1960 AC Aceca Fastback Coupe

AC Cars was one of the first British automobile manufacturers, with production dating back to 1901. Over the years, they established a successful competition record and emerged intact in the post-war era to produce one of the most significant sports cars in history. That car was the open two-seater sports car, the AC Ace, wearing a design by John Tojiero. Production began in 1953 and was powered by a two-liter engine fitted inside the tube frame chassis, also of Tojiero's design. At the 1954 London Motor Show, AC introduced a second model, the AC Aceca. This was a coupe variant of the Ace roadster, but with more luxury features and greater refinement. The Aceca had a chassis that was similar to Ace's tube frame and independent suspension, with heavier-duty main rails and an extra cross member. The chassis received rubber mountings on the differential to reduce noise and vibration within the closed cabin. Between the front and rear bulkheads of the cabin were fiberglass panels, which added additional sound insulation. Inside, there was leather, wood, and wool carpeting.

In 1956, a Bristol 1971 cubic centimeter inline six became available as optional equipment. The Bristol engine brought horsepower from 90 to 105 (or 125 in D2 tune). In both coupe and roadster form, the cars were successful in racing with class victories at Sebring in 1958 and 1959, as well as a class victory at the 24 Hours of LeMans in 1959.

This particular AC Aceca was completed at Thames Ditton on January 4th of 1960. It was sold new as a left-hand-drive example to North America. Under its bonnet was an AC two-liter engine. Under the previous owner's care, it was given the 1971-cubic centimeter Bristol engine and gearbox.

The current owner acquired the car in 2010. A comprehensive restoration was recently finished and finished in an original AC shade of slate blue. The interior is trimmed in black leather with grey carpeting.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2014