1963 AC Ace - RS 5030
This car was for sale at Sotherby’s back in 2021. It had no reserve but the price guide was between $300k to $375k. On the day of the auction it sold for $500k.
It was described as an older restoration, red over black, 2.6-liter Ford Zephyr six with triple SU carbs and Ruddspeed Stage 4 tune to 170hp, 4-speed, painted wire wheels, Avon tires, woodrim steering wheel.
From the Feldman collection. The 30th of just 37 Aces built with the 2.6-liter Ford engine. Restored and used at the California Mille, Copperstate 1000, and Colorado Grand. Paint condition and chrome are in good condition. Interior seats look well used. Fading on the weather stripping. A fair amount of oxidation on the undercarriage and exhaust. A used but solid and proven car, and arguably the most desirable car out of Feldman’s collection of seven rare ACs.
Just 37 examples of the Ace were built with power supplied by Ford of England's 2.6-liter (2,553 cubic centimeters) pushrod overhead-valve inline-six, as used in the Zodiacs and Zephyrs. Known as the 'Ruddspeed' option, they were adapted by Ken Rudd and used three Weber or SU carburetors and delivered upwards of 170 horsepower. These engines were more compact than the Bristol or AC sixes, and the lower engine height allowed AC's designers to redesign the body from the cowl forward with a lower bonnet line. They had a smaller grille which was later used, with minor changes, for Shelby's earliest leaf-spring Cobras.
This example is fitted with the Stage 4 Ruddspeed Ford Zephyr engine with a free-breathing Raymond Mays aluminum cylinder head and three SU HD6 carburetors. It produces 170 brake horsepower at 5,500 RPM and compliments the vehicle's lightweight construction, weighing over 400 pounds less than even the Cobra. Additionally, this vehicle has a heater, Lucas headlights, a laminated wood-rim steering wheel, dual outside mirrors, and five silver painted wire wheels with 185 R15 Avon tires.
It has a known history from new, and its most recent owner used it in the California Mille, Copperstate 1000, and Colorado Grand.
https://insider.hagerty.com/car/1963-ac-ace-ruddspeed/
https://www.conceptcarz.com/profile/15926,17668/1963-ac-ace.aspx
We would love to hear from anyone has more information on the car or would like to add to the history please feel free to contact us here at AC Heritage.
