almost indistinguishable from that of a twin-overhead-cam design. Downdraft inlet ports contributed to the motor's deep breathing, and its tune-ability made it a popular choice for British racing car constructors, most notably Cooper, during the 1950s. Externally, Bristol's clone of the BMW motor differed little from the German original, the most obvious difference being the adoption of SU, rather than Solex, carburettors part way through production. The most significant changes made by the Bristol designers were metallurgical, their utilisation of the highest quality materials contributing to greatly increased engine life.

The combination of a fine-handling chassis and a decent power-to-weight ratio - in Bristol-engined form the car could touch 120mph - helped the Ace to numerous successes in production sports car racing, arguably its finest achievement being a first-in-class and seventh overall finish at Le Mans in 1959. Indeed, its basic soundness and versatility were reflected in the fact that relatively few major changes were found necessary when the Ace was endowed with Ford V8 power to create the legendary Cobra.
Towards the end of production the Ace was also available with the 2.6-liter overhead-valve Ford Zephyr engine installed. Only 223 cars were delivered with the 2.0-liter AC engine compared with 463 Bristol-engined cars and a further 37 Ford-powered examples.

THE MOTORCAR OFFERED

This 1958 AC Bristol roadster is one of a mere 466 produced between the years 1956 and 1962. The vehicle was the subject of a full restoration and was completed in the fall of 2017 by the talented British Auto Restorations of Roanoke, Virginia. The Ace was finished in Princess Blue Metallic paint with a deep blue leather interior. Included with this lovely roadster, is a complete history and restoration booklet, the owner's manuals, and workshop manual. The original tool kit remains along with a jack, factory original racing LeMans radiator cowl, as well as a factory original racing roll bar. We also include the always missing top bows, the convertible top for dreaded rainy days, tonneau cover, 2 sets of keys, a tidy storage bag for the top, and of course side curtains.

The Ace-Bristol is famous for its ability to drive to a competition, compete, win, and then drive home. This is achieved by a compact and efficient drivetrain commanded by the D2 2.0L inline 6-cylinder engine, complete with three downdraft Solex Carburetors and mated to a thrilling close ratio 4-speed manual transmission with overdrive. The Ace is equipped with independent front and rear suspension, transverse semi-elliptic leaf springs. It wears the factory optioned front disc brakes and rear drum for improved stopping and handling.

The 1958 AC Ace-Bristol offered to you is an exciting work of art only to be truly appreciated from behind the wheel.

[ translate ]
Estimate
Unlock
Time, Location
05 Mar 2020
USA, Fernandina Beach, FL
Auction House
Unlock