1961 AC Ace 2.6 Roadster

Paris-based buyer who purchased the car as an 18th birthday gift for his son Patrick; had apparent connections to Monaco and possibly the US military.

Son of the first owner; parted with the car after a short period, advertising it on a noticeboard at SHAPE headquarters in Paris in early 1964.

British national employed by Boeing in Paris; spotted the advertisement and purchased the car. A period photograph showing him with the vehicle near the Seine is retained in the history file.

American author then based in France who acquired the car from Napier as a friend. Relocated to the UK in 1969 and brought the car along, eventually selling it when he chose to return to the United States.

Purchased for £700; took the car off the road in 1975 due to needed repairs and kept it in storage for roughly 29 years. Commissioned a comprehensive restoration between 1994 and 2006, then used the car extensively across the UK and Europe.

First outing after the restoration was completed; the car entered the Ace category and took second place.

Car attended the historic event at Le Mans as part of the owner's active touring programme.

Commemorative gathering for the model held at Stourhead, Wiltshire; car was among the attendees.

Period photographs in the history folder show the car competing at this venue during the 1970s; precise date and result not recorded.

Period photographs confirm participation at Silverstone during the 1970s under current ownership; specific event and result unknown.

Car taken off the road due to various outstanding mechanical issues requiring attention.

Owner had insufficient time to carry out the necessary work at this stage.

Partial rebuild of the rear end carried out over approximately two years following the car being laid up.

Work began around 1975 and was completed by approximately 1977; the car then entered long-term storage.

Comprehensive restoration covering almost all aspects of the car, conducted between 1994 and 2006. Engine rebuilt to Stage IV specification with a Ruddspeed alloy head sourced via Burton Power, triple Weber 40DCOE carburettors, forged Arias pistons, Carillo connecting rods, stiffened main bearings, lightweight pushrods, and a Kent A14 fast-road camshaft. Rear chassis reinforced using Cobra-type box-section outriggers. Factory options incorporated include a curved windscreen, 15-inch wheels, overdrive, alloy fuel tank, and a duplicate fuel system. Modern removable upgrades added: pre-engaged starter, electronic ignition, LED headlamp bulbs, and amber indicators.

Restoration completed in time for the car to return to the road on 10 June 2006; approximately 43,000 km covered since completion.