1953-1963 AC Ace – Project Profile

If you’ve been keeping up to date with our antics as documented in these fair pages then you’ll know that this year we’ve partnered with the Automotoclub Storico Italiano for its ASI Circuito Tricolore series of 18 classic rallies across Italy. We’ve been involved in all of the events so far and have even been lucky enough to actually compete in a few, but whether driving or not they have all been spectacular. As well as getting to see so many wonderful classic and vintage vehicles and meet like minded enthusiasts it’s also inspired us to get involved in more historic motorsport events and we hope that it’s having the same affect on you lot. As is habitually the case, such inspiration inevitably leads us to a browsing session here on Car & Classic and our most recent virtual riffle through the classifieds and auction listings led us to this AC Ace project.

The great thing about this particular AC is the huge potential it has for FIA race car status. Everyone is aware by now just how adept the Ace was as a competition car thanks to the one and only Carroll Shelby who took a ’62 model and dropped in a Ford V8 and we all know how that little endeavour turned out.

But before Shelby got his hands on it and birthed the Cobra the Ace was already a capable racer. With its 3” tubular ladder chassis, lightweight body and decent inline six-cylinder engines, especially the later Bristol and Ford lumps, it quickly gained the respect of private racing enthusiasts who could turn up on track at the weekend but still daily it in the week.

The Ace would also prove itself at Le Mans in the late ’50s, finishing 10th overall in ’57, 8th and 9th a year later and 7th overall in ’59, as well as 1st in the GT 2.0-litre class. Not a bad showing at all and a testament to the car’s inherent abilities as a racer.

What is it? 

Featuring a period-built but un-numbered John tojeiro-designed AC ladder chassis with AC engine mounts and right-hand drive steering bracketry, the owner entrusted these old bones to the team at AC Heritage who fitted an original specification aluminium body. At the same time, all of the period-correct suspension, drivetrain, and AC Moss manual gearbox bits and bobs were sourced, along with a genuine 2.0-litre AC six-cylinder engine.

Why is it a project? 

Although most of the parts have been collected together and fitted in order to put this car back into service it does need finishing and the aforementioned engine does require a rebuild. This then is a bit of a blank canvas to build as you see fit, unhindered by any notions of “doing the right thing”. The right thing in this instance is exactly what you want it to be – remember that potential we mentioned earlier?

What should you look for? 

Parts
As noted, many period parts have been sourced and fitted but what else is needed to finish the project? Make a list of what’s still required as this could seriously affect the overall cost of resurrecting this Ace.

Engine
Yes, the 2.0-litre engine needs a rebuild but how far do you want to go and how much is it going to cost? Are there any parts missing? Do you want to keep it period correct and standard spec or opt for something a little more zesty? Perhaps even a race-bred motor, or ditch it entirely for a V8.

Interior
There’s no mention of interior in the advert so we must assume that there isn’t any, aside from a steering wheel. There are companies that can reproduce accurate seat covers, panels, carpets and other components but make sure you can source all of the original parts and trim required to furnish the car with a full interior, unless you’re going full race car of course, in which case you’ll need to think about roll cages, harnesses and the like.

Paperwork
Obviously this Ace is currently unregistered so think about what you’ll be using the car for. Road legal classic, track-prepped competition car or something in between, whatever you decide you’re going to need to cross the t’s and dot the i’s when it comes to the official paperwork.

Budget
It’s all well and good picking up a rolling shell for less than £70K but build costs can soon spiral out of control so make sure you have a bottom line and try to budget for the parts and work the car will need before pulling the trigger.

What should you do with it? 

According to the seller this would be a fantastic candidate for a period-correct recreation of an AC Ace with original Thames Ditton lineage, or as a suitable FIA racecar and they’re both great options but if you’ve made it this far then it should be clear to you where our loyalties lie, and that’s very much with the latter option. Build it as a period racer and enjoy the myriad historic motorsport events that a car like this will grant you access to. Trust us, it’ll be totally worth it.