AC Ace Bristol Zagato, 1957 Ace Bristol Zagato | Conceptcarz.com - Pictures, Pricing, Information, Wallpaper, History

More Photographs

View more photos
Berlinetta
Designer: Zagato
Chassis Num: BEX 477

This one-off Zagato bodied AC resulted in a conversation between Hubert Patthey, AC's Swiss importer, and Elio Zagato at the 1957 Geneva Motor Show, who both agreed it would be an interesting project. The car was sold to John Gretener, Swiss resident who raced it on hill climbs around Lake Geneva. Later sold to Joe Siffert, the car continued to race in various events and historic races including the Mille Miglia.

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.

1957 AC Ace Bristol Zagato
Year	1957
Make	AC
Model	Ace Bristol Zagato
Body Style	Berlinetta
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis	Aluminium
Production Years for Series	1954 - 1963
Body Designer	Zagato
Price	$5,549.00
Weight	1686 lbs \| 764.8 kg
MPG Highway	18
Combined MPG	0.00
Introduced At	1953 London Motor Show

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis Number	BEX 477

Performance
0-60 mph	9.1 seconds.
Top Speed	115 mph \| 185 km/h Similar top speeds

Engine
Engine Configuration	I
Cylinders	6
Aspiration/Induction	Normal
Displacement	1971.00 cc \| 120.3 cu in. \| 2 L.
Valvetrain	OHV
Horsepower	105.00 BHP (77.3 KW) @ 5000.00 RPM
Torque	123.00 Ft-Lbs (166.8 NM) @ 3750.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio	16.1 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter	52.5 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio	8.51:1
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

Standard Transmission
Gears	4
Transmission	Manual
Final Drive	3.64:1

Recent Vehicle News

1957 AC Ace Bristol Zagato