Lot 262: 1936 AC 16/80 Sport Special

AC began its existence in 1904 when an engineer named John Weller and a butcher named John Portwine began producing three-wheeled commercial vehicles dubbed the Autocarrier. The Autocarrier consisted of a single cylinder, air-cooled motor and became a big success. This led to the formation of the company, Autocarriers, Ltd. Around 1907 the cargo area of the Autocarrier was replaced with a passenger seat. A four-wheeled version designed by Weller was introduced in 1913. In 1919 Weller designed a six-cylinder engine when War efforts in France prevented the delivery of the French-built Five engines in quantities that were needed. Weller's engine was 1991cc in size and made mostly of aluminium, making it very light. This engine would become the base engine for the AC Ace. During the 1920's AC vehicles had legendary success at race tracks winning such races as the 1926 Monte Carlo Rally. The AC vehicles set records in speed trials, rallies, and reliability runs. The same 2 litre engine built in 1919 was used for both their saloon and drop head variants. During this time AC also produced single-seater vehicles powered by a BSA motor for the British Ministry of Pensions. John Tojeiro was commissioned to build a race car for AC. What he designed was a vehicle that resembled the Ferrari 166MM, consisting of a Bristol 2 litre, in-line six-cylinder engine. The lightened body of this historic racer is still in remarkable original condition with the desired racing patina. The car was successfully driven on track by Nigel Orlebar, amongst other racing circuits in Silverstone. It is also legally road registered and comes with UK V5 and German paperwork with TV and H - registration. A most welcome example of this sought after AC pre war icon to either road or track and a very sensible investment for the serious marque collector. Une vraiment belle exemplaire d'une AC, avec une patina souhaite et des succes des courses. Elle viens avec des papiers anglaises ainsi que les documents de circulation allemands. ---