AC Ace (1959)

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Desirable factory left-hand-drive example with powerful Bristol engine Out of the approximately 463–466 examples produced, estimates from private registries and club records suggest that just 40–45 examples were left-hand drive This specific 1959 AC Ace Bristol stands out not just for its rarity but also for its eye-catching restoration The metallic green exterior, paired with the light brown interior, gives the car a refined, elegant look, while the restored engine ensures that the Ace retains its legendary driving characteristics The AC Ace Bristol was designed to combine the best of British engineering with the raw power of an American engine The design was crafted by John Tojeiro, a highly regarded British designer known for his work on the Ferrari Barchetta, one of Ferrari’s most iconic models The combination of its remarkable performance, striking looks, and engineering made the Ace Bristol one of the standout British sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s AC Cars, established in 1901, has long been recognized for producing some of the most iconic British sports cars. The company’s original factory in Thames Ditton, Surrey, became the home of many of its legendary vehicles, including the AC Ace Bristol, one of the most celebrated models in AC’s history. Introduced in 1956, the AC Ace Bristol was designed to combine the best of British engineering with the raw power of an American engine. The car was powered by a 2.0-liter, six-cylinder Bristol engine, based on the famous BMW 328 engine but modified to produce 125 horsepower. This allowed the Ace Bristol to reach a top speed of 116 mph (186 km/h) and accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 9.1 seconds—impressive numbers for its time. The design of the Ace Bristol was the work of John Tojeiro, a skilled engineer known for his work on racing cars. The car’s body was made of hand-formed aluminum panels, attached to a steel frame, which kept the car lightweight yet durable. This helped the Ace Bristol perform exceptionally well on the road, delivering great handling and speed. While the Ferrari Barchetta became synonymous with Italian elegance and racing heritage, the AC Ace Bristol, with its similar design philosophy, brought the same level of engineering precision to British motoring. On the race circuit, the AC Ace Bristol proved itself with notable successes, including winning its class at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world’s most prestigious endurance races. Between 1956 and 1962, AC produced just 465 units of the Ace Bristol, making it a rare car. The combination of its remarkable performance, striking looks, and engineering made the Ace Bristol one of the standout British sports cars of the 1950s and 1960s. Today, the AC Ace Bristol is still remembered as one of the most iconic sports cars of its era. It represents the perfect blend of performance and style, a true classic that continues to captivate car enthusiasts and collectors around the world. The AC Cobra was later born when American car designer and racing enthusiast Carroll Shelby came across the AC Ace during the early 1960s. A car that would go on to write its own legendary story in automotive history. ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE This specific AC Ace Bristol, is a remarkable example of British automotive engineering, and its journey through time is as captivating as the car itself. Initially finished in Valentines Blue, it was first owned by Mr. Jack Fernandez from Venezuela, where the car’s blend of beauty and performance captured the spirit of the era. Valentines Blue was a deep, rich shade of blue with a subtle metallic finish. The car left the AC factory on June 19th, 1959, destined to become a collector’s icon. In the 1980s, the AC Ace Bristol, was owned by Mr. Alvis R. Acevedo, a resident of Caracas, Venezuela. During this period the original Valentines Blue color was replaced with a striking metallic red.