Lot 109: 1995 AC Ace Brooklands

The Ace, a graceful, high performance, all metal two seater which is designed to compete head on with the products of Jaguar, Aston Martin, Mercedes and Porsche, has had one of the longest gestation periods of any car. Conceived and initially put into limited pre-production some years ago by AC's then owners, the Ace was completely re-engineered by AC Car Group after it acquired the business in late 1996. Designed and developed entirely in the UK, the Ace reflects its AC pedigree with a unique combination of bespoke bodywork in the English tradition and a large 302 cu in V8 engine. The new Ace features a distinctive pressed aluminium bodyshell and is available in three variants costing from under £70,000 to almost £80,000. There is a soft top convertible model with 240bhp 5.0 litre V8 engine, manual with a 32 valve quad cam engine developing 320bhp and supercharged 320 bhp 5.0 litre. The car, which was assembled for AC in Coventry, is capable of electrifying performance - up to 0 to 60mph in 5.7 seconds and a top speed limited to 155mph. Ace owners are offered a full specification car with powered hood, full hide interior, air conditioning and a host of other advanced features, including Philips latest in-car entertainment centre. AC was Britain's longest surviving automotive manufacturer and employed more than 50 people at its headquarters at Brooklands in Surrey. The Ace started life in the 1980's when the then AC company recognised that it needed to broaden its model range. Several prototypes were developed and, many millions of pounds later, the Ace was shown at a number of motor shows in 1994. The example presented here today represents the best looking AC Ace of the limited production run that took place. With the added power bulge and individualised headlights, it is finished in Arctic Silver with a grey and blue leather interior. Cars of this age and price bracket tend to hand have 20,000 to 40,000 miles recorded, potential interested parties should note that the odometer reads just 4,375 miles with a full AC service history to back this up. Surely one of the 'newest' cars available for sale. The accompanying V5C states one family ownership and there is an MoT with 6 months left to run. Included is the AC Cars owner's handbook and vehicle service record, stamped by AC at 2,203 miles.