1959 AC Aceca
-
Year of manufacture1959
-
Mileage12 139 mi / 19 536 km
-
Car typeOther
-
Lot number200
-
Reference number109659_125554
-
DriveRHD
-
ConditionUsed
-
Location
-
Exterior colourOther
-
GearboxManual
Description
"Based on the open two-seat AC Ace, the Aceca was a hand-built grand tourer in the British tradition with ash wood and steel tubing used in the construction. One notable feature was the hatchback door at the rear making the Aceca only the second car, after the Aston Martin DB2/4, to incorporate this element. The hardtop coupé made its debut in 1954, sharing the same 1991cc, two-litre engine with the Ace and offering similar levels of performance.The main difference between the Aceca and Aceca-Bristol was the engine; both used a straight-six unit but the Aceca shared its 90hp, 1,991cc overhead camshaft AC engine with the lighter AC Ace, while the Aceca-Bristol used a 125hp 'D-Type', 2,000cc unit sourced from Bristol Cars.This motorcar ‘BEX763' was delivered new to Royal Victoria docks on 25th November 1959 in black paintwork, red trim and Connolly leather. After its voyage over the Atlantic it arrived to the US distributor ‘AC Imports’ and was delivered into New York to the first owner, A.J Bradley M.D, an eye surgeon of Setauket, NY. Bradley was a fanatical owner and had significant correspondence with AC Cars, Arnolt, Bristol and overdrive manufacturers, which was subsequently fitted during his ownership. The original engine 100D2 1020 was also replaced by Arnolt in Chicago early in its life, now sits the BS1 Mk. II No. 345 which shows good oil pressure and more than adequate power. The second owner, J. Fratello was an accomplished furniture maker of Long Island and classic car collector, creating bespoke designs in his studio, a befitting home for the aluminium bodied Aceca to draw inspiration from. The most recent custodian acquired BEX763 in 2013 and was also a resident of New York State. His objective was to achieve a reliable turn key car, whilst retaining the originality that had been kept by the previous owners. The car was then subject to a comprehensive mechanical overhaul resulting in a highly original, well-kept example of the Aceca-Bristol. The exterior bodywork was subject to a colour change early on in its life and still presents very well. The cabin exudes luxury; the original seats are the initial draw, alongside the patinated gauge cluster. Mechanically, we are informed, the car drives exceedingly well, with pinpoint steering and feeling tight throughout cornering. Offered with a comprehensive history file and offered with a NOVA number signifying all taxes are paid, this example is ready to be registered in the UK or indeed anywhere in mainland Europe.Interested parties should note that contrary to the catalogue description the chassis number for this vehicle is BEX 763"