1956 AC Aceca-Bristol 1956 AC Aceca-Bristol 1956 AC Aceca-Bristol 1956 AC Aceca-Bristol

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Roadster
Chassis Num: BEX 229
 
In 1958, AC ACE-Bristol won the 12-Hour Sebring Under 2 Liter GT Class. This AC Bristol was raced in the eastern United States from 1956 through 1961 in SCCA races. The car is very original in many ways. Much of the interior is original and it was never converted to disc brakes as many other AC Bristols were at the time.
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.

1956 AC Aceca-Bristol

Year1956
MakeAC
ModelAceca-Bristol
Body StyleRoadster
Engine LocationFront
Drive TypeRear Wheel
Body / ChassisAluminum body on tubular steel frame
Production Years for Series1954 - 1963
Body DesignerJohn Tojiero
Price$5,550.00
Weight1680 lbs | 762 kg
Combined MPG0.00

Chassis / Engine Numbers Shown
Chassis NumberBEX 229

Engine  
Engine ConfigurationI
Cylinders6
Aspiration/InductionNormal
Displacement1971.00 cc | 120.3 cu in. | 2 L.
ValvetrainOHV
Horsepower120.00 HP (88.3 KW) @ 5750.00 RPM
Torque122.00 Ft-Lbs (165.4 NM) @ 4500.00 RPM
HP to Weight Ratio14.0 LB / HP (Vehicles with similar ratio)
HP / Liter60.0 BHP / Liter
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Fuel TypeGasoline - Petrol
Vehicles with similar horsepower and weight

Standard Transmission
Gears4
TransmissionManual
Floor shift
Final Drive3.9:1


 
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Articles and Event Coverage
Monterey Historic Automobile Races at Laguna Seca

Additional Resources and Links
Monterey Historics at Laguna Seca Official Website


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