Description
This is lot number 156 in the Bonhams Goodwood Revival Auction on September 7th, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
2. 0-litre AC engine
Overdrive transmission
Known ownership history
Fully restored between 2016 and 2024
Substantial history file
Chassis 'AE 220' was completed in right-hand drive configuration at AC's Thames Ditton factory on 30th October 1957. Powered by AC's own 1, 991cc engine from new, the Ace was finished in Damask Red with a black interior and supplied new to marque specialists K N Rudd Ltd (Ruddspeed). The car was registered 'YBP 782', the registration it retains to this day.
In January 1958, Rudd sold 'AE 220' to a Mr Alan Bremner of Newcastle upon Tyne, who kept the Ace for one year before selling to Mrs Dorothy Morris of North London. When the Morris family moved to Heathfield the Ace went with them and was looked after by Seys Garages (Heathfield) Ltd (there are various handwritten invoices documenting the work in the history file).
The Ace then passed into the ownership of Dr A J B Missen and his family in 1967, with whom it would remain for some 43 years. Dr Missen had a scrupulous eye for detail, and there are some very entertaining letters and invoices detailing his experiences with AC Cars and the Ace within the history file. During Missen's ownership the Ace received an engine rebuild, bodywork repaint, a new exhaust system, interior retrim and rebuilt steering, while the braking system was stripped and overhauled.
In 2010, the Ace was bought by a Mr M Jopp, who lived near the Missen family; he would own 'AE 220' for two years before selling it to the founder of G A Fabrications, experts in AC bodywork. The new owner embarked on a lengthy programme of refurbishment, which would include a major restoration of the body: reshaping and profiling the wings and re-hanging the doors, boot and bonnet, which has resulted in excellent gaps and shut lines. The bodywork then received a bare-metal repaint in red. In addition, a new wiring loom was installed; the suspension rebuilt with new shock absorbers; and new foot boxes, floor pans, boot floor and a new transmission tunnel fitted.
The current owner bought 'AE 220' to add to his car collection, and immediately set about improving the car to make it drive as good as it looks. To that end the engine was rebuilt by renowned racing engineers CCK, while the gearbox and overdrive were rebuilt by Overdrive Repair Services in Derbyshire, probably the best restorers of Laycock overdrives.
The dashboard had incorrect gauges fitted and holes made for previous gauges that were lost to history. The dashboard was repaired and re-trimmed in leather. Correct gauges were fitted and the existing gauges that were correct were restored to exacting standards. The carburettors were restored by fuel systems specialists Burlen Ltd, including getting the thermostatic choke working as it should. Replacement windscreen glass was fabricated by Pilkington Classic (two spare screens made at the same time are included in the sale). The windscreen surround was re-chromed, as was the fuel cap, while the front and back bumper bars were re-manufactured by the original supplier. A new exhaust was fabricated by Hayward & Scott. As well as a hardtop, the Ace comes complete with hood, hood frame, and side screens. The only notified modifications from factory specification are a gearbox angle-drive for the speedometer, a battery isolator switch, and a vehicle tracker. Described by our vendor as in 'excellent, fully restored' condition throughout, this beautiful AC Ace comes with a most comprehensive and well documented history to include restoration bills, an old-style logbook, a V5C Registration Certificate, etc.
