1939 AC 16/80 March Sports Tourer

Auto Carriers, later A.C. Cars, Ltd., began as a builder of diminutive three-wheeled commercial vehicles prior to World War I. Located in Thames Ditton outside London, the company introduced its first car in 1919. In 1933, the first four-seat touring body was designed by the Earl of March, who in the 1960s became the owner of the Goodwood racing circuit. The design was further refined in 1935, though it remained virtually unchanged through production of the last Sports Tourer in 1939. Just 42 were produced from 1935-1939 when factories switched over to military equipment production.

AC Cars of Thames Ditton near London had a long tradition of building beautiful sports cars, and it consulted a motoring enthusiast, Freddie March, the Duke of Richmond and Gordon, to style its new sports model, the handsome 16/80. Launched in 1935, it is the epitome of the prewar British sports car. The 16-80 has a 2-litre, six-cylinder, 80 bhp engine that was pretty quick in its day.

This car was ordered just as the war broke out and, sadly, its first owner, RAF Wing Commander Grevel Cavendish, never got to see his dream car. It was ordered on May 29, 1939. It was delivered to his widow in 1945 after it had lain unfinished at the AC factory during the hostilities. Ordered at first in bright red, it has now been restored to the more somber color that Mrs. Cavendish preferred. This was the last 16-80 built. It has recently been restored to its original build-sheet specifications.