Original right hand drive model

Matching numbers, factory fitted with overdrive

Full weather equipment

Finished in a stunning combination of blue metallic with red leather upholstery, this Bristol-engined Ace has the desirable (factory fitted) overdrive gearbox and comes complete with hood and tonneau cover. 'BYE 536' was supplied new to Ian Mann in Maidenhead, staying in the UK ever since. The history file contains interesting paperwork from the late Sixties to the present day.

These documents include correspondence with previous owners and bills for servicing, some relating to work carried out by AC and Bristol themselves in period, while there are many bills relating to its ownership by former racing driver Peter Taylor between 1996 and 2008. Major works were carried out by Solent Vintage Engineering of Lymington in 1996 shortly after purchase by Taylor. The engine is understood to have been overhauled by a firm in Aylesbury and converted to run on unleaded fuel. Higher lift, 'fast road' camshafts are fitted and the car has always been well maintained mechanically as Peter Taylor used it for the less demanding forms of motor sport. An excellent example of its type, the Ace featured in the BBC 2 television series 'Clarkson's Car Years - Why do people like British Sports Cars?', broadcast in 2000.

The previous owner, Robert White acquired the Ace-Bristol in October 2009. In October 2015, the car was sent to Malton Coachworks for extensive servicing and a full body restoration. The bodywork was stripped of its ancillary components and then hand block sanded back to provide a solid base for the full repaint over reinstated primer. The wheels were found to require refurbishment, and again these were completed by Malton Coachworks' in-house team. Mechanically, the Ace benefited from a full brake overhaul that included new fluid, cylinder seals and hoses where required. A general engine service was undertaken.

During the present owners tenure, Blakeney Motorsport, masters of the Bristol engine have in his words ‘got it running just right’ and he has very much enjoyed touring around though says proudly that he’s never needed to put the hood up! Uncluttered shape akin to a Ferrari 166, glorious revving motor. It has charm in spades!

'Of them all, the Ace was the truest sports car: it could be used for daily commuting or for high-speed long-distance touring, but it could also be driven to a race meeting, campaigned with distinction, and driven home again - even if that race was the Le Mans 24 Hours.' - AC Heritage, Simon Taylor & Peter Burn.