Beschreibung:

1936 AC 16/70 MARCH SPECIAL SPORTS TOURER Registration No. EPA 195 Chassis No. L426 Engine No. UBS61/2381 Dark metallic grey with red interior Engine: six cylinder, 1991cc, triple SU carburettors; Gearbox: Moss four speed and reverse; Brakes: Bendix cable; Suspension: semi- elliptic leaf springs, Tele-control, Hartford shock absorbers. Right hand drive. Established by John Portwine and John Weller in South London in 1904 to build a handy single-cylinder, two horsepower tradesman's box tricycle, the AC company graduated by way of cyclecars and four cylinder light cars to a respected position in the twenties as builders of quality four and six cylinder light touring cars. The formidable S. F. Edge gained control of the company and under his leadership, a 1921 AC became the first 1500cc car to cover a mile (and later an hour) at over 100mph. In 1929 Edge's company fell victim to its overheads and it was sold on to William and Charles Hurlock, who were quick to notice that in the Light Six engine they had purchased not only a notably smooth unit with an excellent power-to-weight ratio, but also the machine tools with which to make it. They cautiously put the AC car back into production much as it was in Edge's time, using up the existing stock of axles and chassis parts. When these began to run out during 1932, they despatched their service manager to components manufacturers who proliferated in the Midlands, to find a new chassis, axles and gearbox to complement their engine. The result was a well-engineered, quite conventional fast touring car that could be fitted with a variety of good-looking, carefully built and beautifully finished coachwork. An improved chassis was adopted later in 1934. Still entirely conventional, it was given short, stiff half-elliptic road springs and had a beam front and live rear axle. The chassis was underslung ensuring a low centre of gravity and, together with a 9ft 7in wheelbase, made it practical to fit sports-touring bodies that were both dashing and very comfortable. AC Cars, advised by their London distributor Jack Olding, had consulted the Earl of March's design team and the product was a fashionable, lean, four-seater sports-tourer on the standard chassis. The power unit was their renowned six cylinder, 1,991cc engine, sportingly aspirated with 3 carburettors, which provided readily available 70 mph motoring and on test with The Autocar was pushed to 85.7mph. The 16/70 offered for sale was for many years the property of known AC aficionado, Davd Hescroff and became a well known sight at events in his hands. In 1995 a major restoration was undertaken which took three years to complete. The stunning result can still be evidenced 7 years later, owing to its careful use since. It was acquired by the current owner a long-standing friend of Mr. Hescroff a few years ago. Immaculately presented, brimming with period detail features from 'owl-eye' rear lamps to sunburst door trims, the AC is ready to use, and offering a practical and sporting British tourer it comes highly recommended.