AC Ace Bristol, 1962 Ace Bristol | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

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The AC Ace-Bristol was the forerunner of the Cobra. 241 of these hand-built sports cars were shipped to America before production ceased. The engine was designed by BMW and the cars were raced often during the 60's. Although repainted in 1994, the rest of the car is un-restored.

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.

1962 AC Ace Bristol
Year	1962
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
Weight	1685 lbs \| 764.3 kg
Combined MPG	0.00
Introduced At	1953 London Motor Show

Performance
0-60 mph	11.4 seconds.
Top Speed	103 mph \| 165.7 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
Engine	Ford Zephyr enginge
	Solid valve lifters
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	2553.00 cc \| 155.8 cu in. \| 2.6 L.
Valvetrain	OHV
Horsepower	120.00 HP (88.3 KW) @ 5000.00 RPM
Torque	155.00 Ft-Lbs (210.2 NM) @ 5000.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio	14.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	46.2 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	9.5:1
Main Bearings	4
Engine Electronics	12-volt electrical system
Fuel Type	Gasoline - Petrol
Fuel Feed	Carburetor
	3 SU HD6 carburetor
Block	Cast-iron
Head	Aluminum
	Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Manual
	Synchro - floor shift

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1962 AC Ace Bristol