1958 AC Ace Roadster Ruddspeed FIA

The AC Ace was introduced in 1953 to a design by John Tojeiro. It featured an alloy roadster body mounted on a tubular ladder frame chassis with independent suspension by transverse leaf springs. The AC Ace was originally powered by the AC's own 2 as the alloys.

-litre straight six engine, then from 1956 the Bristol 2-litre straight six became optional. This was subsequently replaced by the 2.6 litre straight six Ruddspeed unit. This was based on the Ford Zephyr engine. Some were built with a Raymond Mays alloy head and either triple Weber or SU carbs.

Only 37 Ruddspeed powered cars were built before the Ace was superseded by the Cobra in 1962. The Ace offered here is effectively the 38th to leave the factory and was built to exacting standards over 19 years by well-known specialists including Bill Monk, who has over 45 years' experience of restoring all kinds of motor cars, Steve McFarlane of McFarlane Prototype Panels, Coventry, and Nigel Winchester of Winchester Motor Sport. 2010 saw completion of the project and fewer than 2,000 miles have been covered since, this is backed up by MoT test certificates.

This special AC Ace features all aluminium bodywork and the period AC chassis number, #EL1558. The mechanical components are from the 1960s, including the Stage 5 Ruddspeed engine with its alloy head and triple Webers giving 180bhp. Also present are the Moss gearbox with overdrive on fourth, front discs, rear Alfin drums, a detachable roll cage, a fully trimmed interior that has the correct period instruments and gauges.

Sold with UK registration (Historic Vehicle) and FIA HTP in Period F Class GT12 papers this car is eligible for International race, hill climb and rally events.