1960 AC Ace-Bristol
- Engine
- Ford 289 cu. in. (4.7L) V8
- Colour
- Dark green
The 1960 AC Ace-Bristol, chassis BEX 1146, is one of only 63 examples built that year and carries a notable early history as a show car used by American racing driver and sports car importer Bob Grossman, including display at the 1960 New York Auto Show. Subsequently fitted with a Ford 289 engine, the car passed through several American owners before undergoing a comprehensive two-year frame-up restoration completed in 2014, after which it appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance and participated in long-distance touring events.
Ownership
- —Auction saleSold US$280,000
- 1960 →Factory deliveryBob Grossmanpartial documentation
Well-known racing driver and sports car importer who used the car as a show vehicle, including display at the New York Auto Show in April 1960.
- 1974 → 2006Acquisition unknownNew Jersey-based enthusiastpartial documentation
Kept the car for approximately 32 years; the vehicle was likely fitted with a Ford 289 engine during the period before this ownership began.
- 2006 → 2012Private saleGary Singerpartial documentation
Based in New Mexico; purchased the car from the prior long-term New Jersey owner.
- 2012 →Private saleConsignorpartial documentation
Commissioned a comprehensive two-year frame-up restoration completed in 2014, with bodywork refinished in dark green; subsequently used the car in long-distance touring events and concours appearances.
Competition
- 19571957 Le Mans 24 HoursDriver: Ken Rudd10th overall
Factory-prepared entry driven by British privateer Rudd; this result established the model's competition reputation.
- 1960-04-01New York Auto Show
Car displayed on Bob Grossman's stand as a show exhibit.
- 20172017 Amelia Island Concours d'Elegance
Car presented at the concours and received considerable positive attention.
- —Copperstate 1000
One of several long-distance touring events entered by the consignor following the 2014 restoration completion.
- —Going to the Sun Rally
Montana-based touring rally attended by the consignor post-restoration.
Maintenance & restoration
- 2014Restoration
Comprehensive two-year frame-up restoration begun in 2012 and completed in 2014, addressing all mechanical and cosmetic aspects; bodywork refinished in dark green.
Restoration was commissioned and overseen by the consignor immediately after acquiring the car in 2012.
- —Modification
Original Bristol engine replaced with a Ford 289 cubic-inch unit, believed to have occurred sometime between the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Exact date and location of the engine swap are unknown; the car remains in this configuration.
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