1955 AC ACE

We proudly present this beautiful AC ACE, an original Right hand drive, UK, 1955 Ace finished in the rare factory colour of Pacific Green with a Black Leather interior.

Chassis number 'AE69', is an early production model that left the factory and registered new 13th April 1955 in Surrey.

The Ace is believed to have been returned to the factory to have a the highly desirable Bristol D2 engine ('100D2 1179') fitted early in 1960.

Purchased by John Gardiner of Crosthwaite and Gardiner in 1966.

A full restoration eventually commenced in 2005 resulting in one of the finest mechanically and bodily restored Aces in existence

Complete with a history file containing the 'buff' logbook, photos of the restoration, some recent invoices and an MOT's.

John Gardiner, the legendary toolmaker and restoration engineer, joined Dick Crosthwaite in the sixties to form a partnership, Crosthwaite and Gardiner, that was eventually to become established as world-class providers of engineering and manufacturing services to the historic motor racing community. Their reputation has grown with all marques including Bugatti, Maserati and Jaguar and restorations on many of the most famous historic racing cars in the world.

It's no surprise then, that with a demanding growing business, John Gardiner took nearly forty years to commence a personal project and embark on the restoration of this AC Ace that he had purchased in 1966.

Many years later John undertook a complete 'last nut and bolt' restoration of the Ace, which was completed immediately prior to his passing in 2007. Since restoration the car had covered a mere 800 miles in the care of John's widow. The car was then sold and joined a very fine private collection with the intention of using the car in various panamera style rallies around world. This fantastic example is now being offered for sale due to the owner emigrating.

The car was sent for numerous modifications to be carried out including changing of original driver and passenger seats for more comfort on the longer tours seats (original seats will be sold with the car).

This Ace is offered for sale for only the 2nd time in 55 years.

When Carroll Shelby stood on the winners rostrum at Le Mans in 1959 deep in conversation with AC Ace Class Winners Ted Whiteaway and John Turner he obviously had a vision, as they say - the rest is history.

The Ace Bristol is a car that rightfully deserves its place in the history books as 'grandfather' to the legendary AC Cobra, and this lovely classic offers the opportunity to enjoy that history whenever you fancy as well as, perhaps, quietly appreciating the skill and craftsmanship that led Dick Crosthwaite and John Gardiner to contribute to the survival of some of the world's most significant classic cars.

PRICE ON APPLICATION.

Please call for more information.