Description
Introduced in 1954 at the Earls Court Motor Show, the AC Aceca fastback, the new model shared the ladder-framed chassis and the majority of steering and running gear with the Ace roadster. The refined interior of the coupe version added a dash of comfort to the minimally equipped Ace Roadster.
A lightweight aluminium sports car initially powered by the AC Weller-derived six-cylinder engine, in 1956, Bristol engines could be equipped and increase performance; the last engine derivative was the 2. 6 Zephyr ruddspeed in the early sixties.
This unique Triumph-engined car, TAE 618, left the Thames Ditton factory on 2nd July 1957. Finished in Gunmetal with red leather and fitted with a 4-speed gearbox with overdrive on third and top, and was duly delivered to dealers K. N. Rudd Ltd and then onto first owner Wing Commander G T Dale. In October 1971, it became the property of the most recent custodian, who used it as his daily transport until 1981, when it was laid up in the garage for numerous decades.
It would then be a featured piece on the television show Car SOS . Those familiar will know a relative of the car's owner, who might be ill or a little infirm and unable to face the task of restoring their beloved motor car, comes up with a plan to secretly spirit it out of its resting place to be collected by Tim Shaw and Fuzz Townsend and sent off for a full restoration which is fully documented and edited down to a one-hour television program (this episode was first broadcast in April 2016).
The SOS team carried out the majority of the work. The engine was rebuilt by TRGB, and the restoration retained the glorious red leather seats and door cards, but the carpets and headlining were also replaced.
It has since been displayed at the National Motor Museum 2015-16, and Gaydon Motor Museum for the Car SOS show in 2019. It has also featured in Practical Classics, Classic Car Weekly, and the AC Club Magazine.
Sadly, this vehicle is now on offer from Mr Chana's estate, and the limited use of the car alongside storage conditions has caused issues with the paintwork, in the form of micro blistering. The motorcar drives, steers, starts and stops. However, we recommend a light recommissioning to the vehicle.
This unique Aceca project is phenomenal value at the asking price of £55, 000.
To find out more about this significant motorcar please contact our sales team for further details, viewing by prior appointment.
This motorcar is also advertised through our AC Heritage brand.
