SLJ Hackett are pleased to offer yet another rare and somewhat forgotten AC 3000ME. This example in particular is every more special as it is one of the very few 3000?s to have had a turbo charger fitted.



The AC 3000ME was developed by Peter Bohanna an engineer from Ford?s advanced vehicle operations in the UK. Bohanna worked on the Ford GT40 project. Alongside Bohanna was the very experienced race mechanic and Lotus dealer Robin Stables. The 3000ME has a mid-engine setup with disc brakes and independent suspension on all 4 corners. Various engines were tested before the AC engineers at Thames Ditton decided on Ford?s (Essex) V6 engine fitted transversely just behind the cockpit producing in standard form roughly 140BHP, this was fed through AC?s owner 5 speed gearbox to the rear wheels.



Production of the 3000ME was originally said to being circa 1974 but the UK type approval regulations would drastically slow progress down to the extent where it took 4 years for the car to be unveiled to the public and the 1978 Brimingham NEC Motor Show. By then it is not surprising that the potential buyers lost interest or completely pulled out over the 4 year delay, it is thought that only 73 Cars were built at Thames Ditton.



Originally dispatched in August 1983 to a Christopher Kite who lived locally to the AC factory in Thames Ditton, Surrey. It is known widely that the 3000ME was delayed in production, Christopher waited several years to receive his car. Following this the 3000?s competitors which includes the Ferrari 328, Porche 911 & Lotos Esprit on paper figures seeming much more appealing in different respects compared to the 3000ME, Christopher decided to have his 3000ME delivered directly to Robin Rew in Silverstone for major works.



Christopher was a very experienced and competent amateur racing driver so it no surprise he wanted his new 3000ME to be much more competitive within its class. Works carried out between 1983-1994 include:

Turbocharger installation (Robin Rew)



Blueprinted engine (Robin Rew)

Special exhaust manifolds (Robin Rew)

Toe-in rear wheels (Robin Rew)

Re positioning of engine ancillaries

Rev limiter



Once Christopher was satisfied with the upgrades he competed and one his first and only hill climb at Box Hill.



Robin Rew LTD Silverstone was known for his Engineering background, motorsport photography and later the founding of the Reliant Scimitar & Sabre owners club. He designed and fitted a turbo charger to his own Relaint with a very similar cast iron V6 Ford engine fitted this worked to great effect so much so he started his own business assisting owners of similar vehicles.



The current owner purchased the car from Mr Kite in 1995, by then the total indicated millage stated 14, 000 miles from new, the millage is now 22, 000 miles.



Most recently Spencer Lane-Jones LTD have carried out extensive restoration works costing upwards of £30, 000. 00.



For further details and to arrange viewings

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