1959 AC Ace-Bristol
- Engine
- 1.97L inline-six aluminum block, ~125 hp
- Colour
- Red
Chassis BEX 1087 is a 1959 AC Ace-Bristol, one of only 686 examples built between 1954 and 1963, powered by the 1,971cc Bristol straight-six engine producing approximately 125 bhp. Originally acquired for SCCA and club racing in the early 1960s, the car retains period racing modifications including a roll bar and anti-roll bar. Never restored, it has been continuously maintained and represents a direct antecedent of the Shelby Cobra.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$274,400
- 1959 →Factory deliveryRod de Rongefull documentation
Original purchaser who acquired the car new and campaigned it in regional SCCA and club competition in the early 1960s. Had several performance-oriented modifications fitted including a stainless exhaust, period roll bar, and anti-roll bar.
- → 1975Acquisition unknownShelby and Nancy Walkerpartial documentation
New Hampshire-based couple who kept the car in good order but did not use it for racing before selling it around 1975.
- 1975 →Private saleCurrent long-term ownerpartial documentation
Acquired the car circa 1975 and had the suspension and steering fully rebuilt in 2015; also had the bodywork repainted in the original red in 1988.
Competition
- —SCCASCCA and club racing eventsDriver: Rod de Ronge
Car was campaigned locally in the early 1960s in various SCCA and club-level events by its first owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1988Bodywork
Exterior repainted in the car's original red colour, restoring the delivery specification finish.
- 2015Mechanical
Complete rebuild of the suspension and steering systems; the original steering box was retained and is included with the car.
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