AC Ace Bristol, 1958 Ace Bristol Pictures, News, Reviews, and Info | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Wallpaper, Pricing, Information, History

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Chassis Num: BEX 450

This vehicle was originally produced with factory competition equipment.

Prior to Syd Silverman of Vintage Motorsport Magazine, BEX450 was owned and raced by Harry Warren of Houston, Texas. The current owner had the pleasure of speaking with Harry some time ago, and he related the following interesting tale:

When Harry switched to vintage racing with the Ace in the mid-1980s, the SCCA was still serious about growing their own vintage program. Unbeknownst to Harry, as he was racing and winning with various sanctioning bodies across the country, he was also accruing SCCA Championship points for some of these races. Since Harry did not realize that he was part of a points chase, he was surprised and elated to receive an SCCA communication notifying him that he was National Vintage Champion in his class.

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.

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Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca	2006 Pittsburgh Vintage Grand Prix

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