Beschreibung:

British racing driver Ken Rudd constructed the very first Ace-Bristol and his hybrid was quickly adopted by the AC factory and replaced AC's two litre powerplant. First shown in autumn 1956, the AC Ace-Bristol and the companion AC Aceca-Bristol were in production by the spring of 1957. Because it was not only more powerful than AC's own engine but capable of a lot more power-tuning, the Bristol unit made these cars, especially the Ace, much more suited for competition. From 1961, the option of a 'Rudspeed' upgrade 2.6 litre straight-six engine, using triple Weber or SU carburettors became available. This unit in, some tuned forms, would generate upwards of 170bhp. However the late Caroll Shelby had, by this time, installed a big American V8 onto an AC Ace chassis and very quickly AC's focus was almost entirely redirected towards the new AC Cobra which launched in 1962. Production of the AC Ace finished the same year with only 37 of the 2.6 litre Ace's manufactured. Today, the AC Ace is possibly one of the most quintessential British sports cars. Exuding finesse from every angle, these agile roadsters with racing pedigree are widely regarded as one of the most elegant and characterful British designs of the period. Original examples are now commanding substantial premiums and for this reason, high quality recreations have a dedicated following. Over the past 20 years, British manufacturer 'Hawk' have built themselves an international reputation as the best in the business when it comes to AC replicas. Their AC Ace, 289 Cobra and 427 Cobra reproductions have achieved many accolades and to many, are accepted as being the truest to the original form and depending upon detailed specification, also reproduce an authentic and comparable driving experience. Founder Gerry Hawkridge is acknowledged globally as an AC guru, so much so, that when you visit the collection of outbuildings at their premises there is usually a genuine Cobra and/or Ace or two on site for maintenance. This AC Ace by Hawk was completed by a talented aircraft engineer who also had over 30 years of experience restoring a variety of British sports cars to high standards. Finished in British Racing Green and fitted with a totally rebuilt 2.5 litre Triumph TR6 engine mated to a Triumph GT6 manual four-Speed gearbox with overdrive (reconditioned by Hardy's of Leatherhead) plus new clutch and flywheel, this car's specification closely matches the higher performance original late production AC Ace and generates a very satisfying V6 engine note. It also benefits from '123' electronic ignition and triple 40 Weber Carburettors by Webcom, high pressure fuel pump, Pacet fans and an oil cooler (not piped). Hydraulic brake and clutch pedals were supplied by Gerry Hawkridge. The Ace is fitted with uprated discs and pads and the exhaust front end uses Stainless Steel TR6 downpipes mated to bespoke middle and rear sections also in stainless steel. The vehicle is generally in 'as new' condition and so the power delivery, transmission, handling and braking performance is described as excellent. The car comes with black tonneau cover, a long MoT test certificate and just 700 road miles since being built. This virtually 'as new' collectable is road-ready to provide thrilling motoring with style and panache.