Just completed from an extensive restoration in the Netherlands, where each component of the car was painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished
The restoration was thoroughly documented, with detailed photographs illustrating every stage of the process, providing a complete visual record of the work carried out
The AC Ace, was originally designed by John Tojeiro, also involved in designing some of the most beautiful cars in automotive history, including the Ferrari Barchetta
The AC Ace shares certain key stylistic elements with the Ferrari Barchetta, particularly in the way the body curves gracefully, creating a smooth, flowing line that conveys both speed and elegance
Incredibly refined interior, the Brown Biscuit leather interior brings a touch of Ferrari-inspired luxury to the car
Desirable chromed Borrani wire wheels. These handcrafted wheels, renowned for their association with Ferrari and racing legends, add a touch of Italian flair and timeless beauty
Desirable factory left-hand-drive example
Powerful Bristol engine
One of the best driving sports cars of the 50’s
The history of AC Cars begins in 1901 in London, when engineer John Weller and businessman John Portwine founded Autocarriers Ltd.
The initials “AC” were derived from Autocarriers, a name that would later become synonymous with British sports cars.
By the 1930s, AC had developed its own sophisticated 2-litre inline six-cylinder engine, an advanced and smooth power unit for its time.
A key moment came in the early 1950s when racing driver and designer John Tojeiro created a lightweight tubular-frame sports car. AC acquired the rights to his design and adapted it into a production model. The result was the elegant and agile AC Ace, introduced in 1953 at the London Motor Show.
The car’s smooth and flowing lines gave it an elegant appearance while also contributing to improved aerodynamics.
But what many people might not know is that Tojeiro was also involved in designing some of the most beautiful cars in automotive history, including the Ferrari Barchetta.
In fact, John Tojeiro’s design work for AC Cars was influenced by his experience designing for Ferrari.
The AC Ace shares certain key stylistic elements with the Ferrari Barchetta, particularly in the way the body curves gracefully, creating a smooth, flowing line that conveys both speed and elegance.
Both cars feature long, low, and sweeping lines, making them look sleek and fast even when they’re standing still. The way the rear of the AC Ace arches back into a low, tapering tail, for example, mirrors the same design philosophy that Tojeiro would later apply to his Ferrari work.
In 1956, AC introduced a significantly upgraded version of the Ace. The company began using engines supplied by Bristol Cars.
The Bristol engine dramatically improved the car’s performance, transforming the Ace into a far more competitive sports car.
Several examples competed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, achieving strong results in the 2-litre class.
While the original AC-engined Ace continued to be available for a short time, the Bristol-powered version quickly became the preferred choice among enthusiasts and racing drivers.
In 1962, American racer and entrepreneur Carroll Shelby used the Ace’s chassis as the basis for a new high-performance car powered by an American V8 engine. The result was the legendary AC Cobra.
Over the entire production life of the Ace family, from 1953 to 1963, the numbers remained relatively limited, reinforcing the car’s exclusivity.
Approximately 223 examples of the original AC Ace were built with the AC engine, while the more powerful AC Ace Bristol reached roughly 463 units.
ABOUT THIS SPECIFIC EXAMPLE
This remarkable AC Ace Bristol, was constructed in 1959 as a left-hand drive example, making it a rare and sought-after model in the world of classic cars.
It holds a beautiful history that dates back to its purchase in 1974 by Jerry Lynch from southern Colorado.
A copy of the original check in the amount of $1,650, paid to the seller A. Lan Spencer on October 21, 1974, is included in the file.
The former Dutch owner, Mr de Groen, acquired this Ac in the fall of 2019 from Jerry Lynch, an 88-year-old enthusiast from Boulder, Colorado, who had owned the car for decades.
Jerry was a passionate collector of AC Bristols and had accumulated a small collection of these cars over a 60-year period.
In this particular transaction, Mr. de Groen bought this example, along with two other AC Bristols and a large collection of parts that Jerry had kept from his many years of ownership.
When he first received the car, he noticed that it had been titled with the engine number, not the correct chassis number.
Jerry, very meticulous, had the chassis number properly verified by a Colorado State Trooper, and he went to the Colorado DMV to ensure the car’s title was corrected to reflect the chassis number.
Over the last few years, the car underwent an extensive restoration in the Netherlands, where each component of the car was painstakingly rebuilt and refurbished.
Every part of the restoration was carried out with scrupulous attention to detail, using the finest materials available, and no expense was spared.
A detailed photographic record accompanies the car, illustrating every phase of the restoration.
The work was done not just to make the car functional, but to ensure it would stand proudly among the finest examples of the era.
The bodywork was stripped down, and a decision was made to restore the car in a color that would embody its elegance and sophistication: a sleek, glossy Black finish that enhances the car’s timeless beauty.
With this rich historical connection between the AC Ace and Ferrari’s early designs, it felt natural to incorporate the influence of Ferrari’s stunning visuals into the restoration of this example. A color often associated with high-end Ferrari models.
The interior was equally meticulously restored, with a brown biscuit leather upholstery that adds a luxurious, warm contrast to the exterior’s deep black.
The interior color choice was inspired by the Ferrari interior finishes of the era, where rich leather tones were often paired with vibrant or darker exteriors to evoke a sense of comfort and elegance.
The original engine, was fully rebuilt and reinstalled, ensuring that the car’s performance was just as pristine as its appearance.
CONDITION EXTERIOR
The exterior presents an elegant and sophisticated appearance, a result of its two-year restoration that has been executed with the utmost care and attention to detail.
The car’s sleek Black paint now glistens under the light, giving it a deep, reflective shine that enhances the car’s long, flowing lines.
This classic Black color was chosen to evoke the same timeless elegance that Ferrari’s early roadsters once exuded, blending perfectly with the refined style of the AC Ace Bristol.
The chromed bumpers, while still retaining their classic design, gleam brilliantly, offering a contrast against the rich, deep black exterior.
One of the standout features of the car is its set of chromed Borrani wire wheels.
The Borrani wire wheels have long been associated with luxury and performance, gracing some of the most legendary cars in history, from Ferrari to Aston Martin.
CONDITION INTERIOR
The biscuit leather has been carefully chosen to provide a classic, elegant look, while its rich tone adds a touch of warmth that contrasts beautifully with the dark exterior.
The dashboard has been fully restored to its original specifications, featuring the classic instruments and gauges that speak to the car’s racing heritage.
The original AC-branded steering wheel has been carefully refinished.
The door panels are also in pristine condition, covered in the same rich biscuit leather, with every stitch carefully executed to match the quality and attention to detail of the rest of the interior.
The carpet has been replaced with high-grade wool carpeting, which adds a soft texture beneath your feet and enhances the overall feeling of luxury inside the cabin.
The center console and gear lever are restored to original specifications, featuring simple yet elegant chrome detailing, which adds a refined touch to the overall design.
In summary, the interior of this Ac Ace is a harmonious blend of classic British craftsmanship and Ferrari-inspired luxury. The brown biscuit leather, the restored dashboard, and the elegant finishes all come together to create an environment that is both timeless and incredibly refined.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE
This AC Ace Bristol is powered by a Bristol 2.0-litre inline-six engine, a significant upgrade over the original AC Ace power unit.
While the displacement remained in the 2.0-litre class, the Bristol engine transformed the driving experience, offering a livelier, more responsive character than the original AC power unit, while remaining smooth and tractable. A perfect complement to the Ace’s lightweight, elegant chassis.
Every movement of the steering wheel feels deliberate and alive, the car responding with a fluid precision that makes each curve of the road feel like a perfectly choreographed dance.
With the open cockpit, the outside world becomes part of the experience. The sound of the engine, the rush of air, and the subtle mechanical vibrations blend together to create a symphony that modern cars can rarely replicate.
This exceptional 1959 AC Ace Bristol is a rare left-hand drive example, recently and meticulously restored in the Netherlands to the highest standard.
With its Bristol engine fully rebuilt, chromed Borrani wheels, and perfectly finished interior, this Ace Bristol is a collector’s dream.
Disclaimer
The information provided on this website has been compiled by The Houtkamp Collection with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. The Houtkamp Collection is not liable for any errors or mistakes.
