We are pleased to present this 1958 AC Aceca finished in red over a black and tan interior. One of 328 produced between 1954-1963 by British automaker AC, the Aceca was a hand-built grand touring coupe crafted in traditional fashion with ash wood and steel tubing. This 1958 Coupe left the Thames Ditton factory on April, 23rd 1958, and is reported to have had two owners in Britain before being imported into the U.S. in 1986. This Aceca is said to have spent time in California where it received a high-quality comprehensive restoration courtesy of Morgan West of Santa Monica at a cost of nearly $100k. It then moved onto Arizona where it was purchased by its previous owner, a New York-based collector who owned the vehicle for approximately nine years before being acquired by the seller.
Designed by British racing engineer John Tojiero, the Aceca was a closed roof version of the existing AC Ace and is said to have been influenced by the Ferrari 166MM. The lightweight hand-built aluminum bodywork is laid over a steel tube and ash-wood substructure and comes finished in red with white hash marks on the driver-side fender. During its restoration, the body was stripped to bare metal before being refinished and reassembled with new brightwork and glass as needed. It rides on a set of 16″ wire-spoke wheels which come dressed in a set of Avon Turbo Steel Radial tires. A collection of detailed images can be found in the gallery.
The right-hand-drive cabin is equipped with two bucket seats trimmed in black leather with matching carpets. Tan door panels and dashboard provide contrast, and feature manually operated windows with polished hardware, a suite of Smiths Gauges, a banjo-style steering wheel, and wood accent trim on the instrument cluster, glove box, window surrounds, and door caps. During the restoration, the upholstery, wood trim, and carpets were replaced or refurbished along with a new moe-hair headliner. All switches, gauges, and electronics are said to remain fully functional.
Power comes from an aluminum single overhead cam 1,991cc 12 valve crossflow inline six-cylinder engine, fitted with a trio of side-draft SU carburetors. As much as 90 HP is delivered to the rear wheels by way of a four-speed manual gearbox. The Aceca uses independent suspension at the front and rear with transverse leaf springs, articulated rear half-axles, worm-gear steering, and a near 50/50 weight distribution for optimal handling. Front disc brakes were introduced during the 1957 model year. Recent service is said to include a re-cored radiator, rebuilt carburetors, and a new battery, fuel pump, and push start.
An exciting vintage driving experience, the Aceca is reminiscent of a British Spitfire fighter plane. A crisp exhaust note accompanies an immediate engine response to throttle input. Coupled with nimble road attitude makes driving this car a truly enjoyable experience. It stands ready for its next road or rally driving adventure.
Having laid the groundwork for AC's iconic Ford-powered Shelby cars, the Aceca provides an excellent opportunity to own a rare and historic British sports car.
*We encourage any interested parties to use this time for arranging pre-sale inspections or viewings.
Comments (7)
Bid in the amount of $105,000
@Manpot The funny thing is that Cobra got the idea from this car for their front end. The seller of this car sells a lot of very clean cars..
Just beautiful and so much rarer and cooler than any Cobra or Cora wannabee. Those lines are divine. As-seeka.
I've got to say I've seen this car in person last week. It sounds great. This car is in immaculate the interior Looks perfect in the paint as well.
Bid in the amount of $77,000
Bid in the amount of $15,000
Bid in the amount of $10,000