Bristol was widely regarded as a highly esteemed and sophisticated predecessor to the iconic Shelby Cobra. The remarkable sports roadster, powered by Bristol, made a profound impression on the renowned racer Carroll Shelby. In fact, he drew inspiration from it to create his magnificent Cobra.
Source: Bonhams
Following the conclusion of World War II, car manufacturers, previously involved in producing military machinery, shifted their focus back to crafting cars for civilians. One notable introduction was the AC Ace, which debuted at the 1953 London Motor Show and quickly gained popularity. This sleek roadster boasted a stunning light alloy body, a tubular steel chassis, and advanced independent suspension for both the front and rear wheels, making it a cutting-edge automobile of its era.
The origins
Source: Dylan Miles
Owned by the Harlock brothers since 1930, AC suffered difficulties to develop an entirely new sports car in the post-WWII period. The company had only a 2-liter engine, created back in 1919, and no less outdated chassis. To save the company from destruction, the Harlock Brothers bought the rights from John Tojeiro to manufacture the Tojeiro Bristol Special (1953) he built in a single copy. Thus, the AC Ace prototype appeared at the London Motor Show in October 1953 and went on sale the following year with the Aceca two-seat coupe. The car received a ladder frame made of steel pipes, welded with a tubular body frame with panels made of aluminum alloy. Externally, the roadster reminded the open Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta. The AC Ace featured a fully independent suspension system, utilizing transverse leaf springs both at the front and rear. The braking system consisted of hydraulic drums on all wheels. Under the hood, an Inline 6-cylinder engine with a displacement of 1991 cm3 and a single overhead camshaft, coupled with three carburetors, delivered power ranging from 90 to 102 horsepower, enabling the car to reach a top speed of 167 km/h. In 1956, a modified version of the Ace was introduced, incorporating a Bristol engine. This BMW-designed overhead valve 6-cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers produced an output of 120 to 130 horsepower. The chassis and body structure remained unchanged. A year later, the model showed good results during the 24 hours of Le Mans. Ken Rudd and Peter Bolton were driving two cars, which took second and 10th places, respectively. Already in 1958, the model again took second place in the class after the Porsche 718 RSK. 1959 became triumphant for the AC new Roadster when it won the race. Interestingly, in 1959, Carroll Shelby saw the Ace Bristol and was so impressed that later created his famous Shelby Cobra.
The 1960 model year
Source: Dylan Miles
The AC Ace Bristol underwent notable improvements and technological advancements in its 1960 model year. This renowned British roadster, celebrated for its striking aesthetics, nimble handling, and well-balanced weight distribution, continued to evolve and impress. A significant upgrade in the 1960 model was the introduction of the Ford V8 engine, replacing the previous Inline 6 engine. This change brought about enhanced power and performance, elevating the driving experience to new levels. With the Ford V8 engine under the hood, the AC Ace Bristol gained a considerable horsepower boost, allowing drivers to enjoy even more exhilarating acceleration and higher top speeds. While the powertrain received a significant update, the chassis and body structure remained consistent with previous iterations. The vehicle retained its signature light alloy bodywork, ensuring a sleek and aerodynamic appearance. The sturdy tubular steel chassis provided exceptional rigidity and stability, enabling precise handling and control on the road. The 1960 version also introduced optional technological features that further enhanced the driving experience. Drivers could opt for an overdrive gearbox, enabling seamless gear shifts and improved fuel efficiency during highway cruising. Additionally, front disc brakes became available as an option, offering superior stopping power and enhanced safety. Despite its weight, the AC Ace Bristol demonstrated exceptional performance capabilities. It reached an impressive top speed of around 200 km/h and accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 8.1 seconds, offering an exhilarating driving experience. The sleek and sporty two-door design not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also contributed to the overall rigidity of the vehicle’s body, inspiring drivers to embrace a dynamic and spirited driving style. A restricted number of AC Ace Bristol cars were produced in the 1960 model year, with a total of 724 Ace models manufactured. Among this limited production, 463 units were specifically modified by Bristol, underscoring the high demand and popularity of this particular version of the vehicle.
Did you know?
Source: Mecum Auctions
As a true racing automobile, the 1960 edition had successfully performed at Le Mans, taking the top places. And in 1960-61 the roadster took first place in D class.
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