Beskrivning
När den sista 2-liters-sedanen lämnade Thames Ditton-fabriken 1958 stod AC utan en bil som erbjud mer än två säten. Som svar på vad som uppfattades som kundernas efterfrågan, samt uppmuntran från Hubert Patthey, tävlingsföraren och schweizisk importör av AC, påbörjades arbetet under ledning av AC:s Chief Engineer, Alan Turner, med en fyrsitsig GT Coupé, Greyhound. Den första prototypen fick en första provkörning och tävlingsdebut vid en AC och Lagonda Owners Club Sprint på Brands Hatch, följt direkt av den första produktionsbilen som visades upp på London Motor Show i oktober 1959. Byggd på en förlängd version av Acecas stålramkärna, som gav plats för en extra rad två säten bakom föraren och frampassageraren samt en ordentlig bagageutrymme, var Greyhound klädd i en attraktiv lättmetallkaross som inte var särskilt olik Aston Martins nyligen introducerade DB4. Interiören var välutrustad, med lädersäten fram och bak, heltäckande heltäckning, riklig instrumentering och god takhöjd för alla passagerare.
De flesta bilar i slutet av 1950-talet förlitade sig fortfarande på live- bakaxlar, bladfjädring och fyrtakts trumbromsar, men Greyhound erbjöd ett modernare tillvägagångssätt med helt oberoende fram- och bakfjädring på spiralfjädrar, styrservo och skivbromsar fram. I likhet med Ace och Aceca erbjöds Greyhound-kunderna ett val av fyra motorer, och den helt sexcylindriga raden inkluderade AC:s egen 1 991 cc 75 bhp-enhet – den BMW-deriverade Bristol OHV-motorn i 125 bhp 1 971 cc och 2 216 cc 105 bhp-former; samt 2 553 cc Ford Zephyr-motorn som kunde leverera upp till cirka 170 bhp när den trimmas av Ruddspeed. Även om Zephyr-motorn var den mest kraftfulla, var puristerna rättmätigt avundsjuka på de jämna och ‘reviga’ Bristol-motorerna eftersom ljudet, balansen och känslan var perfekt för Greyhounds GT-ambitioner när den kombinerades med en 4-växlad manuell låda och den valfria overdrive.
Denna UK-levererade exemplar restaurerades för ungefär 20 år sedan av den välkände Bristol-specialisten Spencer Lane-Jones, med fakturor som bekräftar att över 570 timmar investerades i bilens restauration, vars kvalitet fortfarande är tydlig i dess utmärkta mekaniska och kosmetiska skick idag. År 2019 målades den om i Aston Martin Dunhill Silver, en sofistikerad nyans som framhäver de flytande linjerna i karossen, medan avsaknaden av kofångare ger bilen en mer bestämd attityd och påminner om Greyhounds som var förberedda för rallyt under den perioden.
Complementing the silver paintwork is the original red interior, which remains in wonderfully lightly patinated condition. The cabin retains its wooden dashboard with the full complement of original instruments, and a period correct radio sits neatly beneath – importantly, there are no signs of unnecessary modification, preserving the car’s authenticity and charm.
All the car’s running gear remains in good order, however, at the heart of every Greyhound is its Bristol engine and this unit was rebuilt to near 100S specification, delivering approximately 125bhp and said to perform very well. Since being acquired in 2019, the car has been serviced and improved by INRacing and Spencer Lane Jones (£25, 000 bills on file), with the carburettors rebuilt and the braking system overhauled, demonstrating continued maintenance and ongoing care. Its quality has been recognised with a recent win at the AC Owners’ Club Concours, confirming its standing within the marque community.
Perhaps most impressive is the AC’s history which is neatly organised in three box files of documentation, including the original buff logbook, extensive invoices, photographs and detailed restoration notes from Spencer Lane-Jones. I have diligently looked after all the associated paperwork (I have never seen so much history for one car) and have kept the car in dry, heated storage throughout my ownership. The car comes with a bespoke indoor and outdoor cover and benefits from all the work I have commissioned since purchase that includes everything from top mechanical work through to the installation of seatbelts.
I have acquired bumpers for the car that will be included in the sale.
Only 83 Greyhounds were built - British automotive royalty and rarity!
A rare opportunity to acquire a beautifully restored and well maintained AC Greyhound in the most desirable specification, supported by concours success and exceptional provenance. I acquired my AC Greyhound in 2019 for a simple reason: it spoke to me in a way few cars ever have. Even among rare automobiles, the Greyhound felt different — more elusive than before, and undeniably beautiful. Those wonderful British lines, elegant and restrained, seemed to capture an era when style and engineering lived in perfect harmony. Beneath that sculpted bonnet sat the magnificent Bristol engine, widely regarded as the most capable of the Bristol units fitted to these cars — smooth, willing, and full of character.
My collection spans decades, from the 1930s through to modern machinery, each car carefully preserved in temperature-controlled storage. Yet the Greyhound quickly became a favourite. It wasn’t just another addition; I had seatbelts fitted so I could share the experience with my young children, taking them on holidays and creating memories that will long outlast the miles.
We’ve travelled far together — across the UK and into France, including an unforgettable run to the Le Mans Classic. The car has proven as capable as it is graceful. Tens of thousands of pounds have gone into its maintenance, it deserves to remain in top condition. It works on the button, every time, without fuss.
Many beautiful cars exist from that golden period, but few can compare with the Greyhound’s presence. Its subtle Superleggera-style body, wire wheels, and balanced proportions make it feel like a true automotive legend. In silver, it is simply stunning — endlessly admired, always drawing conversation wherever I go.
Years have passed, and while other cars have come and gone, this one has remained with me. Through ownership, I’ve had the pleasure of attending AC gatherings, most memorably the AC Greyhound reunion at the RAC Club. There, among fellow enthusiasts and these extraordinarily rare machines, I became part of a warm and passionate community — a fitting home for a car that continues to capture imaginations, including my own.
The car featured in the 2025 Antler luggage marketing campaign, demonstrating its stylish and timeless charm.
