The AC Ace and Ace Bristol
The return of one of the world’s most beautiful cars, energised for the future
Beautifully svelte, the new AC Ace Classics feature unique designs that capture the halcyon days of roadsters, yet use cutting edge construction technology to deliver benchmark ride and handling.
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Available with petrol as well as fully electric powertrains, the new AC Ace Classics provide an unmatched driving experience without comprise.
The return of one of the world’s most beautiful cars, energised for the future
Beautifully svelte, the new AC Ace Classics feature unique designs that capture the halcyon days of roadsters, yet use cutting edge construction technology to deliver benchmark ride and handling.
Available with petrol as well as fully electric powertrains, the new AC Ace Classics provide an unmatched driving experience without comprise.
the new AC Ace Classics
For the new AC Ace Classics, AC Cars’ heritage division have focused on two iterations of the historic sports car. With identical engineering, construction and powertrains they offer clients alternative personalities of roadster.
For aficionados of the earlier AC Ace, the AC Ace Bristol Classic features the distinctive ‘smiling face’ – providing an instantly recognisable and charming aesthetic.
The second AC Ace Classic draws on the last iteration of the original car, which saw out the model’s production in 1963. This more streamlined front was carried over to the first generation of AC Cobras that followed.
Working with highly detailed data, historic cars and traditional bodywork techniques, the AC team have sculpted the car’s graceful lines to combine both old and new elements.
Both versions feature graceful rolling flanks and wheel arches, in contrast to the flat-sided original design. The precision carbon-fibre bodywork to be crafted at the company’s UK facility is immensely strong yet light, and incorporates the same techniques as AC Cars’ flagship model, the AC Cobra GT Roadster.
Providing the power for these cars are two cutting edge systems, designed to perfectly pair with the roadster’s sporting credentials. Traditionalists can opt for a fuel-injected 2.3-litre straight-4 EcoBoost engine developing in excess 300 bhp, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, while a bespoke TREMEC Electric GT eGT413 Modular EV platform is a stunning zero tailpipe emissions alternative. With 300 eHorse Power (225 kW), a 72 kWh battery package, the system keeps the car’s total weigh under 1,134 kg (2,500 lb).
Reservations and orders are open now, and prices for the AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classic start from £146,000 before tax for the petrol version, while the fully electric models start from £213,000 before tax
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Performance
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AC Ace & AC ACE BRISTOL
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AC Ace EV & AC ACE BRISTOL AV
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Engine
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2.3-Litre EcoBoost
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TREMEC Electric GT eGT413
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Induction
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Turbocharged
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400v
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Peak Power*
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320 bhp approx.
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301 bhp (225 kW) approx.
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Top Speed*
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130 mph
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130 mph
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Acceleration -0100km/h*
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4.6 secs approx.
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4.9 secs approx.
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Peak Torque*
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375Nm (277ft lb) approx.
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500Nm (369ft lb) approx.
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Brakes Front & Rear
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Disc brakes with 4-piston callipers
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Disc brakes with 4-piston callipers
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Rims & Tyres
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15" wire wheels and tyres
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15" wire wheels and tyres
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Drivetrain and Chassis
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AC Ace & AC ACE BRISTOL
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AC Ace EV & AC ACE BRISTOL AV
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Transmission
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5-speed manual
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Direct Drive
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Frame
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3" steel tubular frame chassis
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3" steel tubular frame chassis
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Drivetrains
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Rear wheel drive
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Rear wheel drive
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Steering System
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Rack and pinion
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Rack and pinion
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Body Dimensions & Weight
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AC Ace & AC ACE BRISTOL
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AC Ace EV & AC ACE BRISTOL AV
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Wheelbase
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2,286 mm (90 in)
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2,286 mm (90 in)
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Length
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3,848 mm (151.5 in)
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3,848 mm (151.5 in)
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Width
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1,579 mm (62.1 in)
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1,579 mm (62.1 in)
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Height
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1,245 mm (49 in)
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1,245 mm (49 in)
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*AC Cars (England) Ltd is constantly seeking to improve the specifications of its products and reserve the right to change any specification without notice.
The story of the AC Ace and racing
Throughout the company’s 123-year history, no other model from AC Cars’ past has the same significance as the AC Ace. With an innovative chassis for its time, and a lightweight aluminium body it gained the respect of enthusiasts and racers alike for its everyday drivability and competition pace. This is the car that would eventually transform into AC Cobra of legend.
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the AC Ace’s debut in competition, and the car fought for honours at that most famous of races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 1957 and 1958. Success came in 1959 when an AC Ace Bristol finished first in the 2-litre GT class and seventh overall behind six 3-litre cars.
The AC Ace was no stranger to success in the US, and proved highly effective at the SCCA National Championships. Very popular amongst private owners, it dominated the E Production class – winning three years running at the Sebring 12-Hour race. The AC Ace was clearly highly respected, and influential magazine Sports Car Illustrated declared the car: “…as close to a racing sports car you can get and still have a ‘streetable’ machine.”
