1956 AC Ace-Bristol
- Engine
- 1,971cc Bristol straight-six, up to 128 bhp
- Colour
- Aston Martin Almond Green
A 1956 AC Ace-Bristol, one of 686 such cars built between 1954 and 1963, powered by the 1,971-cc Bristol straight-six engine derived from the pre-war BMW 328. The type distinguished itself in competition through five consecutive SCCA production championships and strong results at Le Mans, including a class victory in 1959. This particular car was acquired from a British sports-car collector based in Philadelphia and subsequently underwent a comprehensive, multi-year ground-up restoration completed to factory-correct standards.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$401,000
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownBritish sports car collector based in Philadelphiapartial documentation
Vehicle spent several years in storage during this owner's tenure prior to the subsequent restoration.
Competition
- 1957SCCASCCA E-Production Championship1st (championship)
Bristol-engined Aces took the E-Production title; first of three back-to-back victories.
- 1957Le Mans 24 Hours2nd in class
Ace-Bristol recorded a strong class result at Le Mans.
- 1958SCCASCCA E-Production Championship1st (championship)
Second consecutive E-Production title for the Bristol-powered Ace.
- 1958Le Mans 24 Hours2nd in class
Ace-Bristol repeated its class runner-up finish from the prior year.
- 1959SCCASCCA E-Production Championship1st (championship)
Third and final consecutive E-Production championship for the Ace-Bristol.
- 1959Le Mans 24 Hours1st in class, 7th overall
Ace-Bristol achieved its best Le Mans result with an outright class win and strong overall placement.
- 1960SCCASCCA D-Production Championship1st (championship)
Ace-Bristol moved up a class and claimed the D-Production title.
- 1961SCCASCCA C-Production Championship1st (championship)
Ace-Bristol claimed yet another class championship, this time in C-Production.
Maintenance & restoration
- —Restoration
A thorough ground-up rebuild carried out over approximately four years, with emphasis on factory-correct components and finishes. The car was refinished in Aston Martin Almond Green, fitted with period-appropriate Turrino chrome wire wheels and new period-correct tyres, and the interior was retrimmed in Andes Green leather with Wilton wool carpeting.
Approximately 500 miles covered since completion. Convertible top, side curtains, and tonneau cover also supplied.
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