1957 | AC Ace Bristol

Matching numbers
Rare Phase 2 Engine
Completely in Alu

The AC Ace was not just any sports car, it was the most versatile bolide available. Whether you needed an everyday car, a fast car for long distances, or even a racing monster for the gruelling 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ace could handle it all. The design was inspired by Cliff Davis' Tojeiro sports car, which made many a car enthusiast's mouth water. When AC Cars put the design into production as the Ace in 1954, they retained Davis' beautiful barchetta bodywork and John Tojeiro's twin-rail ladder frame, as well as the Cooper-inspired independent suspension.
Initially the aging AC 2.0-litre engine with 100 hp was used, but in 1956 it was replaced by Bristol's more advanced BMW-derived 2.0-litre engine. The result was stunning: the Ace was now a real powerhouse. In total, only 463 Bristol-powered cars were built, making them much rarer than their Shelby Cobra brethren.
But the real test for the Ace came in 1957, when it competed in the world's toughest endurance race: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car performed phenomenally, finishing second in its class and 10th overall, with British drivers Ken Rudd and Peter Bolton at the wheel. It was an unprecedented success for AC Cars, and the Ace Bristol was rightly considered one of the best British roadsters of its time.
With only 463 examples produced and as an original left-hand drive with matching numbers, our 1957 AC Ace is a rare find. Chassis number BEX 373 left the factory in 1957 and found its way to proud owner E. Mull in Virginia. The Rare Phase 2 engine version came from the close collaboration with Barwell motors where 2 examples a week were fitted with a special gas-flowing cylinder head that provided more power. With the rare Phase 2 engine version , powerful front disc brakes and an overdrive, this Bristol assembled to perfection was ready to take on any challenge. Not surprisingly, this beautiful car performed superbly as a fast both on the track and on the road. Outside racing, E. Mull also made it his daily car and enjoyed every moment behind the wheel.
In 1980, it was registered as the property of prominent AC enthusiast Morgan Smith of Wayne, Pennsylvania, and is said to have been sold to him by famous American architect Vince Kling in the 1960s. Coincidentally, Kling was responsible for many of Philadelphia's most notable buildings after World War II and later owned the largest architectural firm in Pennsylvania.

In 2009 she was purchased by a Belgian collector, who restored the car to a very high standard body off over a period of 2 years. No expense was spared to restore every part to original specifications. The result is a beautiful car which is absolutely world-class in terms of quality: perfect fits, nice smooth surfaces and very high-quality paintwork. This quality combined with the matching numbers engine is an absolutely unbeatable combination.
Starting the original and matching 100D type 2.0-litre 6-cylinder engine spontaneously puts a smile on everyone's face and is a huge pleasure to drive. The shifting is immensely smooth and makes this car perfectly drivable for every type of driver and ride. The car sounds exceptionally beautiful, has a lot of power and corners extremely well. It is therefore a real thrill to take a seat behind the wheel.
This is an extremely rare opportunity to add a perfectly restored and most sought-after version of an all-aluminium icon to your collection!