AC Ace Is Back

In the very near future, we will be seeing the AC Ace back out on the roads of Britain.

AC Cars, Britain’s oldest active vehicle manufacturer, has recently announced the upcoming return of one of the most beautiful cars ever made. The new version of the Ace will, of course, be inspired by the recognisable classic AC Ace but will have evolved to fit in with modern driving conditions.

A New Chapter For The AC Ace

The return of the Ace comes in two models: the AC Ace Classic and the AC Ace Bristol Classic, with each version paying tribute to different periods in the original AC Ace’s evolution.

The AC Ace Bristol Classic features the “smiling face” front end, which will certainly please the classic Ace fans, while the AC Ace Classic has a more streamlined front – a nod to the final iteration of the original model.

The Specifications

Both models have a carbon-fibre body and are powered by a 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine, producing more than 300bhp. This is paired with a precision-engineered six-speed manual gearbox and a specially tuned exhaust system (to make sure the car sounds as good as it looks and drives!)

The car weighs just 1,100kg and can accelerate from 0-62 mph in a shade over 4 and a half seconds. This performance is further enhanced by a torque output of around 375Nm.

Past Meets The Future

The team at AC Cars have merged traditional styling with modern construction techniques. The chassis remains true to the original but the addition of carbon-fibre bodywork makes the new models lightweight and strong. The 15″ wire wheels maintain the classic aesthetic while the modern fuel injection and engine management systems add performance and reliability.

The timing of the AC Ace’s return is particularly relevant at the moment as it coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original model’s competition debut. The original Ace would go on to a class victory at the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans, before going on to more success in the SCCA National Championships, and achieving class victories at the Sebring 12-Hour race for three consecutive years.

Availability And Price

Delivery of the AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic is due to begin in summer 2025. Each car will be assigned an official chassis number, authenticating its status as a genuine AC creation.

Pricing for both the AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classic begins at £175,000, inclusive of VAT.

“The new AC Ace and Ace Bristol Classics demonstrate conclusively that a classically styled car can possess outstanding performance and handling characteristics. By returning to the foundational themes of lightweight construction and powerful performance, AC Cars Classics has achieved a delicate balance between grace and modern capability.”

David Conza, CEO of AC Cars

Technical Specifications

• 2.3-litre straight-4 cylinder EcoBoost engine,
• 6-speed manual gearbox
• Built around a robust 3-inch steel tubular frame chassis.
• Period-correct 15-inch wire wheels and tyres