Beautifully restored Greyhound with stunning tobacco leather interior
One of just 83 built and the ultra rare Zephyr-engined model
Extremely rare Raymond Mays engine conversion kit appears to be fitted
British built, aluminium-bodied GT rival to the more common Aston Martin
The Appeal
In the late 1950s AC Cars built the Ace, a pretty two seater that evolved into the tarmac-churning Cobra. It was also the basis for a less well known GT car, the aluminium-bodied Greyhound.
Just 83 Greyhounds left the tiny AC factory in Thames Ditton. Considering how good this example looks, with its Ferrari-esque detailing, that might seem surprising. Very few of those were built with the most powerful available engine, the 2.6litre Zephyr 6cyl motor. This car is one of those.
With bodywork and interior extensively restored over the last two years, this beautiful Greyhound looks immaculate and a desirable alternative to a more common Aston, Jensen or even Ferrari. It appears to have a very rare Raymond Mays engine conversion. For those who love rare, capable cars that confound and surprise people, here is a wonderful opportunity.
Sumptuous tobacco leather interior has just been extensively retrimmed
Delightful ‘sunburst’ door cards
Stylish wood veneer dashboard in very good condition
Delicate Smiths dials appear to be original
Classic 3 spoke AC leather trimmed wheel with original AC centre boss
2+2 layout with spacious rear seats
Wooden spare wheel cover in good condition
The Greyhound emerged at a key moment in Britain’s motoring evolution. The country’s bespoke car makers like Alvis, Jensen, Aston Martin and Bentley were rushing to service demand for upmarket GT cars suitable for Europe’s expanding high speed road network. With post-war money to burn, celebrities and captains of industry wanted to show off their success with quick, cosseting and relaxing cars.
The exquisite interior of this Greyhound directly plays to that vibe. It is a symphony of leather and wood, looking particularly good with the tobacco finish of this car. We understand that it has recently completed a two year restoration that included a complete retrim, It looks factory fresh with no visible signs of use.
It is a very attractive and spacious place to be, from the ‘sunburst’ door cards to the swathe of quality veneer across the dashboard. The details are delightful, including the hexagonal spare wheel cover and delicate Smiths dials.
The restoration appears to have blended originality with replacement - the seats are clearly retrimmed but the dashboard appears original, likewise the dials, and the big three spoke wheel retains its lightly patina’d AC centre boss. 0F83lqPFV5jVtEoH7Sn4hlCfw8Qy7whoCi9XihyG.jpg154.2 KB
The Exterior
Recently restored black paintwork
Aluminium bodywork hand-crafted by AC
Stylish details abound including the unusual bottom-hinged boot and bonnet air duct
Underside in good condition with decent layer of underseal
Ladder frame body-on-frame construction
Chrome wire wheels in very good condition
New quality Michelin tyres fitted
The handsome lines of the Greyhound were styled in-house by the firm’s chief designer Alan Turner. While there are clear stylistic nods to contemporary Ferraris and Aston Martins, it is a distinctive, attractive shape that looks particularly good in the black finish of this car.
The Greyhound used an extended Aceca chassis - itself linked to the Ace - clothed in aluminium. It was designed to compete with contemporary low-volume GT cars from similarly bespoke outfits like Aston Martin, Jensen and Alvis.
We understand that this car was extensively restored over two years including full refurbishment of the hand-crafted aluminium panels. The bodywork is in exceptional condition, with no visible marks or even stone chips in any of the photographs. The black finish with the long bonnet and deep bonnet cowl is very evocative of a certain era of GT sports cars. The effect is accentuated by the bright chrome wheels, also unmarked, which sit on new Michelin tyres.
2.6litre Ford Zephyr 170bhp 6cyl engine believed enhanced by Ruddspeed
Engine badging indicates this car is one of the very rare Raymond Mays conversions
Factory cars had 4spd manual boxes with optional overdrive but we understand this car has a 5spd gearbox
Sophisticated coil spring suspension front and rear with semi-trailing arms at the back
K&N filters fitted
As befitted the Greyhound’s low volume ‘carrozzeria’ style construction AC offered a high degree of personalisation, most obviously in the engine area. Most of the 83 cars left the factory with a Bristol engine fitted but a handful received the more powerful 170bhp Ford Zephyr 6cyl 2.6litre engine. This car is one of those.
AC offered Ruddspeed tuning for this engine and while we cannot ascertain if this car has that set up an engine plaque does indicate that it received the very rare Raymond Mays conversion for the Zephyr engine.
Mays was a famed motor sport entrepreneur and in the 1950s and 60s turned his attention to the Zephyr 2.6litre engine. The conversion added much more power to the engine, allegedly shaving 10secs off the 0-70mph sprint, and providing a higher top speed. The alterations included an alloy twelve-port head, different inlet manifold and twin SU carburettors. It is unclear if this engine still runs those tuning tweaks but it is a fascinating part of its long history.
The Greyhound was offered with a 4spd manual gearbox with optional overdrive. This car appears to have left the factory with the overdrive option as the dashboard appears to show the overdrive switch in place. However we understand from the vendor that it is now fitted with a 5spd manual box.
In the 1960s if an Aston, Jensen or Ferrari were too common for you, there was the beautiful AC Greyhound. Built on renowned sporting running gear, this technically advanced GT 2+2 cane with rarity and exclusivity guaranteed.
Extensively restored over two years and in stunning condition, the rarity of this Greyhound is dialled up by that powerful Zephyr engine and the Raymond Mays tweaks. The sumptuous interior looks hugely inviting and we are very envious of the lucky buyer.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
