AC Ace

This article is about AC Ace (1953–1963). For AC Ace (1993–2000), see AC Brooklands Ace.

Motor vehicle

AC Ace

1953–1963 AC Ace

Overview
Manufacturer| AC Cars
Production| 1953–1963 [1]
Designer| John Tojeiro
Body and chassis
Body style| 2-door roadster
Related| AC Aceca
AC Greyhound
AC Cobra
Powertrain
Engine| 2.0 L I6 (AC)
2.0 L I6 (Bristol)
2.6 L I6 (Ford)
Transmission| 4-speed manual (With overdrive available)
Dimensions
Wheelbase| 90 in (2,286 mm) [2]
Length| 152 in (3,861 mm) [2]
Width| 59.5 in (1,511 mm) [2]
Height| 49 in (1,245 mm) [2]
Curb weight| 1,920 lb (871 kg)
Chronology
Successor| AC Cobra

The AC Ace is a sports car produced by AC Cars of Thames Ditton, England, from 1953 until 1963. About 220 AC Aces and 466 Ace-Bristol cars were produced during its 10 year run.[3]

## History

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AC resumed civilian production after the Second World War with the 2-Litre range of cars in 1947, but it was with the Ace sports car of 1953 that the company really made its reputation in the post war years. Casting around for a replacement for the ageing 2-Litre, AC took up a design by John Tojeiro that used a light, ladder-type tubular frame, all independent transverse leaf spring suspension, and an open two-seater alloy body possibly inspired by the Ferrari 166 MM barchetta.[2][4]

For the Ace as well as the Aceca, AC used chassis numbers beginning with AE for AC-engined cars, BE for Bristol-engined ones, and RS for those equipped with the Ford unit. An "X" following the first two letters indicated an export model.[5] With the engine set well back in the chassis, the Ace handled well and was successful in competition.

## AC engine cars

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Early cars used AC's own 100 bhp (75 kW) two-litre overhead cam straight-six engine first seen soon after the end of the First World War, which, according to a 1954 road test by Motor magazine, gave a top speed of 103 mph (166 km/h) and 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 11.4 seconds and a fuel consumption of 25.2 miles per imperial gallon (11.2 L/100 km; 21.0 mpg‑US).[2] It was hardly a sporting engine however, and it was felt that something more modern and powerful was required to put the modern chassis to good use.

Joining the Ace in 1954 was the Aceca hard top coupé, which had an early form of hatchback rear door but used the same basic timber framed alloy body.

## Bristol engine cars

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From 1956, there was the option of Bristol Cars' two-litre 120 bhp (89 kW) straight-six with 3 downdraught carburettors and slick four-speed gearbox. The Ace-Bristol prototype has chassis number RS 5000. Top speed rose to 116 mph (187 km/h) with 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in the nine second bracket. Overdrive was available from 1956 and front disc brakes were an option from 1957, then standardised for 1958/59.

The six-cylinder Bristol engine was optional until it ceased production in 1961.

## Ford/Ruddspeed engine cars

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1962 2.6-litre Ruddspeed-engined Ace

In 1961 a new 2.6 L (2,553 cc; 155.8 cu in) straight-six 'Ruddspeed' option became available, which was a version of the Ford Zephyr 6 engine tuned by Ken Rudd. It used three Weber or SU carburettors and either a 'Mays' or an iron cast head. This setup boosted the car's performance further, with some versions tuned to 170 bhp (127 kW), providing a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h) and 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds.[6] However, it was not long before Carroll Shelby drew AC's attention to the Cobra, so only 37 of the 2.6 models were made.[7] These Ford-engined models had a smaller grille which was carried over to the Cobra.

The production model of the AC Ace 2.6 (as it was later known) is for many people the prettiest Ace of all—and relatively rare, with only 36 such cars built. To fit the Zephyr engine, AC had to modify the frame, relocate the steering box and completely change the nose of the car. These changes are often mistakenly attributed to Carroll Shelby.

## Technical data

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AC Ace (1953–1964)[8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17] | Ace (1953–64)  | Ace Bristol (1956–64)  | Ace 2.6 (1961–63)

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Engine: | Straight-six (four-stroke)
Engine type: | AC Light Six | Bristol Type 100B/100D | Ford Zephyr 6/Ruddspeed
Displacement: | 1,991 cc (121.5 cu in) | 1,971 cc (120.3 cu in) | 2,553 cc (155.8 cu in)
Bore × Stroke: | 65 mm × 100 mm (2.6 in × 3.9 in) | 66 mm × 96 mm (2.6 in × 3.8 in) | 82.55 mm × 79.5 mm (3.3 in × 3.1 in)
Maximum power: | 85 bhp (86 PS; 63 kW) at 4500 rpm
90 bhp (91 PS; 67 kW) at 4500 rpm
102 bhp (103 PS; 76 kW) at 5000 rpm | 105 bhp (106 PS; 78 kW) at 5000 rpm (Type 100B)
128 bhp (130 PS; 95 kW) at 5750 rpm (Type 100D) | 90 bhp (91 PS; 67 kW) at 4500 rpm
100 bhp (101 PS; 75 kW) (Stage 1)
125 bhp (127 PS; 93 kW) (Stage 2)
150 bhp (152 PS; 112 kW) (Stage 3)
170 bhp (172 PS; 127 kW) (Stage 4)
Maximum torque: | 149 N⋅m (110 ft⋅lb) at 2500 rpm (85 bhp)
149 N⋅m (110 ft⋅lb) at 2500 rpm (90 bhp)
163 N⋅m (120 ft⋅lb) at 3000 rpm (102 bhp) | 142 N⋅m (105 ft⋅lb) at 3750 rpm (Type 100B)
167 N⋅m (123 ft⋅lb) at 4500 rpm (Type 100D) | 180 N⋅m (133 ft⋅lb) at 2000 rpm (Stage 1)
209 N⋅m (154 ft⋅lb) at 3000 rpm (Stage 4)
Carburation: | 3 × SU | 3 × Solex | 1 × Zenith (Base)
3 × SU (Stages 1–3)
3 × Weber (Stage 4)
Valvetrain: | SOHC, chain-driven | Single chain-driven cam-in-block, pushrods, rocker arms | Single gear-driven cam-in-block, pushrods, rocker arms
Cooling: | Water-cooled
Transmission: | 4-speed manual (Optional overdrive in 1956)
Transmission type: | Moss | Bristol | AC alloy case with TR3 gears
Front suspension: | Lower wishbone, upper transverse leaf spring, tubular shock absorbers
Rear suspension: | Wide lower arm, upper transverse leaf spring, tubular shock absorbers
Brakes: | Drum/drum (front discs optional in 1957, standard in 1958/59)
Chassis: | Ladder chassis of large diameter round cross-section steel tube, tubular steel scuttle hoop and body support frame
Body: | Hand-formed, welded aluminum, tubular steel support frame
Track f/r: | 1,270 / 1,270 mm (50.0 / 50.0 in)
Wheelbase: | 2,286 mm (90.0 in)
Length: | 3,848 mm (151.5 in) | 3,874 mm (152.5 in)
Unladen weight: | 762–780 kg (1,680–1,720 lb) | 762–894 kg (1,680–1,971 lb) | 792–813 kg (1,746–1,792 lb)
Top speed: | 166 km/h (103 mph) (85 bhp)
166 km/h (103 mph) (90 bhp)
167 km/h (104 mph) (102 bhp) | 188 km/h (117 mph) (Type 100B)
190 km/h (118 mph) (Type 100D) | 217 km/h (135 mph) (Stage 4)
Acceleration 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h): | 11.4 seconds (85 bhp)
11 seconds (90 bhp)
— seconds (102 bhp) | — seconds (Type 100B)
9.1 seconds (Type 100D) | 6.0 seconds (Stage 4)
Fuel consumption: | 11.2 l/100 km (25 mpg‑imp; 21 mpg‑US) (90 bhp) | 13.1 l/100 km (22 mpg‑imp; 18 mpg‑US) (Type 100D) | —

## Specials

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### AC ACE LM Prototype

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The AC Ace LM Prototype was a one-off from the year 1958 with the unusual chassis number LM5000. It was designed by John Tojeiro on behalf of the brothers Hurlock specifically for the AC factory to field at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and other long-distance events. The car weighed only 737 kilograms (1,625 lb), and differed fundamentally from the standard Ace: it had a lightweight tubular steel chassis without the massive ladder structure, a new double wishbone front suspension with coil-over-dampers, and a newly designed independent suspension at the rear. The open aluminium body was much lower, with large overhangs front and rear and a low nose and high tail for aerodynamics. The body was designed by artist Cavendish Morton, who also styled other sports cars. Both engine and transmission were from Bristol, with the engine being a Bristol Type 100D2/S unit. After a test run on the Brooklands circuit just a few kilometres from the AC factory, the not-yet-fully-sorted prototype completed two events in 1958: as a factory entry in the Le Mans 24-hour race in June, and in the Rudac Racing Team at the RAC Tourist Trophy at the Goodwood Circuit in September. Due to changes in the regulations, the car was ineligible to compete in the next event in its class in the FIA \- Sportscar World Championship. The Bristol drivetrain was returned to the manufacturer and the racing car was sold engineless. Later rebuilt, the Ace LM prototype was acquired by a collector.[citation needed]

### AC Ace Bristol Zagato

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AC Ace Bristol Zagato

The "AC Ace Bristol Zagato" was designed and built by the carrozzeria Zagato in 1958. Built on Ace chassis number BEX 477, indicating a Bristol-powered export (left-hand drive) chassis, it was given a fixed-head coupé body like the AC Aceca.

The idea came about at the Geneva Motor Show in 1957 during a meeting between Hubert Patthey, the importer of AC and Aston Martin cars to Switzerland at the time, and Elio Zagato. Patthey commissioned Zagato to produce a unique body for the car, which would be used at local races and, in particular, at the Pescara rally. The donor 1957 Ace was delivered to the Swiss company in 1958.

Zagato produced a coupé body of thin aluminium sheet with their trademark "Double Bubble" roof, with vaults over the driver's and co-driver's seat to ensure sufficient headroom in the low coupé. The car took part in only one well-known race on 5 October 1958, at the Coupes du Salon, where it won its class of cars up to 2000 cc.

Patthey sold the finished coupé to John Gretener, an Englishman then living in Switzerland, who raced it in hill climbs around Lake Geneva. The car was repatriated to England, where it was owned by Kevin Jackson. Later, racing driver Jo Siffert acquired the car, which he used at different racing events and in historical races like the Mille Miglia. In 2000, American Jim Feldman acquired the AC Ace Bristol Zagato from the now-defunct Rosso Bianco collection, and personally restored the car.[18][19][20]

The Ace Bristol Zagato is fitted with a Bristol six-cylinder engine that produces 130 hp (97 kW) at 5750 rpm, and 128 lb⋅ft (174 N⋅m) at 4500 rpm. The car is 3,848 millimetres (12.625 ft) long, 1,245 millimetres (4.085 ft) tall, and weights 862 kilograms (1,900 lb) ready-to-run. Its top speed is 185 kilometres per hour (115 mph). Acceleration 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) takes 7.7 seconds, while 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) takes 16.1 seconds.

### AC Ace-Aigle

[edit]

The 'AC Ace-Aigle' was an aerodynamically improved one-off AC Ace Bristol-based vehicle with the BEX289 chassis number designed specifically for the Le Mans 24-hour race in 1960. The inspiration came from the Swiss AC importer Hubert Patthey, as was the case with 'AC Ace Bristol Zagato' in 1958, but was conceptually much easier. The Aigle Aigle, which has been legally independent in its own right alongside the design studio and car body builder Ghia in Turin existed. In contrast to the standard vehicle, the 'Ace-Aigle' had a modified front and a fixed hardtop. The roof top had two unusual vaults to give the rider and co-driver plenty of headroom - actually the "double bubble" design, typical of Zagato, and implemented in its 1958 coupé. The normal, aerodynamically relatively unfavourable front body of radiator grille, front fenders and bonnet was replaced by a new front and made of lightweight polyester. This was rounder, ran longer and flatter forward, and had a flat, oval cooling air intake, backlit headlights clad with plexiglas half shells. It remotely recalled the Jaguar E-Type. According to the same concept and with very similar lines,  Ghia Aigle  had already changed several Austin-Healey Sprites from 1958 to 1961 (albeit without hardtop).

The "Ace-Aigle" was used by Swiss riders André Wicky and Georges Gachnang from the Swiss racing team Ecurie Lausannoise. It completed the Le Mans test in April 1960 as the fastest vehicle, but failed to finish the June 1960 race.

A very similar "Ace Bristol" with chassis number BEX1192 appeared in Le Mans in 1962, at the same time the last Le Mans appearance of an "AC Ace" before the "AC Cobra" from 1964 was used. The car of a French private owner suffered accident damage the previous year and had been returned to the "AC" factory, where it received a special lightweight body with an aerodynamically favourable front in the style of the "Jaguar E-Type" / "Ace-Aigle". In the race, there was no clutch damage.

## Motorsport

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AC Aces raced at Le Mans in 1957 and 1958. In the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, Ted Whiteaway and John Turner drove their AC Ace Bristol, registration 650BPK, to the finish, claiming top honours for the 2,000cc GT class and seventh overall behind six 3-litre cars.

## AC Cobra

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Main article: AC Cobra

When Bristol ceased building their 6-cylinder engine in 1961, AC's owner, Charles Hurlock, was approached by Carroll Shelby with a proposal to use a Ford V8 in the Ace chassis, producing the AC Cobra in 1962. Production of the Ace ended the same year. Mark I AC Cobras came with either the 260 or 289 cu in (4.3 or 4.7 L) versions of the Ford small block engine, while the later Mark III Cobras had the 427 cu in (7.0 L) version of the larger Ford FE engine. At the time, the AC Cobra 427 was the fastest "production" car in the world.[citation needed]

## AC Automotive

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AC Automotive, based in Straubenhardt, Germany, built AC cars under the original name from 2010 to mid-2023. Cars were sold in Germany, France and England, with sales in Luxembourg, Holland, Lichtenstein, Switzerland, and Belgium slated for the future. Pricing for the standard ACGT model starts at £104,400 before options. The AC Automotive company went into liquidation on July 24, 2023.[21]

## Replicas

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As with the Cobra, some AC Ace replicas have been made, such as the Hawk Ace, but are much rarer.

## References

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1. ^ Sedgwick, Michael; Gillies, Mark (1986). A–Z of Cars 1945–1970. Haymarket Publishing Ltd. p. 7.
2. ^ a b c d e f "The AC Ace". The Motor. 1 December 1954.
3. ^ Covello, Mike (2002). Standard catalog of imported cars 1946–2002. Iola, WI: Krause Publications. ISBN 978-0-87341-605-4 – via Internet Archive.
4. ^ Davis Jr., David E. (March 2002). "Ferrari's Dreamboat" (PDF). Automobile Magazine.
5. ^ Vasek, Paul R. "Ace (1953–1962)". The AC Home Page. Archived from the original on 2 February 2011.
6. ^ "AC Ace 2.6". Motorbase. Archived from the original on 5 May 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
7. ^ "Model specs: 1961–1963 AC Ace RS 2.6". Octane. Archived from the original on 8 July 2012. Retrieved 5 July 2012.
8. ^ Strange, Ian, ed. (29 December 2006). "History of AC Cars After World War 2 (Page 1)". ac2litre.com.
9. ^ Culshaw, David; Horrobin, Peter (1998). The Complete Catalog of British Cars, 1895–1975 (2nd ed.). Dorchester, UK: Veloce Publishing. ISBN 978-1-874105-93-0.
10. ^ Laban, Brian (1991). AC Cobra — The Complete Story. Swindon, England: The Crowood Press. ISBN 1-85223-459-8.
11. ^ "1953 AC Ace (85 bhp)". carfolio.com.
12. ^ "1953 AC Ace (90 bhp)". carfolio.com.
13. ^ "1953 AC Ace (102 bhp)". carfolio.com.
14. ^ "1956 AC Ace-Bristol (105 bhp)". carfolio.com.
15. ^ "1956 AC Ace-Bristol (125 bhp)". carfolio.com.
16. ^ "1961 AC Ace-Zephyr (100 bhp)". carfolio.com.
17. ^ "1961 AC Ace 2.6 (170 bhp)". carfolio.com.
18. ^ "AC Ace Bristol Zagato". carrozzieri-italiani.com. 7 November 2020.
19. ^ Vack, Pete (3 September 2019). "Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, 2019".
20. ^ Bonnafous, Gilles (2 February 2006). "AC Bristol Zagato". motorlegend.com (in French).
21. ^ (Source: North Data)

## External links

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Wikimedia Commons has media related to AC Ace.

* AC Ace replica
* Prices and Options ENGLAND without VAT (archived from www.ac-automotive.com)

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AC Cars road vehicle timeline, 1947–2000

| Type | 1940s  | 1950s  | 1960s  | 1970s  | 1980s  | 1990s  | 2000s

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7 | 8 | 9  | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9  | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9  | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9  | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9  | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9  | 0
Microcar |  |  | Petite |  |  |  |  |  |
Sports car |  |  | Ace |  |  | 3000ME |  |  |  | Brooklands Ace
|  |  | Cobra |  |  |  |  |
Grand tourer |  |  | Aceca |  | Frua |  |  |  |
|  | Greyhound |  |  |  |  |
Executive car | 2-Litre |  |  |  |  |  |
Legend  |

*      Manufactured by AC (Scotland) plc.

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