1960 AC Aceca - Bristol Coupe (RHD)

Description

One of the prettiest sports cars of the 1950s, and progenitor to the legendary Shelby Cobra, were the Ace and Acecas built by AC Cars of Thames Ditton in Surrey. Based on a design by John Tojeiro, the original Ace of 1953 was based on a ladder-type frame, independent suspension all round and clothed in beautiful aluminium roadster body, itself inspired by Ferrari's gorgeous barchetta penned by the Carrozzeria Touring. Initially powered by AC's own overhead camshaft 2-litre six-cylinder engine, calls for more power lead to the well proven Bristol six becoming an option from 1956, along with overdrive and front disc brakes the following year. With 120bhp on tap and a top speed of 116 mph, the Bristol-powered AC was a serious competitor on the racetrack and quickly became popular with SCCA drivers in the United States as well as at home. AC also offered a sleek coupe variant known as the Aceca from 1954, featuring one of the first hatchbacks for access to the rear compartment. Although slightly heavier than the open Ace, the Aceca actually had a slightly higher top speed thanks to better aerodynamics. Long held in high regard, the Ace and Aceca have, in recent years, become increasinly sought after by collectors, particularly in Bristol-powered form and values have soared as a result. Ideal events cars, the Aceca ticks all the boxes, being beautiful, fast and rare (with only 171 made with Bristol power and of these just 86 were sold in right-hand drive form).