Estimated Price: £180,000 - £220,000

The AC Ace first appeared at Earls Court in 1953 and epitomised a new era of British post-war sports car production. The owners of AC, Charles and Derek Hurlock, along with AC agent, Ken Rudd, transformed the company's reputation by taking a racing special and putting it into production, with notable stylistic influences from Italian sports cars of the era. The result was a car that delivered both on the road, and particularly on the track thanks to the input of racing chassis designer John Tojeiro. Tojeiro employed the same simple tubular ladder-type chassis with an aluminium body that he had used in his earlier specials, however, the Ace differed by being fitted with all-round independent suspension by transverse springs (the first British sports car to do so), ensuring superb handling with minimal body roll and plenty of feedback. Such was the success of the Ace chassis, it became the foundation for the mighty Shelby Cobras with over three times the power of the original 105bhp, Weller designed, six-cylinder engine. The outdated AC unit eventually made way for the more refined Bristol straight-six, which had evolved from the pre-war BMW 328. The Bristol engine was far more suited to racing, as demonstrated with some success by Cooper, and in its standard form developed 128bhp at 6000rpm. Consequently, it is the Bristol-engined Ace that is most sought after by collectors.

Finished in striking Red with its matching original hide interior, this UK supplied right-hand drive 1959 AC Ace Bristol is a wonderfully preserved and highly authentic example. Complemented by silver wire wheels and a full set of red wet weather equipment, the car presents with an understated elegance that perfectly reflects its period character.

Notably, this Ace Bristol retains a pleasing amount of originality, enhanced by subtle and sympathetic upgrades including the addition of overdrive and an oil temperature gauge—features that improve usability without detracting from its authenticity.

Supplied new to its first owner, Ivor William Ward of Purley, the car remained in his care until 1964 before passing through four custodians in quick succession prior to being acquired in August 1966 by Peter John Williams. During his long-term ownership, which lasted until 1979, the car was refinished from its original white to its current and highly attractive Red.

The present owner, a well-known and highly respected BRDC member, has enjoyed custodianship since 2003, representing an impressive 23 years of continuous ownership. More recently, in March 2025, the car was serviced by Ian Nuttall of INRacing Ltd, at which point a new clutch was installed alongside the overdrive conversion, ensuring the car remains in fine mechanical order.

As an original UK car with a well-documented history and long-term ownership, this AC Ace Bristol stands out as a quite remarkable survivor—offering a rare opportunity to acquire a highly collectable and genuinely evocative example of this celebrated marque.