"The Brooklands Ace had made several public debuts before production finally got underway at AC's traditional manufacturing base at Brooklands, Surrey. Under guidance from Brian Angliss, ACs Managing Director, his team had taken seven years to develop the IAD-designed new model into production reality - no small task for any manufacturer, let alone a minnow such as AC Cars. Powered by Ford's 5.0 litre Mustang engine, the svelte body was hand formed in aluminium with an emphasis on luxury and performance and also enjoys an electric hood. In all, only 49 were produced (some say 46!) and this example is recognised as the first production car to leave the works. It was first registered in August 1994 and was kept for promotional use by AC in its early days, the car featured on the front cover, inside cover (with Angliss) and as 'Miss October' in the official 1995 AC Calendar. It was also the main image in the factory brochure and even on the front of the company Christmas card, examples of each are included in the sale. The previous owner had it for 25 years before the present owner bought it. L500 ACE also appeared on Top Gear in period, all nice history for a significant example of the breed. The car was bought directly from AC cars in June 1996, although it appears to have been originally ordered by F W Mays Ltd, AC dealers in Dorking who were possibly the first name in the logbook (the V5C registration document shows two previous keepers plus the current owner).
Its first official stamped service (nine stamps in total) was with AC Cars in January 1996 at 1,120 miles, typical of a factory owned early production/promotional car. Second AC service was at 2,448 miles. By 1998, it had covered 20,670 miles, its last of seven services by AC themselves in 1999 showing a total of 37,115 miles. Two further stamps from Redline and Oldfields take it to 2017 by which time 52,745 miles had been covered. The leather-bound handbook is specific to this car and incorporates the service record. Further invoices show continued service care including new rear springs and dampers in 2017 and its latest MoT test certificate expires in June 2023. The current mileage reads 53,923 miles. It has a battery cut off switch and an immobiliser, both factory fitted, the latter being commissioned by current owner at time of purchase which is operational from the driver's seat. The history file accompanying this car includes the car's original build specification sheet, which lists the colour as Tourmaline Green Pearl with Magnolia/Green Connolly leather upholstery and Burr Elm inserts. Further correspondence confirms that L500 ACE was the first production car and its original and very appropriate registration number remains with the car and is included in the sale. The file also contains two Alpine stereo handbooks and there are two sets of keys. The condition is exceptional with a clean under-bonnet area, stainless steel rust-free chassis, good hood (electric and fully functional) and a clean and smart interior. This is a car which has been used, loved and well cared-for and is absolutely fabulous to drive!
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