1936 | AC 16/80

British Aristocracy on Wheels

AC Cars is not merely one of the great names of British motoring; it stands among the very oldest automotive marques still revered today. Founded in 1901 as Auto-Carrier Ltd., the company initially built highly successful three-wheeled commercial vehicles. The introduction of its first passenger car, the Sociable, in 1907 marked the beginning of a long, distinctive and remarkably refined journey as a motor manufacturer.

Following the move to the iconic Thames Ditton works, AC rapidly earned an enviable reputation through competition success at Monte Carlo and Montlhéry near Paris, establishing itself as a serious force in the pre-war racing world. The company endured financial hardship—most notably after the 1929 market crash—but emerged with a philosophy centred on uncompromising quality, bespoke craftsmanship and mechanical excellence.

AC proudly adopted the slogan “The Savile Row of Motordom”, a comparison that could hardly be more fitting. These were motor cars tailored like bespoke suits. Drophead coupés, open tourers, saloons, competition variants, short or long wheelbases—almost anything could be specified. Every detail mattered, down to the AC insignia cast into the pedal rubbers. Annual model updates were subtle but constant, making two truly identical ACs from the 1930s almost unheard of.

Mechanically, AC stood at the pinnacle of its era. The legendary Weller straight-six, fed by triple carburettors, produced up to 80 bhp and was paired with a remarkably advanced four-speed gearbox that remains a pleasure to use even by modern standards. Low production numbers and technical sophistication made these cars coveted in period; today, they are exceptionally rare and command attention at any concours or historic gathering.

The Example Offered – 1936 AC 16/80 Sports Tourer

This particular car takes us to 1936: a four-seat Sports Tourer built on the long-wheelbase chassis and fitted with the most powerful 80 bhp version of the Weller engine. Only 44 examples of this configuration were produced, making it one of the most exclusive AC variants of the pre-war era.

The car left the factory on 9 March 1936 and was delivered new to its first owner, Mr Holloway. Its provenance is extraordinarily well documented through the AC Owners Club, with just seven known owners to date. Original build sheets survive, along with delivery notes, invoices and even correspondence between previous custodians and the AC factory—clear evidence that this car has always been cherished by knowledgeable enthusiasts. This lineage explains its exceptional originality and quality today.

Its historical significance is further enhanced by its participation in the famous AC race at Silverstone in 1953, where it lined up on the front row of the grid—an event recorded in contemporary newspapers and magazines.

Restoration to the Highest Standard

Between 1989 and 1999, the car underwent a comprehensive, body-off “nuts and bolts” restoration by one of the foremost AC specialists in Dorset. The process spanned no fewer than 60 weeks and was meticulously documented. The result is an extensive photographic and documentary record contained in two substantial folders.

The car was refinished in its original and supremely elegant blue/silver metallic paint, executed to an exceptional standard. The interior was retrimmed in correct blue Connolly leather, faithfully reproducing the original stitching patterns in both seats and door panels. All mechanical components, including engine and drivetrain, are fully matching-numbers—an exceptional achievement for a pre-war car of this calibre.

Driving Experience

This AC is far more than a visual masterpiece; it is a deeply rewarding car to drive. The commanding seating position, the smooth-shifting gearbox and the torque-rich nature of the straight-six make every journey an event. Perfect for elegant summer touring, yet entirely capable of spirited progress on rallies and historic events.

The six-cylinder engine delivers not only strong performance but also a glorious, sonorous exhaust note—an authentic soundtrack that completes the cinematic experience.

This is not simply an old motor car to be admired, but a living chapter of British automotive history, ready to be enjoyed and shared.