Chassis N° : AEX542
French registration as historic vehicle
- Original left hand drive
- Powerful Ford V8 4.3 l
- 21 000 € of invoices in 2019

The competitive success of Cliff Davis' Tojeiro Sport pushed AC Cars to put the model into production in 1954 under the name Ace. The bodywork of Davis' car, very much inspired by the Ferrari 166 MM barchetta, was taken over, as well as the ladder chassis and Cooper-inspired independent suspension designed by John Tojeiro, but the engine remained the venerable 2-litre long-stroke six-cylinder AC engine. This overhead camshaft engine dated back to 1919 and with its modest 80hp (later 100hp) gave the AC respectable, if unspectacular, performance. Very few modifications were made to the Ace and Aceca apart from the engine change in 1956, when the more powerful 2.0-litre six-cylinder Bristol (up to 130 bhp) was available, or towards the end of production, when the 2.6-litre engine of the Ford Zephyr was also offered. The combination of a road-holding chassis and an interesting power-to-weight ratio - with the Bristol engine, the car reached 190 km/h - enabled the car to achieve many race successes, its best result being its seventh place overall and first in its class at Le Mans in 1959!
According to AC in details by Rinsey Mills, AEX542 is one of the few Aceca delivered new to the United States on the 30 December 1955 by the importer Michell & Pauli. Originally Ford Opal Blue with a black leather interior, we know that it was stored after a collision in the early 1970s. Entirely dismantled and repaired with parts remanufactured by the Thames Ditton factory, its restoration was completed in 1976. However, it is only in 2012 in Arizona that it reappears in its current colour (Sterling Metallic Gray) with a Ford 260 V8 engine (4.3l). In terms of performance, the car easily accommodates this extra power, without distorting the car's handling thanks to its similar dimensions and weight to the original six-cylinder engine. Bought at auction in Pebble Beach in 2015, its current owner has made many expenses to refine its driving for the modest amount of 21 840 € at Classic Garage in 91, famous in the historic car world: Installation of an electric power steering, installation of disc brakes at the front, two 2 fuel pumps, a larger electric fan, a new 60-litre tank and a gauge as well as a Trip Master...
As few Aceca have been exported, this car is a rare original left-hand drive. Combining elegance and sportiness, it is similar to its cousin the 289 Cobra while keeping the pleasure and comfort of the coupé.

Aguttes – Auction House in Paris
The Spring Sale 2020 / 15th of March

Public Viewing:
Friday 13 March: 18:00 PM to 22:00 PM
Saturday 14 March: 10:00 AM to 19:00 PM
Sunday 15 March: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

The Auction Sale:
Sunday 15 March: 15:00 PM
Hall B / Espace Champerret - 75017 Paris

Contact: +33 6 16 91 42 28 / [email protected]

For more information and photos:
https://expertise.aguttes.com/estimation-automobiles-de-collection/