Nearly 60 years in single ownership, with documented SCCA and historic race history from 1961 to 2003
Matching numbers example with four registered keepers from new
Restored at AC Heritage with over £30,000 invested, plus a further €50,000 in servicing and optimisation in 2024 and 2025
2025 Mille Miglia participant, with Registro eligibility valid until September 2028
FIA papers (class GTS6) valid until 2031, alongside current FIVA identity card and HTP pass
The Appeal
Before Carol Shelby, there was Ken Rudd. His company Ruddspeed was the first to recognise the performance potential in the AC Ace chassis. Produced in modest numbers at Thames Ditton between 1956 and 1963, the Ace Bristol married a beautifully proportioned tubular chassis with the proven 1,971cc Bristol straight-six, a combination that proved highly effective on both road and track, and which laid the groundwork for the legendary Cobra that followed. Today, the Ace Bristol is among the most sought-after of all British sports-racing cars, and its eligibility for the world's most notable historic events only adds to its desirability.
'BEX 374' is a compelling example. Delivered new on 6 November 1957, it spent nearly six decades in the hands of just one dedicated owner, the Colorado-based AC enthusiast Jerry Lynch, who campaigned it extensively in SCCA competition during the 1960s and in historic revival racing from 1978 through to 2003. Every race result is documented. The car's third owner imported it to the UK in 2019 and entrusted it to AC Heritage for restoration of the chassis, engine, steering, braking, and electrical systems, preserving the factory interior and the racing livery that has adorned the car since 1960. Its current and fourth owner has since invested a further €50,000 in servicing and optimisation, and has put 'BEX 374' to the use for which it was born: the car participated in the 2024 Nuvolari, the 2025 Mille Miglia, and the 2025 Nuvolari.
With matching numbers, current FIA, FIVA, and HTP papers, and Mille Miglia Registro eligibility through to 2028, 'BEX 374' is ready to take its next owner straight to the start line at Goodwood, Brescia, or any number of the world's finest historic motoring events.AC+Ace+794XVN-26.jpg Greg Copeland.jpeg839.01 KB
History and Paperwork
Delivered new on 6th November 1957 from the AC factory at Thames Ditton to AC Imports, Arlington, Virginia, USA
Four registered keepers from new
First owner: Mr M. J. Brewer of Elmira, New York (1957–1960)
Second owner: Mr C. J. Lynch of Boulder, Colorado (1960–2019) — nearly 60 years of continuous ownership
Documented SCCA race entries from 1961 to 1965 and historic revival races from 1978 to 2003
Imported to the UK in 2019 by its third owner
Restored at AC Heritage from 2020, with over £30,000 spent on chassis, engine, steering, braking, and electrical works
Imported to Germany in July 2024 by its fourth and current owner
Further €50,000 invested in servicing and optimisation in 2024 and 2025, documented with invoices and photographs
FIA papers (class GTS6) valid until 2031
FIVA identity card
HTP pass
Registro 1000 Miglia eligibility valid until 30 September 2028
Participated in the 2024 Nuvolari, 2025 Mille Miglia, and 2025 Nuvolari
Reserve entry for the 2022 and 2023 Mille Miglia
UK MOT issued November 2023 — expired (MOT/road tax exempt)
History file including ownership chain, mechanical revision notes, period photographs, and restoration documentation
Currently located in Germany, retains UK road registration
The vendor states that the factory interior has been retained, along with the racing livery applied to the car since 1960
Originally delivered in white with red trim; now finished in grey
Fitted with MWS wheels and Avon tyres
Left-hand drive
Spares included: weather gear, multiple tonneau covers, removable roll bar, and racing aero screen
It's fair to say that this AC has well and truly earned its racing stripes. It's wonderful to see that wonderful 1960 livery preserved into the 21st century alongside precious period details like the original interior. As the photographs attest, the car presents beautifully while exhibiting a pleasing patina of age commensurate with a life well-lived.AC+Ace+794XVN-19.jpg Greg Copeland.jpeg843.17 KB
The Mechanics
2.0-litre (1,971cc) Bristol straight-six petrol engine
Four-speed manual transmission
Matching numbers
Dual-circuit brake system fitted
New brake callipers
Uprated competition rear hubs
Uprated radiator
Foam-filled fuel tank
Lightweight battery
Kenlowe fan
Oil cooler
Front anti-roll bar
The AC Bristol's party trick is its engine, a 1,971cc straight-six based on the pre-war BMW 328 design. Offering between 120 and 125 horsepower in period, 0-60 mph could be dispatched in just a whicker over 9 seconds, making the Ace highly competitive in sports car racing. As our car's competition history shows, it has proved very competitive and continues to be driven in anger even today. A great deal of time and money has been invested in ensuring this car is as good to drive as it is to behold, making it the perfect entrant for Mille Miglia, Goodwood and much more.AC+Ace+794XVN-5.jpg Greg Copeland.jpeg1.11 MB BEFORE YOU BUY
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