One to Buy: ex-works 1957 AC Ace Bristol Le Mans
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Launched at the London Motor Show in October 1953, the Ace was AC’s highly anticipated replacement for their ageing 2-Litre range.
Production of the John Tojeiro-designed machine got underway in May 1954 and the Ace quickly earned a reputation as a useful competition car despite its rather pedestrian 100bhp straight six engine which had been imported from the outgoing model.
The AC engine was subsequently replaced from January 1956 when Bristol’s BMW-derived motor came on stream. In its most potent 100D2 form, the Bristol engine produced 128bhp which transformed the Ace into a serious performance car.
One Ace that started life with an AC engine and subsequently got the Bristol transplant in period was chassis AE205 which will be going under the hammer at Bonhams’ Monterey auction on August 18th.
Having started life as a works demonstrator, AC subsequently elected elected to make AE205 their works entry for the 1957 Le Mans 24 Hours. The upgrade programme that followed was all encompassing; a tuned 100D2 Bristol engine was fitted along with a long-range fuel tank, front disc brakes and a modified low drag body. The interior fixtures and fittings also came in for significant attention too.
Ken Rudd (who had been tasked with undertaking the conversion) and Peter Bolton went on to finish tenth overall at la Sarthe which was good enough for second in class behind the Equipe Nationale Belge Ferrari 500 TRC which was a purpose-nuilt sports racer.
Chassis AE205 departed for the US in late 1957 where it continued to race successfully and, since 1963, has been in the hands of just one careful owner.
Today the car is offered in superb condition following a recent restoration.
For more information visit the Bonhams website at: https://cars.bonhams.com/
