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AC 2 Litre Saloon (1952): Ready to Use & Enjoy
The AC Car Company commenced production in 1903 and latterly produced a range of sports saloons as well as sports cars and the hand built three-wheel government contracted invalid carriages for WW1 injured veterans that were a common sight on our roads until the 1970’s.
The rakish AC saloons of the early post-war years are something of a hidden gem. Powered by a very capable triple-carb straight-six engine and boasting svelte aluminium bodywork formed over a timber frame, the 2-Litre was the preserve of wealthy motorists who valued performance and luxury in equal measure.
However, a small number found their way onto the club race circuit…….
At Milestones we build long lasting relationships with purchasers & sellers and are currently assisting a local gentleman reduce his collection of AC cars.
Mike has generously summarised this car's history for us to enjoy.
Beginnings:
My AC “Special” started life as a 2 Litre saloon in 1952 and in its first incarnation was built by Leo Archibold who enjoyed some success in competition with the car. Details can be found in Leo’s book “AC Two-Litre Saloons and Buckland Sports Cars.
History of the AC with Mike:
In 2017 I visited Rod Briggs to discuss an engine for my 2 Litre Saloon. Whilst talking engines to Rod I noticed a collection of parts in the corner of his workshop attracted my attention. There was a 2 Litre saloon chassis, axles, several other parts plus panels for an aluminium body.
After negotiation a deal was done to buy all the parts and for Rod to supply a fully balanced, ported & gas flowed AC UMB engine built to my specification.
· I discarded the original chassis and sourced a replacement
· Rear end shortening by around 18 inches
· engine & radiator back to improve weight distribution.
· Axles and diff were overhauled and splined hubs/ wire wheels fitted
· Spitfire petrol tank fitted within boat tail
· Moss gearbox (overhauled) with modified prop shaft
· Rod Briggs modified engine fitted
· New radiator/ electric fan
· Triple SU Carbs
· Ace 6 branch manifold & stainless-steel exhaust system
· Aluminium panels fitted and finished in Olde English White
· Genuine Sims headlamps sourced/ overhauled
· Suspension geometry checked by Laranca Engineering in Solihull and this utterly transformed the car (and my bank balance)
o Purpose built springs
o Adjustable dampers
o Front anti-roll bar
o Re-engineered front axle to give zero camber
o Rebuilt steering box
· Brakes – Race linings and a brake proportioning valve fitted
· Rollover frame fabricated with purpose-built seats/ harnesses
The result was an extremely well sorted “special” with 87bhp on tap at 5, 000rpm and a top speed approaching 90mph. Most importantly, she drives as good as she looks.
The AC comes with a large history file containing V5, lots of invoices, an article on the car and a summary of work from Mike
The 2 Litre is the perfect “Gentleman’s Toy” to use and enjoy for road trips, weekends away, hill climbs/ speed trials or simply a trip to the pub with mates.
We love her
