1955 AC Ace Special
- Engine
- Buick aluminum-block 3.5L (215 cu in) V8, modified with Iskenderian racing cams and four Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, paired with GM four-speed gearbox
This 1955 AC Ace holds a singular place in motorsport history as the first AC Ace to compete at the Sebring 12 Hours, where it finished 4th in class in 1956. Purchased in 1958 by engineer and future oral surgeon Dr. Frank Morgan, it was progressively transformed around a Buick aluminium-block 215 c.i. V-8 paired with Iskenderian cams and quad Weber carburettors, and fitted with a bespoke dual-circuit braking system that predated its use on the Shelby Cobra. Completed by 1966 and briefly raced at Bridgehampton, it entered storage around 1968 before a comprehensive restoration to 1966 specification was completed in 2009, with the original engine retained as an artefact.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$224,000
- 1955-09-01 → 1958-08-01Factory deliveryJoseph H. Dresselpartial documentation
First owner, took delivery from the AC factory and raced the car at Sebring in 1956. Corresponded with the subsequent owner about engine options.
- 1958-08-01 →Private saleFrank and Mary Morganfull documentation
Purchased for $2,795 and undertook an extensive transformation, fitting a Buick aluminum V-8 and custom braking system. Car entered storage around 1968 after a brief racing outing; a full restoration to mid-1960s specification was commissioned in 2006 and finished in 2009.
Competition
- 19561956 12 Hours of SebringDriver: Joseph H. Dressel4th in class, 18th overall
Car ran as entry #37, co-driven by William Woodbury. Identified as the first AC Ace to compete at this event, having qualified and started despite additional AC entries listed as preliminary only.
- 1966-10-01Bridgehampton Race Circuit eventDriver: Frank Morgan
Car wore number 56 and competed in a field that reportedly included a Cobra. Photographic documentation confirms the appearance.
- 20172017 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
First notable public appearance following completion of the 2009 restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1961Modification
Original six-cylinder engine removed in preparation for a V-8 transplant; engine bay cleared by late 1961.
- 1962Modification
Buick aluminium-block 215 c.i. V-8 installed and paired with a GM four-speed gearbox; engine subsequently modified with Iskenderian racing camshafts and four Weber 45 DCOE carburettors.
Correspondence dated April 1962 with Buick's Joe B. Guinn is among the supporting documents on file.
- 2006RestorationClassic Car Center, D&D Fabrications
Full restoration to the car's circa-1966 configuration commenced; a replacement Buick aluminium-block V-8 was sourced and built for running use, while the original engine was preserved separately for display.
Classic Car Center of Fredericksburg, Virginia led the project overall; D&D Fabrications of Almont, Michigan, a Buick V-8 specialist, handled the engine build. The project was completed in 2009 and is supported by invoices and photographs.
- —Modification
Bespoke dual-circuit braking system designed and fabricated by Dr. Morgan; rear wheel arches flared to accept wider rear tyres.
Work undertaken during the multi-year build period concluding around 1966; the braking arrangement predated its adoption on the Shelby Cobra CSX2165.
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