Description
Goodwood Members' Meeting Sale
10 April 2022
Goodwood, Chichester, West Sussex
using the button below
Viewing Times:
9 Apr 2022 09:00 - 17:30 BST
10 Apr 2022 09:00 - 17:30 BST
The Earls Court Motor Show
1993 AC Brooklands Ace Roadster
Auction Estimate: £20, 000 - £30, 000
Registration no. L47 DPE
Chassis no. PA017002
Engine no. NF 118721
• The second Brooklands Ace built
• Bought directly from AC by the vendor
• 302ci (4, 942cc) Ford Mustang V8 engine
• Manual transmission
• 28, 810 miles from new
The acquisition of the rights to the AC name by Autokraft in 1982 led to the development of several prototypes of a next-generation AC to take the place of the venerable Cobra, a process which would, ultimately, lead to the introduction of a new Ace at the 1993 Motor Show. Hand built at AC's Brooklands factory and aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz SL market, the new Brooklands Ace was priced accordingly, starting at over £50, 000. A thoroughly modern supercar in every way, the Ace featured a stainless-steel chassis and independent suspension all round, and was powered by the latest Ford Mustang 5. 0-litre V8 engine producing around 260bhp. The curvaceous aluminium-alloy body rivalled the original Ace's for looks and was supremely well equipped, an electric hood, air conditioning, heated seats, etc, all forming part of this most luxurious package.
Autokraft's demise in 1996 seriously disrupted Ace production, and although the company was acquired by Pride Automotive Group Inc and re-constituted as AC Cars Group Ltd, only a few more Aces were made before production finally ceased in the late 1990s. By then approximately 58 cars had been made, although as so often had been the case with the firm it would turn out to be not quite the end of the story.
The second prototype car produced, (Car no. 01 was lost in the MIRA crash test) the Brooklands Ace offered here was displayed on the AC stand at the 1993 Earls Court Motor Show and featured in Car magazine (December 1993 edition) and World Sports Cars (June 1994). Unique features to this prototype include a manual hood, different rear deck treatment and high performance engine. In a Counterpoint companion piece to Car's main article (penned by the incomparable LJK Setright) Richard Bremner had this to say about the Brooklands Ace: "Best of all is that it's terrifically rigid, an asset closely tailed by the excellent finish of body and interior. It's a thoroughly professional effort."
The current vendor bought the Brooklands Ace directly from AC and is its only private owner. In the course of the last 29 years the car has covered only 28, 810 miles. The accompanying history file contains numerous MoTs, sundry invoices, sales brochures, an owner's handbook and a V5C document. The file also contains the chassis plate, which has never been fitted to the car! A unique opportunity for the AC enthusiast to own an important part of the company's history and has been recently serviced.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any complaints or questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest customer services team.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge what is known as a Buyer's Premium. Buyer's Premium on all Automobilia lots will adhere to Bonhams group policy:
25% up to £50, 000 of hammer price,
20% from £50, 001 to £1, 000, 000 of hammer price,
and 12% on the balance thereafter. This applies to each lot purchased and is subject to VAT.
For Motor Cars and Motorcycles a 15% Buyer's Premium is payable on the first £50, 000 of the final Hammer Price of each Lot, and 12% on any amount by which the Hammer Price exceeds £50, 000. VAT at the standard rate is payable on the Premium by all Buyers, unless otherwise stated.
Some lots may be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price. These lots will be clearly marked with the relevant symbol printed beside the lot number in the catalogue.
Payment Notices
For payment information please refer to the sale catalog.
Shipping Notices
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