Return to Ace
October 16, 2024
Most people would cite the Cobra as AC Cars’ most famous, and indeed most enduring model, but the Cobra simply wouldn’t exist without its predecessor, the Ace. Granted, Carroll Shelby’s idea of shoehorning a big old V8 into a svelte British roadster was a genius one, quite frankly, and even though the Cobra was greater than the sum of its parts, the Ace was a rather large portion of those parts. Shelby would no doubt have forged ahead regardless, but we’re pretty sure that whatever car was born from such endeavours in the absence of an AC Ace, it wouldn’t have been as impressive.
The ingredients were just right, you see. The Ace featured an innovative ladder chassis upon which sat a lightweight aluminium body, imbuing the British two-seater sports car with an inherent drive-ability paired with competition levels of pace, ensuring it was a hit with enthusiasts and racers alike.
If pudding was required for proof there was no greater stage to shine than at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1957 an AC Ace Bristol finished 10th overall at Le Mans and in 1958 finished 8th and 9th. Then, in 1959, Ted Whiteaway and John Turner piloted their AC Ace Bristol to a first place finish in the 2.0-litre GT class. Not only that but they came in seventh overall behind six 3.0-litre cars, evincing the Ace’s racing capabilities and further endearing the car to the public.
It was these capabilities that made it so popular and the AC Ace was hugely respected around the world, both then and now, as the quintessential British roadster. And so it was with this in mind that AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, decided to return to its engineering roots and produce a brand new AC Ace.
Actually, it’s two new models: the AC Ace Classic and the AC Ace Bristol Classic, with the whole restomod revolution clearly providing inspiration, and indeed the more modern tech to power said machines. AC Cars (more specifically AC Cars Classics – the heritage division of AC Cars) is combining cutting edge construction techniques, carbon-fibre bodywork and a modern powertrain (all fitted to an original type chassis) to deliver benchmark ride and handling characteristics along with blistering performance to match.
Aside from the subtle stylistic differences between the two cars, what’s underneath remains the same, regardless of which grille is fitted, with power being delivered courtesy of Ford’s EcoBoost 2.3-litre, fuel injected four cylinder mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. This means a peak power figure of over 300bhp, providing a parked to 60mph time of just four-and-a-half seconds, or thereabouts. And in technical parlance, that’s a damn sight quicker than the original.
Ford’s modern Ecoboost replaces the original Ace’s 2.0-litre in-line six
Purists may baulk at such modernisation but for us at least, it’s cars like the AC Ace that really benefit most from the restomod treatment, and it’s a treatment in this case that’s carried out by the very company that spawned the thing in the first place. Here is an achingly handsome car that’s been brought bang up to date without losing any of that inherent beauty, (and without going electric). It’s still sucking, squeezing, banging and blowing but just doing it all a little bit better than before.
It’s a sentiment that David Conza, CEO of AC Cars, wholeheartedly agrees with, telling us: “The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics prove that a classically styled car can have outstanding performance and handling. Returning to the themes of light and powerful, the work of AC Cars Classics in the engineering of these cars demonstrates our ability to delicately blend grace with modern ability.”
The new Ace and Ace Bristol Classics come hot on the heels of AC’s Cobra GT announcement and prices start from £175,000, including VAT. If you fancy one for yourself you can reserve and order now at AC Cars’ official website, with deliveries expected to be dished out next summer.
If you’re after something a little more original though, or perhaps a cheaper replica that’s not going to break the bank, then why not take a look at the Ace models we have available right here on Car & Classic? We’ve got you covered.
