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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
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 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 Chassis#: BEX 1090 Sold for USD$286,000 2013 Bonhams - Quail Lodge Auction | |
1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster Chassis#: BEX1090 Sold for USD$217,250 2011 Automobiles of Arizona by RM Auctions | |
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.
Vehicle | Chassis | Event | High Bid | Est. Low | Est. High |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1959 AC ACE BRISTOL | BEX 1115 | 2023 Gooding & Company : London Auction | $250,000 | $300,000 | |
1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster | BEX1115 | 2010 Bonhams Goodwood Revival, Chichester, Sussex | $160,000 | $180,000 |
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1959 AC Ace Bristol
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