AC Greyhound classic cars for sale

History of the AC Greyhound

Unveiled at the London Motor Show in October 1959, the AC Greyhound served as the practical evolution of the Ace and Aceca. While sharing core engineering traits with its predecessors—namely, an aluminium body on a steel tubular chassis—the Greyhound introduced a notably extended wheelbase to allow for genuine 2+2 seating. Chief engineer Alan Turner designed its fastback body, drawing inspiration from the Aston Martin DB4 and incorporating a panoramic rear window reminiscent of the Bristol 405. Initial market reception was muted, owing to both the car’s understated styling and its premium pricing above rivals like the Jaguar XK150. Production remained limited, with only 83 cars leaving the Thames Ditton factory by 1963, at which point the Greyhound exited the stage in favour of the far more commercially successful AC Cobra. Today, the Greyhound is recognised as a sophisticated grand tourer crafted with British character and a cosmopolitan tech background.

Model History

The Greyhound’s lineage begins with the AC Ace roadster, a classic two-seater that was later joined by the Aceca coupe. Responding to customer demand for increased comfort and practicality, the Greyhound added a 25 cm longer wheelbase and, for the first time, truly adult-sized rear seats. Throughout its brief production, the chassis design evolved from round to square-section tubing for added stability. Three main engine options were offered from the factory: AC’s own 2.0-litre inline-six, the Bristol 2.0/2.2-litre six (tracing its roots to the prewar BMW 328), and late in production, Ford’s 2.6-litre Zephyr straight-six. While the Bristol engine variant is most prized for its balance and refinement, all Greyhounds featured manual transmissions (with most equipped with overdrive) and rack-and-pinion steering. After Bristol ceased engine supply, Ford power became the default, but hampered the car’s weight distribution, ultimately hastening the end of production.

Highlights of the AC Greyhound

• Genuine four-seater: More spacious rear seating than contemporary 2+2 rivals—an unusual trait among British sports cars of the period.
• Meticulous aluminium bodywork: Each body hand-shaped and fitted to a steel tubular frame.
• Three distinct six-cylinder engines offered from the factory: flexibility and performance for different tastes.
• Standard overdrive and disc front brakes for extensive touring capability.
• Distinct design with panoramic glass, subtle tailfins and a practical boot for luggage.
• Long-wheelbase chassis offers superior ride comfort compared to other AC models of the era.
• Well-appointed interiors and touring equipment as standard.

Market Share: According to supply statistics, the Greyhound represents 100% of AC listings in this context, underlining its rarity and all advertisements for the model focus solely on the Greyhound. Demand mirrors this data, with all AC model searches captured by the Greyhound, reflecting its unique standing within the make.

Technical Data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

No official factory special editions were produced for the AC Greyhound. However, versions equipped with the Bristol engine and magnesium shift lever are particularly sought-after for their fine balance and period-correct specification.

Weak Spots and Common Issues

Due to the handmade aluminium bodywork and tubular steel frame, it’s essential to check for corrosion and any previous poor-quality repairs, especially in the chassis and sills. The Bristol-powered versions require specialist knowledge for engine maintenance, while Ford engined models can present issues with weight balance affecting handling. Overdrive units and braking systems should be inspected for functionality, given the age and use of most examples. Spares are unique to the model’s specification, and interior trim may be difficult to restore to original standard due to the low production volume.

Engine and Performance, Transmission and Handling

Depending on engine choice, the AC Greyhound delivers distinct driving experiences: Bristol-powered versions achieve 0–60 mph in 11 seconds and a top speed of 110 mph (177 km/h), blending long-legged touring ability with proper straight-line speed for the period. The extended chassis and independent suspension ensure a settled ride, particularly suited for grand touring rather than sharp-edged sporting agility. Most examples feature a four-speed manual transmission with the desirable overdrive for relaxed cruising. Steering is direct, and disc front brakes provide confident stopping power.

Popular variants include:

• Greyhound Bristol: Noted for smoothness and refined acceleration
• Greyhound Zephyr (Ford): Brings increased power, though at the expense of balance
• Early AC-engined versions: Smooth and tractable, but less potent than later options. - Bristol-powered Greyhound (2.2L): balance, smoothness, and best handling
• Ford Zephyr-powered (2.6L): highest straight-line performance, but heavier
• Early AC motor (2.0L): original factory configuration

Interior, Comfort, Exterior and Design

Alan Turner’s design for the Greyhound incorporated a long bonnet, sloping fastback, expanded panoramic rear screen (similar to the Bristol 405) and understated rear fins. Later production models feature slimmer C-pillars and enhanced visibility. The aluminium bodywork was entirely hand-formed, producing subtle variations and a unique ‘coachbuilt’ character for each car. The cabin boasts serious legroom for four adults and generous luggage space—rare among period coupes. Specification typically included leather upholstery, classic Smiths instrumentation and an array of bespoke options, such as upgraded sound systems and finishings. Accessories like spare wheel, jack, and tool kit were standard, and several owners specified special-order paintwork and trims to suit personal tastes.

Other Features

Long-distance suitability, rare for sporting cars of the era, is a defining trait of the Greyhound. Its under-the-skin BMW/Bristol and Ford engineering ancestry gives it thoroughbred status beneath an understated exterior. Reputed for extensive touring comfort, it is ideal for historic rallies or cross-continental road trips.

Summary

The AC Greyhound marries refined British engineering, hand-built aluminium craft, and versatile six-cylinder engine options in a rare grand tourer package. Appreciated for its true four-seater capability, practical design, and genuine long-distance comfort, the Greyhound endures as an underappreciated but remarkably useable classic. Collectors value its scarcity and its authentic 1950s British character enhanced by European mechanical heritage.