1956 AC Ace Bristol - Mille Miglia Eligible

The AC Ace Bristol occupies a particularly important place in the history of the British sports car, combining John Tojeiro’s lightweight, beautifully balanced chassis with Bristol’s competition-bred 2-litre straight-six. Introduced in 1956, the Bristol-engined Ace quickly established itself as a formidable competitor on both sides of the Atlantic, its modest dimensions and exceptional handling allowing it to challenge considerably more powerful machinery. In America, privately entered Aces became a dominant force in SCCA production racing, while internationally the model established an impressive competition record, including strong performances at Sebring and Le Mans. Its success ultimately provided the foundation for one of motoring’s most famous chapters, with Carroll Shelby recognising the potential of the Ace’s lightweight chassis and subsequently collaborating with AC to create the Ford V8-powered Cobra.

Delivered from the AC factory on 13 December 1956, BEX 240 was one of three Aces supplied to Walter J Thompson & Co of Los Angeles. Finished from new in Shelby-esque Oxford Blue with white stripes, as seen today, complemented by a black leather interior and tonneau. The car was fitted with a Bristol 100D engine, number 556 and was immediately committed to serious competition use. From November 1957 onwards, it was raced extensively by Texan ‘hot-shoe’ Bill Steele, predominantly in SCCA competition throughout the Texas region, usually carrying the racing number 77 or, when unavailable, 777. The car’s documented history places it firmly within the highly competitive American production racing scene of the period, including the fascinating transition of the Ace from E Production to D Production and subsequently C Production formulae.

Whilst attempting to purchase a V8-engined Ace in the USA, our vendor stumbled across BEX 240, in remarkably original condition, having never been road registered and having been used exclusively as a competition car. It had suffered accident damage during its racing career, but importantly remained largely complete and retained (miraculously) its original engine and running gear. Its exceptionally ‘track only’ low mileage meant that the fundamental chassis remained remarkably straight and solid, providing an excellent basis for what would become an extensive eight-year restoration. The engine was entrusted to Ted at Stanton Motorsports, whilst Mulsanne Restorations undertook all structural and cosmetic work to a very high standard. The level of originality on this Ace is seldom seen, with many period niceties like the Lucas ‘ribbed’ coil and original instrumentation giving a subtle nod back to its early competitive life. A small swab of fabric was even found under the remains of the driver’s seat, allowing an accurate match for the retrim of the interior.

Today, BEX 240 represents an unusually compelling AC Ace Bristol, retaining its matching-numbers engine and a documented competition history from the very beginning of its life. Combined with its exceptionally low mileage, genuine period racing provenance and eligibility for the Mille Miglia, it offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire an Ace with both remarkable originality and a fascinating competition pedigree. Cars with this combination of provenance, specification and history are seldom offered to the market.

Registration number KOC 500 is also available by separate negotiation. The registration was acquired by the vendor for its particularly appropriate resemblance to LOY 500 and JOY 500, two historically significant registrations associated with the pioneering racing driver and motor dealer Cliff Davis and the early sports-racing cars of John Tojeiro. A selection of parts left over from the comprehensive restoration are also included.

Available for viewing at our Cheshire showrooms by appointment only.