1926 AC 12/24 Royal Roadster

Autocars and Accessories Ltd., which had begun production in 1904, was reorganized in 1907 as Autocarriers Ltd., which continued until 1921 when British motoring entrepreneur Selwyn F. Edge gained control of the firm. The founders, John Weller and John Portwine resigned, and Edge renamed the company AC Cars Ltd. The Weller Brothers of West Norwood had provided the mechanical expertise, while John Portwine, a butch, was the financial backer and business manager.

By the mid-1920s, most of the AC vehicles were powered by the two-liter, six-cylinder, overhead-cam engine that Weller had designed in 1919. The company would continue to produce the engine with continual improvements until 1963. The 12/24, however, was an exception, as it was powered by a 1946-cc, side-valve, four-cylinder engine that was supplied by British motorcycle manufacturer Anzani.

This example is an AC 12/24 Royal Roadster powered by a four-cylinder engine with two valves per cylinder. There is a three-speed manual transmission and rear-wheel mechanical drum brakes. There are nickeled instruments, coco mat pads on the running boards, and a rumble seat.

The car is currently in the care of John Moir. When he acquired the car, it was finished in black and tan. A restoration was performed on the car, and the body was refinished in its present tan with dark green trim, brown leather upholstery, and a canvas top. Since the work was completed, it has been shown but seldom driven. It is an AACA award winner.

By Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2014