AC Ace Bristol, 1960 Ace Bristol | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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Chassis Num: BEX1072
Engine Num: 992D2

The AC: A Brief History

From its beginnings as makers of small, lightweight delivery vehicles at the turn of the 20th century, AC (the initials stand for Auto Carriers) turned to production of full-size six-cylinder cars following World War I. The engine - a 2-liter six with chain-driven single overhead camshaft, inclined valves, crossflow porting, aluminum block and crankcase, and wet cylinder sleeves - was a model of engineering sophistication for its time. Its design proves so sound that it continued with progressive refinements and horsepower boosts in AC's until 1954.

The AC Ace
Based on the Tojeiro sports car, the AC Ace Roadster debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show with 4-wheel independent suspension supplied by transverse leaf springs and powered by the trusty 2.2-liter six described above. In 1955 the Bristol built six-cylinder engine became available, and in 1956 the Ace was joined by a handsome fastback coupe called the Aceca. The Bristol-powered cars were on offer until 1961 when their engine supply ceased. By 1962 the Ace was powered by a Ford 260 V-8 at the urging of U.S. race-driver Carroll Shelby, and the Ace transmogrified into AC's and Shelby's best-known creation, the Cobra.

This Car
One of only 463 AC Bristols produced, of which 241 were earmarked for export to the US, this car was in the hands of the same U.S. owner for 40 years.

Finished in its correct shade of cream with complementing medium-brown leather seats, brown carpeting, stayfast top and tonneau cover, and left-hand-drive. A very favorable power-to-weight ratio (105 bhp/1685 lbs) - thanks to its aluminum body and tubular chassis construction - gives the Ace Bristol sparkling performance while its simple, but effective, independent suspension lends its enviable road-holding qualities. Add to the highly attractive two-seat styling reminiscent of an early Ferrari Barchetta and the result is a thoroughbred vintage sports car in the best British tradition.

Source - Gooding & Company

The Ace was debuted in 1953 at the London Motor Show and was produced beginning in 1954 and continuing through 1963. The vehicle consisted of light-weight tubular chassis with steel boxes in the front and rear which supported an transverse leaf and lower wishbone independent suspensions system. The chassis was designed by John Tojeiro. Power was initially provided by a Welleter-designed engine and was mounted in the front of the vehicle but placed back far enough to take advantage of balance. The body and design of the vehicle was inspired by the 2-seater Ferrari 166MM Barchetta (little boat) made by Touring of Milan.

During the first year of production, there were fewer than 60 examples produced. These were all Aces - convertibles. The Aceca, a hard top variant was debuted in 1954.

Due to the vehicles light weight, optimal weight distribution, responsive engine and handling, and stylish appearance, it attracted much attention.

In 1956 the Bristol-engine version was introduced, replacing the Welleter-designed motor. The Bristol 1971 cc, six cylinder engine was capable of producing 125 horsepower at 5750 rpm and propelling the light-weight car to a top speed of around 180 kph. Production of the Bristol engines ceased around the end of the 1950's and AC began using a British Ford Zephyr engine. It was a heavier engine and produced less power. There were only 47 of these 2.6 liter examples produced from 1961 through 1963.

The vehicles came equipped with front disc brakes, Girling hydraulic shock absorbers, rack-and-pinion steering, and a four-speed manual transmission.

In total, there were around 735 Aces and 326 Acecas produced. The AC Ace was the basis for one of the best known sports car of all time, the Shelby Cobra.

1960 AC Ace Bristol
Year	1960
Make	AC
Model	Ace Bristol
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis	Aluminum body on tubular steel frame
Production Years for Series	1954 - 1963
Body Designer	John Tojiero
Price	$6,599.00
Weight	1685 lbs \| 764.3 kg
Combined MPG	25.00
Introduced At	1953 London Motor Show

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number	BEX1072
Engine Number	992D2

Performance
0-60 mph	9.5 seconds.

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
	Solid valve lifters
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	1971.00 cc \| 120.3 cu in. \| 2 L.
Valvetrain	SOHC
Horsepower	105.00 BHP (77.3 KW) @ 5000.00 RPM
Torque	122.00 Ft-Lbs (165.4 NM) @ 4500.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio	16.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	52.5 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	9.0:1
Main Bearings	4
Engine Electronics	Lucas 12-volt electrical system
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	3 Solex 32PBI-6 downdraft carburetor
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Gear Ratios
1st Gear	11.42:1
2nd Gear	7.13:1
3rd Gear	5.05:1
4th Gear	3.91:1

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Manual
Final Drive	3.64:1

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1960 AC Ace Bristol