1957 AC Ace Bristol

In 1953, A.C. introduced a new sports car that would eventually change the company's fortunes. It had a very modern design courtesy of John Tojiero, with open two-seater coachwork, an aluminum-alloy body, and built atop a lightweight tubular chassis that had a fully independent suspension and was powered by a six-cylinder engine. Three years later, a 'Bristol' version was introduced which gave the car even more performance. It included three carburetors, optional front disc brakes, and a four-speed gearbox. The engine was placed farther back in the chassis to enhance the Ace's handling.

The 'Bristol' became a popular car in the racing community, even making appearances at LeMans in 1957 and 1958. The Ace would continue to evolve over the years, eventually becoming the basis for Carroll Shelby's Cobra.

In 1953, A.C. introduced a new sports car that would eventually change the company's fortunes. It had a very modern design courtesy of John Tojiero, with open two-seater coachwork, an aluminum-alloy body, and built atop a lightweight tubular chassis that had a fully independent suspension and was powered by a six-cylinder engine. Three years later, a 'Bristol' version was introduced which gave the car even more performance. It included three carburetors, optional front disc brakes, and a four-speed gearbox. The engine was placed farther back in the chassis to enhance the Ace's handling.

The 'Bristol' became a popular car in the racing community, even making appearances at LeMans in 1957 and 1958. The Ace would continue to evolve over the years, eventually becoming the basis for Carroll Shelby's Cobra.

Mechanical Specification
The AC Ace rested on a 90-inch wheelbase with an overall length of 152 inches, a width of 59.5 inches, and a height of 49 inches.

Early examples of the AC Ace were powered by two-liter overhead cam straight-six engines created in the pre-war era. Producing approximately 100 horsepower, it propelled the AC Ace to a top speed of 103 mph, and zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 11.4 seconds.

The Bristol two-liter (1971cc) engine of 1956 was a straight-six unit with overhead valves and three downdraught carburetors and produced in excess of 130 horsepower at 5,750 RPM. The top speed was 116 mph and 0-60 mph took nine seconds. The engine was paired with a four-speed Bristol close-ratio manual transmission. Overdrive was available from 1956 and front disc brakes were optional from 1957 and later standardized.

A 2.6-liter (2,553cc / 155.8 cubic-inch) straight-six 'Ruddspeed' engine became optional in 1961. It was adapted by Ken Rudd from the Ford Zephyr and could be fitted with either SU or Weber carburetors. Depending on the configuration, the engine produced around 170 horsepower and provided a top speed of 130 mph.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2019