1958 AC Ace Roadster
- Engine
- 2.0L overhead-cam inline-six, up to 100 bhp
- Colour
- Black
The 1958 AC Ace Roadster (chassis AEX 1012) is one of only 21 left-hand-drive examples produced that year, fitted with its original 2.0-litre AC overhead-camshaft engine — the rarer of the three engine options offered. Delivered new to a California distributor, it spent decades in American ownership, accumulating just 17,000 miles before undergoing a comprehensive restoration costing over $150,000 at a noted US specialist. Afterwards it participated twice in the Colorado Grand rally and is now registered in Germany.
Ownership
- 2018-10-05Auction saleSold €280,000 (≈ $308K)
- 1958-11-01 →Factory deliveryCompetition Motorspartial documentation
San Carlos, California-based distributor that took initial delivery of the car upon export to the USA.
- → 1978Acquisition unknownDavid Dermapartial documentation
San Francisco-based first private owner; held the car for approximately two decades.
- 1978 → 1992Private saleDon Cziskapartial documentation
Owned the car for roughly fourteen years before passing it on.
- 1992 → 1996Private saleRon Leonardpartial documentation
Durango, Colorado owner who oversaw an engine rebuild after a broken timing-chain tensioner had sidelined the car; also had the bodywork refinished, brightwork re-chromed, wire wheels restored, and rear suspension refurbished. Mileage at time of acquisition was approximately 17,000 from new.
- 1996 →Private saleBruce Toppanfull documentation
Menasha, Wisconsin owner who commissioned a comprehensive restoration by Motion Products, spending in excess of $150,000 as documented by invoices on file; subsequently registered the car in Germany.
Competition
- 1959Le Mans 24 Hoursclass victory
AC Ace won its class at the race in tuned production-sports-car form; specific entry details not provided in the prose.
- 2011Colorado GrandColorado GrandDriver: Bruce Toppan
Approximately 1,000-mile rally through the Rocky Mountains; car participated on this occasion following completion of the restoration.
- 2012Colorado GrandColorado GrandDriver: Bruce Toppan
Second consecutive year of participation in the Rocky Mountains rally by the same owner.
Maintenance & restoration
- 1992Engine rebuild
Engine overhauled after a broken timing chain tensioner had sidelined the car. Work included a modest compression ratio increase, along with replacement of valves, bearings, and the timing chain.
Carried out under Ron Leonard's ownership shortly after acquisition.
- 1992Bodywork
Black exterior refinished, brightwork re-chromed, wire wheels restored, and a new set of period-specification Michelin X tyres fitted.
Undertaken concurrently with the engine rebuild during Leonard's ownership.
- 1992Mechanical
Rear suspension refurbished with replacement pins and bushes.
Part of the same work programme carried out during Leonard's ownership.
- —RestorationMotion Products
Full comprehensive restoration carried out to the highest standard, covering the entire car. Total expenditure exceeded $150,000, documented by invoices retained in the file.
Commissioned by Bruce Toppan; Motion Products, based in the USA, is described as one of the country's leading restoration specialists.
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