The AC Ace-Bristol was a highly regarded sports car of its time, known for its sleek design, sporty character, and powerful Bristol engine. It was a standout model in the British automotive industry of the post-war period and earned a good reputation among fans of style and speed.
Source: RM Sotheby’s
After World War II, AC resumed production and introduced a line of 2-liter roadsters in 1947. However, it was the Ace sports vehicle, introduced in 1953, that cemented the brand’s reputation in the sports vehicle market. Interestingly, Ace’s design was inspired by Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta and was both stylish and sporty. Later, the Ace-Bristol version was introduced in 1956, featuring a Bristol engine, which provided a significant increase in power and performance. The automobile was highly regarded for its sleek design, sporty character, and powerful engine.
Source: Bonhams
AC Ace Bristol was developed by the Harlock brothers in the post-WWII period as a way to save their struggling company. The automobile was based on the Tojeiro Bristol Special and was first introduced at the London Motor Show in 1953. It featured a ladder frame made of steel pipes, independent suspension, and an inline 6-cylinder engine. In 1956, it was updated with a Bristol engine, which improved its performance and helped it achieve success in racing events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The roadster’s design and performance also caught the attention of Carroll Shelby, who later went on- to create the famous Shelby Cobra.
Source: Mecum Auctions
The 1958 edition two-seater roadster featured a sleek and sporty design, with a ladder frame made of steel pipes and a tubular body frame. The body panels were made of aluminum alloy, which helped to keep its weight low and improve performance. Powered by a 2-liter, inline six powerful Bristol engine it could produce around 100 hp. This engine was mated to a four-speed manual transmission. The 1958 edition featured an independent coil spring suspension in the front and a live axle with semi-elliptical leaf springs in the rear. It had drum brakes on all four wheels which were reliable and easy to maintain. Moreover, the roadster reached a maximum speed of around 110 mph hitting from 0 to 60 mph in just over 10 seconds. Highly regarded for its sporty character and strong performance the 1958 edition was considered a standout model in the British automotive industry of the post-war period and earned a good reputation among fans of the fast and stylish drive. The interior of the 1958 AC Ace Bristol was minimalistic, with a focus on performance and sportiness. The seats were made of leather and provided good support for the driver and passenger. The wooden steering wheel was well-crafted and added to the car’s premium feel. The instrument gauges were made by Smiths and provided accurate readings of the important signs. The roadster had basic features such as windshield wipers, headlights, and taillights. It also featured a small storage area behind the seats and a small glove compartment. Overall, the interior of the 1958 AC Ace Bristol was simple, functional, and sporty, with a focus on performance and driving experience. It was a true sports vehicle and its interior reflected that, with minimalistic design and well-crafted materials.
Source: Bonhams
The 1958 edition was one of the few automobiles that participated in both the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mille Miglia in the same year. The roadster was driven by Jack Sears and Tommy Wisdom at Le Mans, where it finished 8th overall and 1st in the 2.0-liter class. Later that year, the same roadster participated in the Mille Miglia, where it finished 16th overall and 3rd in the 2.0-liter class. This achievement was particularly remarkable because the Mille Miglia was a grueling 1,000-mile road race through Italy, while Le Mans was a 24-hour endurance race on a closed circuit.
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