1957 AC Ace
Roadster-
Year of manufacture1957
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Mileage81 000 mi / 130 357 km
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Car typeOther
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Reference number56638535
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ConditionUsed
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Exterior brand colourDamask Red
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Number of doors2
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Location
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Exterior colourRed
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GearboxManual
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Fuel typePetrol
Description
Chassis 'AE 220' was completed in right-hand drive configuration at AC's Thames Ditton factory on 30th October 1957. Powered by AC's own 1,991cc engine from new, the Ace was finished in Damask Red with a black interior and supplied new to marque specialists K N Rudd Ltd (Ruddspeed). The car was registered 'YBP 782', the registration it retains to this day.In January 1958, Rudd sold 'AE 220' to a Mr Alan Bremner of Newcastle upon Tyne, who kept the Ace for one year before selling to Mrs Dorothy Morris of North London. When the Morris family moved to Heathfield the Ace went with them and was looked after by Seys Garages (Heathfield) Ltd (there are various handwritten invoices documenting the work in the history file).The Ace then passed into the ownership of Dr A J B Missen and his family in 1967, with whom it would remain for some 43 years. Dr Missen had a scrupulous eye for detail, and there are some very entertaining letters and invoices detailing his experiences with AC Cars and the Ace within the history file. During Missen's ownership the Ace received an engine rebuild, bodywork repaint, a new exhaust system, interior retrim and rebuilt steering, while the braking system was stripped and overhauled.In 2010, the Ace was bought by a Mr M Jopp, who lived near the Missen family; he would own 'AE 220' for two years before selling it to the founder of G A Fabrications, experts in AC bodywork. The new owner embarked on a lengthy programme of refurbishment, which would include a major restoration of the body: reshaping and profiling the wings and re-hanging the doors, boot and bonnet, which has resulted in excellent gaps and shut lines. The bodywork then received a bare-metal repaint in red. In addition, a new wiring loom was installed; the suspension rebuilt with new shock absorbers; and new foot boxes, floor pans, boot floor and a new transmission tunnel fitted.The current owner bought 'AE 220' to add to his car collection, and immediately set about improving