1960 AC Ace

Offered from long-term ownership
Retains its original engine
A highly original, high-performance, lightweight, race-bred roadster
1 of just 21 Aces believed to have been built with a lightweight aluminum close-ratio four-speed gearbox

Upon its arrival in 1953, the AC Ace quickly established itself as one of Britains finer post-war sports cars and laid the foundation for what would ultimately become one of the most legendary performance automobiles of all time, the Cobra. Built by AC Cars of England, the Ace was based on a lightweight tubular chassis originally penned by talented engineer John Tojeiro, whose innovative design combined exceptional rigidity with remarkably balanced handling. Draped in a graceful hand-formed aluminum body, the Ace embodied the elegance and simplicity of the great European roadsters of its era while delivering impressive performance both on the road and the racetrack. Throughout its production, the Ace earned an enviable competition record, achieving class victories and strong overall finishes at endurance events including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, proving the effectiveness of its lightweight construction and finely tuned chassis.

By 1961, the Bristol engine had reached the end of its production life, creating an opportunity that would forever alter automotive history. Former racing driver Carroll Shelby recognized the Aces outstanding chassis as the ideal platform for Fords new lightweight small-block V-8. Working alongside AC, the company reengineered the Ace to accommodate the more powerful engine while strengthening the drivetrain and suspension. The result debuted in 1962 as the AC Cobra, transforming the refined British roadster into a world-beating sports car that challenged the best Europe had to offer. While the Cobra would become an international icon, its extraordinary success would never have been possible without the beautifully engineered and remarkably capable AC Ace that came first.

Following an extensive search through the AC Owners Club, the current longtime British sports car enthusiast located this exceptional, numbers-matching 1960 AC Ace after discovering it had spent nearly fourteen years disassembled and carefully stored as a rolling project. Recognizing the opportunity to preserve one of Britains most celebrated sports cars, he acquired this Ace and devoted nearly two years to researching, sourcing missing components, and documenting the proper assembly of the model.

With more than four decades of experience restoring British automobiles, the long-term owner oversaw nearly every aspect of the restoration, completing much of the mechanical and assembly work himself while entrusting specialized aluminum body repairs, paintwork, upholstery, and carpeting to respected craftsmen. Rather than pursuing an over-restored concours example, his objective was to return this Ace to its authentic factory appearance while creating a car that could be confidently driven and enjoyed. The original matching-numbers AC six-cylinder engine proved remarkably healthy, requiring only careful servicing of its components before returning to smooth operation.

Further distinguishing this AC, it is believed to be 1 of just 21 examples equipped with the desirable factory lightweight aluminum close-ratio gearbox that utilizes Triumph TR3 gears and a single-plate Borg & Beck clutch. Furthermore, its equipped with a desirable factory nitrided crankshaft, which is a hardened wear resistant steel crankshaft. Combined with its lightweight body and ferocious engine, it delivers a thrilling and unforgettable ride in true sports car fashion.

Since completion, this Ace has earned numerous Best of Show honors while continuing to be exercised regularly on the road, a testament to both the quality of the restoration and the owners belief that exceptional automobiles are meant to be experienced rather than merely admired.

Representing the final evolution of the AC-powered Ace and benefiting from long-term enthusiast ownership, this example combines rare factory specifications with an unmatched silhouette. Equally at home on the show field, a winding country road, or straightaway, it offers its next caretaker the opportunity to acquire one of the finest expressions of the graceful sports car that ultimately gave birth to the legendary Shelby Cobra.