One to Buy: woodland find Ruddspeed-tuned ex-John Sunley 1957 AC Aceca Bristol
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When the pace of life was a little different, a reasonably wealthy motoring enthusiast could buy themselves a sports car and field an entry for some of Europe’s greatest motoring adventures.
At the time, the region was blessed with spectacular events for the intrepid driver. Contests like the Targa Florio, Monte Carlo Rally, Mille Miglia, Tour de France and Coupes des Alps were world famous, but all accessible to an enthusiastic privateer.
Now, everyone loves a barn find, and what better than a handsome two-seat sports Coupe with the kind of competition record outlined above?
That’s exactly what Brooklands Cars in Weybridge, Surrey, have on their hands: a recently discovered 1957 AC Aceca Bristol with Tour de France, Monte Carlo and Tulip Rally history!
Chassis BE602 left AC’s Thames Ditton factory on June 4th 1957. It was ordered by 21-year-old John Sunley who requested unique Deep Chrome M.16 coachwork with Green upholstery. The car was supplied to Sunley via Kenn Rudd’s noted Worthing outfit with several Ruddspeed upgrades to include a hand-painted race cowl, twin fuel fillers and a cut-off switch.
As for the competition history: Sunley’s most notable results in his special tuned Aceca were an incredible 14th overall at the 1957 Tour de France and then sixth in class at the 1958 Monte Carlo Rally (42nd overall).
After a collision with a Ford Ten in autumn 1969, the damage from which is evident, chassis BE602 was not run again and placed out of use. It is being offered fresh from 60 year ownership.
