1957 AC Ace Bristol

AC Ace Bristol

When AC Cars rolled this left-hand drive example off the production line on October 30, 1957, in a beautiful silver/ blue livery, no one could have suspected that three years later the car would compete in the most demanding endurance race in the world. Today we present an Ace Bristol that ranks among the more exceptional examples of the model, both for its racing history and its meticulous documentation.

In the late 1950s, the Ace represented AC’s answer to the growing demand for lightweight, fast sports cars: a tubular frame chassis with independent suspension, combined with the robust six-cylinder Bristol engine that gave the car its distinctive character. Before this particular example began its most significant appearance, it had already proven itself on the French rally circuit, participating in the Beaujolais, Dieppe, and Touraine-Normandie.

In 1960, Jean Rambaux and Pierre Boutin lined up at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with this Ace, registered at the time as '1445 ER 76' and bearing race number 57. The car held out for fourteen hours and one hundred and thirty laps, covering over 1. 750 kilometers, before an engine failure brought the race to an early end. What distinguishes this Ace from comparable examples today is that the bodywork and chassis still bear the marks of that participation: the quick-fill cap, the distinctive split windscreen, the extra lighting, and the aerodynamic grille cover are all original Le Mans modifications that have been preserved. The synthetic fenders, the custom-made soft top, and the original rims also belong to the car, although it currently runs on lighter alloy wheels. Over the years, the original engine was replaced by the current 100D 784 ST2.

A document present in the file lists eight successive owners, allowing the provenance of this Ace to be clearly traced. Maintenance was entrusted to Auto Techno Sports in Le Mans for a long period, and the corresponding invoices are part of the documentation, including those for an extensive restoration in 2015 valued at €20. 027. Furthermore, in May 1990, at that time registered as '9802 JR 94', 'BEX365' appeared in the magazine Auto Rétro in an article about the AC brand and the Ace; this example is also part of the documentation. The car currently has French license plates.

The result of all this care is an Ace Bristol that is in sublime condition today and, as might be expected from such an exquisitely maintained example, performs impeccably. With its powerful Bristol engine and its verifiable Le Mans history, this car is among the most sought-after forms in which this model is offered. Built in 1957, this Ace Bristol moreover falls within the period used by the modern Mille Miglia for entry, making this legendary regularity race a possibility for this car as well.

Interested in or have questions about this Ace Bristol? Feel free to contact us for additional documentation, photos, or a viewing.