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

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Roadster
Chassis Num: AEX 142
Engine Num: 110D2 889

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 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.

This 1957 A.C. Ace 'Bristol' was shipped from the A.C. factory in Thames ditton to Los Angeles importers in 1957. It has remained in California its entire life. The car was originally an Ace and later upgraded to full 'Bristol' specifications including the correct type 100D2 engine.

In 1969 and 1970, the cars owner, Mr. Ashenfelter, showed the car at Pebble Beach where it received class awards on both occasions. Ownership changed in the mid-1980s to Mr. Sharp of Glendale. While in Mr. Sharp's care, the engine was removed and placed in another of his cars. The car was sold in 1993 and treated to a complete restoration. During the restoration, the car was upgraded to 'Bristol' specifications, which included the 100 D2 spec engine and drivetrain, a larger capacity radiator, differential, and front disc brakes.

Since the restoration, the car has traveled a mere 200 miles. It is currently fitted with chrome wire wheels with stainless steel spokes, and 185/16 Pirelli Cinturato tires. The exterior is bright-red over a black Bridge of Weir leather interior with Wilton carpeting. There is a black soft-top, full tonneau and Plexiglas side curtains.

In 2007, it was brought to the Gooding & Company Auction held in Pebble Beach, California where it was estimated to sell for $130,000 - $160,000. Those estimates proved accurate as the lot was sold for $154,000 including buyer's premium.

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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Gooding & Company	2005 Scarsdale Concours, New York

1957 AC Ace Bristol
Year	1957
Make	AC
Model	Ace Bristol
Body Style	Roadster
Engine Location	Front
Drive Type	Rear Wheel
Body / Chassis	Aluminium
Production Years for Series	1954 - 1963
Body Designer	John Tojiero
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	AEX 142
Engine Number	110D2 889

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

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1957 AC Ace Bristol