- Mille Miglia Eligible

- Fully Matching Numbers

- Full Body/ Chassis/ Suspension/ Engine Restoration by AC heritage

We are delighted to bring this AC Ace to market. This particular Ac-engined Ace chassis 'AE203' left the Thames Ditton factory on the 25th May 1957, supplied through AC distributor J. Davey Ltd of Kensington to its first owner Mr Michael Rowley. Originally specified in white bodywork with a red leather interior with a matching hood and tonneau cover. Our original factory register notes that the 1991cc engine supplied was numbered 'CL2305W'

As an early Ace, it retains the pure lines of a long boot body style, flat windscreen and drum brakes all around. This is a unique opportunity to acquire an Ace that you can finish to your own specification, at a fraction of the cost of the work thus far.

'AE203' has been subject to an AC Heritage restoration. After stripping down the ace, we media blasted the chassis and body frame and etched primed. We carried out a full chassis restoration on our AC Cars factory jig system. Checking wishbone pickups and various lightweight tubes were replaced to factory drawing specifications. The original main frame chassis tubes and spring tower/ differential carrier were checked for correct positioning. A worthy note is that all original chassis and body panel numbers are present and correct.

After this process, we hand-crafted a aluminium body from the original Thames Ditton factory body bucks using the traditional technique of using 1/16 strips of parent metal to join the sections together as AC Cars did in period. The restored chassis was then painted in a 2K low bake finish followed by fitment of the bodywork to the chassis and panel frames. Furthermore, we retained original inner panels to ensure that under the bonnet looked period-correct.

The original 1991cc 'CL2305 W' AC engine was rebuilt to high specification with new pistons, rods and machining with improved rear main oil seal conversion. The cylinder head was rebuilt with unleaded valves can be seen running on our engine test bed. The original suspension was fully rebuilt with new kingpins, wishbones, wheel bearings, seals and hardware. The braking system has been fully rebuilt with new wheel cylinders, master cylinders, brake shoes, Kunifer brake lines and brake hoses. The steering box has been upgraded and rebuilt. The rear differential and driveshafts are rebuilt. The radiator has been rebuilt with a new core. A new wiring loom is supplied with various gauges for reconditioning. The seat frames and runners have been restored and are awaiting trimming. The windscreen has had new laminated glass fitted to an original frame, there is weather gear and side screens supplied.

Original fitment 16-inch wheels have been re-powder coated and sport Blockleys, but these could be replaced with Michelin X’s or Avons. There is a new rear stainless exhaust system and original headers supplied. The lighting has been replaced with new period correct P700 tripod headlamps with new buckets and rims. Brightwork included is rechromed roundel badges and bumper over riders. Replacement ‘silent travel’ door strikers and catches have been fitted. Brand new period correct ‘ACE’ raised letter plates are supplied. An original fuel tank is supplied with the correct period filler cap. A rare period cooling fan is included and fitted to the spring tower and runs from an auxiliary pulley on the engine.

The Ace is now a rolling project with internal panels fitted but floors can be removed for mechanical assembly to assist in fitting the wiring loom. The remaining works required include retrim and repaint, refit of engine and gearbox and all electrical works including fitment of the wiring loom. A worthy Mille Miglia eligible Ace, that could be finished to your desired specification within months not years.

- SOLD -

To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact our sales team for further details.
Viewing by prior appointment.