1995 AC Brooklands Ace Roadster
Registration no. not registered
Chassis no. DE 1025
Engine no. SF 118038

The acquisition of the rights to the AC name by Autokraft in 1982 led to the development of several prototypes of a next-generation AC to take the place of the venerable Cobra, a process which would, ultimately, lead to the introduction of a new Ace at the 1993 Motor Show. Hand built at AC's Brooklands factory and aimed squarely at the Mercedes-Benz SL market, the new Brooklands Ace was priced accordingly, starting at over £50,000. A thoroughly modern supercar in every way, the Ace featured a stainless-steel chassis and independent suspension all round, and was powered by the latest Ford Mustang 5.0-litre V8 engine producing around 260bhp. The curvaceous aluminium-alloy body rivalled the original Ace's for looks and was supremely well equipped, an electric hood, air conditioning, heated seats, etc, all forming part of this most luxurious package.

Autokraft's demise in 1996 seriously disrupted Ace production, and although the company was acquired by Pride Automotive Group Inc and re-constituted as AC Cars Group Ltd, only a few more Aces were made before production finally ceased in the late 1990s. By then approximately 58 cars had been made, although has so often had been the case with the firm it would turn out to be not quite the end of the story.

Writing in Car magazine (December 1993 edition) Richard Bremner had this to say about the Brooklands Ace: "Best of all is that it's terrifically rigid, an asset closely tailed by the excellent finish of body and interior. It's a thoroughly professional effort."

The current vendor bought this Brooklands Ace directly from AC in June/July 1995 and is its only private owner. Correspondence with the factory, an original sales brochure and the purchase receipt for £50,553 are on file. Finished in Tungsten Silver with black leather interior, this rare Brooklands Ace has covered only some 220 factory test miles in the course of the last 27 years and has been kept in a heated garage at all times.