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1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster

  • Chassis Number: BEX 1090
  • Engine Number: 100 D2 1000
The AC Ace was based on a sports racing car designed by John Tojeiro. It was equipped with a four-speed independent suspension and sleek bodywork reminiscent of contemporary Ferrari barchettas. The Bristol 'six' became available in 1956, which upgraded the standard Ace to 'Ace Bristol' specifications. This gave the 103 horsepower engine a boost in power to 125 in its ultimate D2 specification.

The Bristol-powered Aces did well in competition, winning three successive SCCA E-Production championships between 1957 and 1959, followed by two D-Production championships in 1960 and 1961. It scored second in class at LeMans in 1957 and 1958 and a sterling class victory and seventh overall in 1959.

This AC Ace Bristol, chassis number BEX1090, is a left-hand example that was originally finished in white with a black-trimmed cockpit. It came equipped with factory-original options that included a heater, oil cooler, and oil-temperature gauge. Charles Kaleta purchased it directly from the AC works for his son Charles J., who planned to study in Switzerland. Charles later brought the car to the United States. It was sold in 1962 to a University of Chicago professor. This was followed by several more owners before eventually coming into the care of an AC marque specialist named Jerry Bensinger. At that time, it required a complete restoration, though it remained in complete and unmolested condition.

During the restoration process, the engine was completely disassembled, but the body was not removed from the car's tubular chassis. All aluminum body panels were repaired or replaced. Once completed, the car was refinished in dark blue and re-trimmed with black upholstery.

The restoration process was completed in the late 2000s.

In 2011, this car was offered for sale at the RM Auction sale in Scottsdale, Arizona. It was estimated to sell for $175,000 - $225,000. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $217,250 inclusive of the buyer's premium.

By Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2011

2015 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale

Sale Price :
USD $340,616 (€ 304,750.00)

2013 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Auction

Sale Price :
USD $286,000

2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions

Pre-Auction Estimates :
USD $175,000-USD $225,000 
Sale Price :
USD $217,250

1959 AC Ace Bristol Auction Sales

Recent Sales of the AC Ace Bristol

(Data based on Model Year 1959 sales)
1959 AC ACE BRISTOL
Chassis#: BEX 1067
Sold for USD$240,800
  2023 Gooding & Company : Estate of Mark Smith Auction
 
1959 AC Ace Roadster
Chassis#: AEX457
Sold for USD$198,000
  2022 Mecum : Monterey
 
1959 AC Ace roadster
Chassis#: AEX1035
Sold for USD$190,895
  2022 Artcurial : Retromobile
 
1959 AC Ace-Bristol
Chassis#: BEX 1087
Sold for USD$274,400
  2019 RM Sothebys : Scottsdale Arizona
 
1959 AC ACE-Bristol
Chassis#: BEX 1003
Sold for USD$451,000
  2017 Bonhams : Quail Lodge
 
1959 AC Ace Roadster
Chassis#: BEX447
Sold for USD$220,000
  2017 Worldwide Auctioneers : The Pacific Grove Auction
1959 AC Ace Bristol image  1959 AC Ace Bristol image  
1959 AC Ace Bristol
Chassis#: BEX 1099
Sold for USD$242,000
  2017 Gooding & Co. : Scottsdale, AZ
 
1959 AC Ace Bristol roadster
Chassis#: BEX 1127
Sold for USD$360,387
  2016 Rétromobile 2016 by Artcurial Motorcars
 
1959 AC Ace Bristol
Chassis#: BEX 1090
Sold for USD$340,616
  2015 Bonhams : The Chantilly Sale
1959 AC Ace Bristol image  1959 AC Ace Bristol image  
1959 AC Ace Bristol
Chassis#: BEX 1090
Sold for USD$286,000
  2013 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Auction
1959 AC Ace Bristol image  1959 AC Ace Bristol image  
1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster
Chassis#: BEX1090
Sold for USD$217,250
  2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions
1959 AC Ace Bristol image  1959 AC Ace Bristol image  
1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster
Chassis#: BEX1118
Sold for USD$253,000
  2010 RM Auctions - Automobiles of Arizona
 
1959 AC Aceca Bristol 100D2
Chassis#: BE 755
Sold for USD$51,734
  2005 Coys Auction - True Greats
 

AC Ace Bristols That Failed To Sell At Auction

1959 AC Ace Bristol's that have appeared at auction but did not sell.
VehicleChassisEventHigh BidEst. LowEst. High
1959 AC ACE BRISTOLBEX 11152023 Gooding & Company : London Auction $250,000$300,000
1959 AC Ace Bristol RoadsterBEX11152010 Bonhams Goodwood Revival, Chichester, Sussex $160,000$180,000

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1959 AC Ace Bristol

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