1935 AC Boattail Special
- Engine
- Rebuilt inline engine, UBS-series, pre-selector transmission with floor shift
- Colour
- Primer (originally grey)
A 1935 AC chassis (L282) that left the factory as an Aero saloon and was partially transformed into a period-style boattail special during the early 1970s, using its original chassis and engine. The saloon bodywork was discarded, the chassis shortened, and a boattail body fitted. Subsequent owners further developed the car for hillclimb and vintage racing use. It passed through Italian ownership under noted gentleman driver Roberto Farneti, during which a full restoration by a British-car specialist was undertaken, and FIVA and ASI certification obtained.
Ownership
- —Auction saleEstimate £110,000 – £130,000
- → 1935-03-12Factory deliveryAC Cars (factory)full documentation
Vehicle left the factory on 12 March 1935 with original registration CPE 73, finished in grey with beige interior as an Aero saloon.
- 1935-03-12 →Unknown early owner(s) prior to 1970snone documentation
During this period the saloon body was discarded and the car was partially rebuilt as a special using the original chassis and engine, with conversion work occurring in the early 1970s.
- 1974 → 1982Acquisition unknownDavid Hescroffpartial documentation
Acquired the car in unfinished condition with boattail bodywork in primer. Completed the build, shortened the chassis, and used it in motorsport events for several years.
- 1982 →Private saleNigel Phillipspartial documentation
Purchased from Hescroff; subsequently disposed of the car through a dealer.
- → 2017Private saleRoberto Farnetifull documentation
Ravenna-based gentleman driver with a noted vintage racing career. Had the car restored by an Italian specialist in British racing cars, obtained a FIVA Passport in 2002 and an ASI certificate in 2006. Sold after shifting focus to Formula car racing.
- 2017 →Private saleCurrent consignorpartial documentation
Has kept the vehicle in Florence as part of a personal collection since acquisition.
- Date unknownPrivate saleHampshire-based gentlemanpartial documentation
Acquired via a dealer after Phillips sold; during this phase the car underwent various mechanical upgrades including a replacement engine block and repositioned transmission.
- Date unknownAcquisition unknownJohn Gilbert Reevesfull documentation
Recorded as owner on a VSCC certificate dated 2000; the car was listed for sale in the UK that year while still carrying registration CPE 73.
Competition
- —Various races and hillclimbsDriver: David Hescroff
Hescroff campaigned the completed special in multiple races and hillclimb events over several years following the build's completion in 1974.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2002Inspection
FIVA Passport obtained for the vehicle.
Passport secured during Farneti's ownership.
- 2006Inspection
ASI (Automotoclub Storico Italiano) certificate awarded to the car.
Certification obtained during Farneti's ownership.
- —Modification
Original saloon body removed and replaced with a boattail body; chassis shortened by removing the rear section and repositioning the rear axle and suspension.
Work carried out in the early 1970s prior to Hescroff's acquisition; used original chassis and engine, correct lighting, and original instrumentation.
- —Modification
Original engine block replaced with a rebuilt unit; pre-selector gearbox shifter relocated from the steering column to a floor-mounted position to improve competitive performance.
Modifications made during the period of ownership following Nigel Phillips, likely while in the hands of the Hampshire gentleman.
- —RestorationItalian specialist of British racing cars
Comprehensive restoration carried out by an Italian workshop specialising in British racing cars; during this work the installed engine was restamped with the original factory number.
Commissioned by Roberto Farneti; the original engine block itself remains with a previous UK owner and is available for separate purchase.
Are you the owner of this car?
This car's public record is built from its auction and competition history. Register your ownership and privately add your own records to make it a verified Legacy Metrics passport — provenance that backs your car's value at sale and gives your insurer evidence to price against. Roy reviews and verifies every registration personally.