Discover the New AC Ace and AC Ace Bristol Classics: A Fusion of Heritage and Innovation
AC Cars is excited to announce the launch of the new AC Ace and AC Ace Bristol, crafted by the innovative AC Cars Classics division. These models are inspired by the iconic British roadster known for its lightweight design, competitive edge, and striking aesthetics. With the AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic, AC Cars reconnect with its roots in precision engineering as Britain's longest-operating vehicle manufacturer.
The newly designed AC Ace Classics boast a sleek appearance that echoes the golden age of roadsters. They combine traditional chassis designs with modern carbon-fibre bodywork and a contemporary powertrain, maintaining the classic allure while delivering superior ride quality and handling.
The launch introduces two variants that capture the evolution of the original AC Ace during its decade-long production. "The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics integrate classic style with exceptional performance and handling," said David Conza, CEO of AC Cars. "Our team at AC Cars Classics has expertly melded elegance with contemporary capabilities."
AC Cars Classics, as the heritage arm of AC Cars, celebrates the brand's storied models. Operating from a state-of-the-art facility on the UK’s south coast, the division ensures each car offers a timeless driving experience, enhanced with modern technology where it fits.
Bookings are now open, with the AC Ace and AC Ace Bristol Classic starting at £175,000, VAT included. Each car has a unique chassis number, marking it as a genuine descendant of its historic counterparts. Deliveries are anticipated to begin in the summer of 2025.
Reflecting on AC Cars' 123-year legacy, the AC Ace stands out as the most pivotal. Known for its innovative chassis and lightweight aluminium build, it earned acclaim for its drivability and competitive performance, later evolving into the legendary AC Cobra.
2024 marks the 70th anniversary of the AC Ace’s competitive debut. The model notably succeeded at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late 1950s, with a peak performance in 1959. It claimed the top spot in the 2-litre GT class and seventh overall.
The AC Ace also enjoyed significant success in the US, particularly at the SCCA National Championships and dominated the E Production class at the Sebring 12-Hour race for three consecutive years.
The new AC Ace Classics are offered in two versions, reflecting different stages of the original car's history. The AC Ace Bristol Classic features the iconic ‘smiling face’ front design, while the second iteration adopts a more streamlined front, which transitioned into the first AC Cobras.
AC Cars combine precise data and traditional craftsmanship to shape their elegant contours, setting them apart from the original flat-sided designs. Crafted in the UK, the lightweight, durable carbon-fibre bodywork also employs techniques in the AC Cobra GT Roadster.
The AC Ace Classics are powered by a 2.3-litre straight-4 EcoBoost engine, delivering over 300 bhp through a six-speed manual gearbox. This powertrain is ideally suited for the car's dimensions and features a custom-tuned exhaust system to enhance every journey with a fitting acoustic backdrop.
