Although it’s always lurked in the shadow of its formidable successor, the fiery AC Cobra, the AC Ace and its tin-topped sibling – the AC Aceca – are fascinating sports cars in their own right.
The original Aceca used an AC Ace engine but, in 1956, a more powerful Bristol-engined version was introduced, with either 105HP or 125HP. In its day, the Aceca-Bristol proved to be more desirable – but also considerably more expensive. Nevertheless, the extra performance and kudos were attractive enough to ensure that more Aceca-Bristols were made and sold than AC-engined Acecas. Not that there were many of either: just 169 Bristol-engined models saw the light of day before production halted in 1963.
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_02pop.jpg?itok=YbZfd0e7)
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_half/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_03pop.jpg?itok=O07pAjGw)
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_half/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_04pop.jpg?itok=P3yhabu2)
As with the open-topped AC Ace, the Aceca was hand-built in ash wood and steel tubing, while an aluminium engine block and body panels helped to keep weight low, enhancing the sporting character of the curvy two-seater. This was further supported by the almost 50:50 weight distribution.
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_05pop.jpg?itok=p3YT41dC)
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_half/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_06pop.jpg?itok=YBdYpCfP)
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_half/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_07pop.jpg?itok=v4CvbG5W)
Meanwhile, following in the illustrious footsteps of the Aston Martin DB2/4, the rear end of the car was less of a coupé and more of a (very) early hatchback.
Should you be sufficiently enamoured of the AC Aceca to think about adding one to your garage, there’s a matching-numbers Bristol-engined version in the Classic Driver Marketplace that might catch your eye. With Sydney Blue paintwork and the more powerful 125HP Bristol engine, it was the subject of a ‘sympathetic’ restoration in 2009.
![AC Aceca-Bristol: Forgotten ‘hatchback’](http://www.classicdriver.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_full/public/import/articlesv2/images/_de/8003/AC_Aceca_Bristol_08pop.jpg?itok=jxUd73Mb)
Further Information The AC Aceca-Bristol seen in the pictures can be found in the Classic Driver Marketplace |
Text: Charis Whitcombe
Photos: Martin Chisholm Collectors Cars Ltd