1952 AC 2 Litre.

“In an AC, you are transported in the lap of luxury: Fine cloth, leather and polished walnut trim, comfortable seating, a general quietness that allows you to enjoy the sound of the smoothest of engines. Surprisingly sporty handling that makes driving a pleasure. Very wide doors for easy entrance or exit, that 'clunk' shut with a reassurance that confirms the superb build quality. Wonderful styling that attracts compliments from men, women, children and teenagers alike.”

That was a contemporary description of the AC 2-Litre and says it all really.

Produced in Surrey between 1947 and 1956, only 1,284 AC Two-Litre, two (and later four) door saloons were ever produced and there were even fewer Drophead Coupés and 'Buckland' tourers. The aluminium-panelled body on a wooden frame was mounted on a conventional steel chassis with rigid axles front and rear with semi-elliptic leaf springs and, for the first time on an AC, hydraulic dampers. From 1951, the car was fitted with hydraulic brakes all round.

AC's 1991cc engine was first offered by the company in the AC16 in 1922 however, by 1947, the engine boasted a power output of 74bhp which increased again in 1951 to 85bhp. With its light alloy block, cast iron cross-flow head, chain-driven overhead camshaft, and triple carburettors this six-cylinder engine was very advanced for its day. A 2-door saloon tested by 'The Motor' magazine in 1948 had a top speed of 80 mph (130 km/h) and could accelerate from 0-60 mph (97 km/h) in 19.9 seconds. A fuel consumption of 23 miles per gallon was recorded and the test car cost £1,277 including taxes.

Offered here is a rare 1952, AC-2 litre 'barn find' that"s been with our vendor for over 20 years – hidden away in a dark corner. Finished in Maroon with a Blue leather interior and 44,706 miles indicated on the distinctive speedometer, the car stands completely 'square' and appears sound and all there, although every aspect of the car will need to be restored with the possible exception of the interior which could potentially be reused. Time just hasn't been available for our vendor to commence the restoration project, so today the car is offered in true barn find condition and at No Reserve. There is an active owner's club for these cars and parts are more available than you might think for something so rare. When fully restored this car would be an excellent example of an elegant, early-fifties, sporting saloon and would be an exciting restoration project.