Descrição
LOT 564
1934 AC 16/ 66hp Coupé
THE BEAULIEU SALE COLLECTORS' MOTOR CARS & AUTOMOBILIA
10 September 2022, 14:00 BST
Beaulieu, National Motor Museum
£58, 000 - £70, 000
1934 AC 16/ 66hp Coupé
Registration no. AXO 270
Chassis no. L69
Engine no. UMB33
• One of only two known survivors out of 12 made
• Present ownership since 1994
• Recent restoration by Retroclassic Engineering Ltd
• New cylinder block (original with car)
Footnotes
AC's famous John Weller-designed, 1, 991cc, overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine entered production in 1922, later helping to secure the marque's place in motoring history when in 1926 a 2-litre AC became the first British car to win the Monte Carlo Rally. Financial difficulties saw AC taken over by the Hurlock brothers in 1930 and from then on the firm concentrated on sporting cars aimed at the discerning enthusiast. AC's long-established three-speed transaxle gave way to a conventional four-speed unitary gearbox on the 1933-introduced 16/ 56 and 16/ 66 2. 0-litre models, which also came with a new chassis and Bendix brakes.
ACs of the 1930s were offered in a wide variety of factory body styles, that offered here being a fine example of the marque's rare close-coupled coupé. The car we offer is one of only 12 made, of which it is believed only two survive. The other surviving 16/ 66 close-coupled coupé was sold in 2016 and exported to France. That car required complete restoration, and the recently restored 'AXO 270' is believed to be the only example currently in running condition.
The current vendor purchased the AC from a friend in 1994. At first the car proved somewhat unreliable, so the decision was made in 1996 to rebuild it. Unfortunately the project stalled at the time and the car deteriorated to the point where extensive works were required.
Retroclassic Engineering Ltd of Gloucestershire began the long-postponed restoration in 2020. The engine cylinder block was replaced with a newly cast item, while most of the engine components were refurbished or replaced and others remanufactured (original block/ head with car). The bodywork was repainted to a very high standard but much of the interior trim is patinated original, benefiting from some refurbishment and improvements. 'AXO 270' is finished in cream with light grey wings, while the Rattan in-filled mahogany side trims and faux landau irons are quite delightful. The owner is not in the best of health and has decided, albeit reluctantly, to offer this rare AC for sale.
Additional information
Auction information
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