Matching numbers
Rare Phase 2 Engine
Aluminium Body

The AC Ace was not just another sports car, it was the most versatile bolide available. Whether you needed an everyday car, a fast car for long distances, or even a racing monster for the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Ace could handle it all. The design was inspired by Cliff Davis' Tojeiro sports car, which made many a car enthusiast's mouth water. When AC Cars put the design into production as the Ace in 1954, they retained Davis's beautiful barchetta body and John Tojeiro's twin-rail ladder frame, as well as the Cooper-inspired independent suspension. Initially, the aging AC 2.0-liter 100-horsepower engine was used, but in 1956 it was replaced by Bristol's more advanced BMW-derived 2.0-liter engine. The result was stunning: the Ace was now a real powerhouse. A total of only 463 Bristol-powered cars were built, making them much rarer than their Shelby Cobra brethren, but the real test for the Ace came in 1957, when it competed in the world's toughest endurance race: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car performed phenomenally, finishing second in its class and 10th overall, with British drivers Ken Rudd and Peter Bolton at the wheel. It was an unprecedented success for AC Cars, and the Ace Bristol was rightly considered one of the best British roadsters of its time. With only 463 produced, our 1957 AC Ace is a rare find as an original left hand drive with matching numbers. Chassis number BEX 373 left the factory in 1957 and found its way to proud owner E. Mull in Virginia. The Rare Phase 2 engine version came from the close collaboration with Barwell motors where 2 examples per week were fitted with a special gas-flowing cylinder head that provided more power. With the rare Phase 2 engine version , powerful front disc brakes and an overdrive, this Bristol assembled to perfection was ready to take on any challenge. Not surprisingly, this magnificent car performed superbly as a fast both on the track and on the road. Outside of racing, E. Mull also made it his daily car and enjoyed every moment behind the wheel. In 1980, it was registered as the property of prominent AC enthusiast Morgan Smith of Wayne, Pennsylvania, and is said to have been sold to him by famed American architect Vince Kling in the 1960s. Coincidentally, Kling was responsible for many of the most notable buildings in Philadelphia after World War II and later owned the largest architectural firm in Pennsylvania. In 2009, she was purchased by a Belgian collector, who body off restored the car to a very high standard over a period of 2 years. No expense was spared to restore every part to original specifications. The result is a beautiful car which is absolutely world class in terms of quality: perfect fits, nice smooth surfaces and very high quality paintwork. This quality combined with the matching numbers engine is an absolutely unbeatable combination. Starting the original and matching 100D type 2.0 liter 6-cylinder engine spontaneously puts a smile on everyone's face and is a huge pleasure to drive. The shifting is tremendously smooth and makes this car perfectly drivable for every type of driver and ride. The car sounds exceptionally beautiful, has a lot of power and corners extremely well. This is an extremely rare opportunity to add a perfectly restored and most sought-after version of an all-aluminum icon to your collection!