1958 AC Aceca Bristol

The oldest car manufacturer in Britain, AC Cars would begin production of automobiles as early as 1901. Originally setting up shop in South London, AC Cars would have a bright future by building automobiles for a myriad of uses. However, in the early 1950s, AC would build one of the most iconic of two-door body styles. This foundation was too tempting not to use for other model concepts.

In 1953, AC would introduce its open-top Ace. Its popularity and following would be almost immediate among motor racing enthusiasts. One year later, AC Cars would launch a derivative of the open-top coupe known as the Aceca Coupe.

The Aceca would make its debut at the London Motor Show. Its elegant closed variant would not only build upon the foundation of the company's Ace Roadster, but other little details would help it to become even more refined. Such features as sound-absorbing fiberglass and rubber bushings would help to reduce the amount of noise and vibration caused by the 125hp 2.0-liter six-cylinder Bristol engine. Suddenly, the Aceca was an aggressive, but comfortable, tourer.

The Bristol engine served as the heart of the Aceca. Based upon the pre-war BMW 328 engine, the engine produced a great deal of performance. As a result, the Aceca-Bristol would not be a tamed two-door coupe. Powered by the Bristol engine, the Aceca-Bristol would become another favorite competitor.

In total, there would be just 169 examples of the Bristol-powered Aceca built over the course of its production history beginning in 1956.

by Jeremy McMullen

Coupe
Chassis number: BEX 670
Engine number: 100D 775

The AC Aceca-Bristol was made available beginning in 1956 and came powered by a 1971 cubic-centimeter, six-cylinder Bristol engine that offered nearly 130 horsepower. The engine was based on BMW's 328 engine which had hemispherical combustion chambers and an inclined valve train.

The AC Aceca-Bristol was produced in limited numbers, with just 171 examples made during its lifespan. 83 examples left the factory with left-hand drive, including this example.

This example was originally delivered to Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It spent many years in the collection of R.S. Jarvis. In 2013, it was imported into the United States from British Columbia, where it was given a comprehensive restoration.

The car is finished in Elephant's Breath Grey, with a navy blue Connolly interior, and gray wool carpets. There are black-painted, rebuilt wire wheels, and Avon tires. Power is from its original 100D engine. It has its original jack and hammer, original tray, owner's handbook, and workshop manual.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe
Chassis number: BEX 678
Engine number: 859 D2

This particular example would be completed in 1958 and would make its way to the United States. Upon arrival, the car would end up the property of renowned New York City jeweler Harry Winston's son, Peter Winston.

Peter Winston would make use of the car every day around Manhattan for a number of years before it would be sold to Tom Hickey. Hickey would be a Ph.D. candidate at Harvard's School of Education at the same time he took part in the final Cannonball run in 1975. Taking part in such events was just part of Hickey's racing endeavors. The Aceca served to bridge the gap between his personal and racing interests. However, not long after taking ownership of the car, Hickey would send the car back across the Atlantic to have AC Cars refurbished and return the Aceca-Bristol to like-new status.

Hickey would not part with the Aceca unless there was something that forced his hand. Sadly, a tragic illness would prove to be the force for which he wasn't ready. Enter John Moir.

Moir would take delivery of the car and it would immediately become a favorite within his collection. Even after 30 years, the Aceca retained a very special place within Moir's heart. As a result, the car would remain highly original. The engine is the original Bristol powerplant placed inside the car in 1958. Beyond the engine, the interior, finish, and other such details remain nearly as they were when new. As such, the car provides rich memories of Winston, Hickey, and Moir.

AC Car's Aceca-Bristol would be one of its finest combinations of performance and refinement. And, this particular example would have to be considered one of the most respected variants of the Bristol-powered Acecas produced by AC.

Offered as part of RM Auctions' 2014 Hershey event, the 1958 AC Aceca-Bristol would earn pre-auction estimates ranging between $175,000 and $250,000. Proving its provenance and limited nature, the car would end up garnering a sale price of $214,500.

by Jeremy McMullen

Coupe
Chassis number: BEX 632

AC built 171 examples of the Aceca and 83 were left-hand drive examples. Approximately 25 are believed to have been fitted with factory overdrive. Power was from a 1971cc cast-iron six-cylinder Bristol engine with hemispherical heads.

This example was completed on December 2nd of 1957 and delivered to Precision Autos in Dallas, Texas. It was purchased new in 1958 by Peter Sachs, of Goldman Sachs fortune. He sold the car in 1965 to Jim Mullen, of Mullen Advertising, on a handwritten Bill of Sale. It remained with Mr. Mullen for some 50 years. The current caretaker acquired the car from Mr. Mullen in 2015.

In 2007, the car was sent back to AC Cars UK for re-commissioning. This was the last car they restored before their doors were shuttered forever.

The car is finished in black over a red interior.

by Dan Vaughan