1959 AC Ace Bristol Roadster

Although the AC Ace was never built in large numbers, they are one of the most victorious post-war sports car ever conceived. This particular AC Ace-Bristol roadster was purchased new by Ron Leonard from Motorsport Corp., the authorized AC dealer located in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He traced another Ace, chassis number BEX358, for BEX447 in September of 1959. At the time, it was painted white and was factory-equipped with front disc brakes, and was devoid of an optional heater. Mr. Leonard added a bolt-in roll bar and raced the Ace in a number of SCCA races at El Paso, Tucson, and Palm Springs, as well as in hill climbs, earning a class win at the Jerome, Arizona hillclimb.

Over the following decades, Mr. Leonard would own 15 Aces and 10 Acecas. He eventually had the Ace repainted in red and then in late December of 1963, he sold BEX447 to Ron Goodman.

Years later, the Ace was offered back to Mr. Leonard from an owner in Florida, with the original Bristol six-cylinder engine having been replaced by a small-block V-8 engine. Around 2000, BEX447 was restored and given a bare-metal repaint in dark blue while it was with a private owner in Santa Barbara, California.

It has been part of the current caretaker's collection since 2004. It currently has a V8 engine and an upgraded five-speed gearbox. It has dark blue paint and red upholstery. There is a new Robbins soft top, new tires, side curtains, a spare wheel and tire, and a 'knock-off' wheel hammer.

By Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2017