The AC Ace-Bristol, a hand-built British sports car, embodies the elegance and performance of the golden age of motoring. This particular 1957 AC Ace-Bristol, one of only 466 examples produced between 1956 and 1962, has a fascinating history and has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Previously owned by preeminent AC collector and expert Jim Feldman, this Ace-Bristol, presented in a lovely shade of dark blue over a terracotta interior, is a highly eligible rally and event car, ready to be driven and enjoyed. It is estimated to fetch between $275,000 and $375,000 USD at the Miami 2025 auction.
The AC Ace, recognizable by its “BE” chassis designation, is renowned for its beautiful design, penned by John Tojeiro, and its impressive performance. The Bristol-supplied 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, with roots tracing back to the BMW 328, delivers a spirited 128 brake horsepower through a four-speed manual gearbox. This combination allows the Ace-Bristol to reach a top speed of 116 mph, making it a formidable sports car of its era.
Chassis number BEX 275, offered here, left the AC factory on March 19, 1957. Originally finished in Bright Blue Metaline over blue trim, the car was exported to Virginia and sold by AC Imports of Arlington. Its early history is documented, including ownership by a D.V. McKeel, who is believed to have retained the car for nearly four decades.
In the early 2000s, the car, then a restoration project, was acquired by Jim Feldman, a renowned marque authority, AC Owners’ Club US Registrar, and preeminent AC collector. Feldman preserved the unrestored car for over a decade before it was acquired by the current consignor in June 2014.
The consignor commissioned a comprehensive, frame-off restoration, entrusting the work to Feldman’s own JWF Restorations of Portland, Oregon, in conjunction with Kevin Kay Restorations of Redding, California. This meticulous restoration, undertaken between 2016 and 2019, is documented by extensive invoices and over 450 photographs. The 1,971cc engine was rebuilt to 100 D2 specification, featuring a ported and polished cylinder head, uprated pistons, connecting rods, and a crankshaft from INRacing of Nottingham, UK.
The completed car, now resplendent in dark blue with a complementing soft-top and terracotta interior, has participated in various road rallies, including the Going To The Sun Rally, the Copperstate 1000, Mountain Mille, and New England 1000, demonstrating its readiness for long-distance touring. The quality of the restoration has also been recognized with concours awards at the Greenwich Concours and Misselwood Concours.
Equipped with a desirable overdrive unit, this 1957 AC Ace-Bristol is an ideal open-road cruiser, a competitive rally car, and a valuable addition to any collection of classic sports cars. It is a testament to British engineering and design, a true classic reborn.
Summary/Specs List:
- Model: 1957 AC Ace-Bristol
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder (Bristol)
- Power: 128 bhp
- Transmission: 4-speed manual with overdrive
- Chassis No.: BEX 275
- Exterior Color: Dark Blue
- Interior Color: Terracotta
- Mileage: (Not specified)
- Ownership: Previously owned by Jim Feldman
- Restoration: Full restoration by Kevin Kay Restorations and JWF Restorations (2016-2019)
- Events: Eligible for various rallies and events
- Awards: Concours awards at Greenwich and Misselwood
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general knowledge and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended as an endorsement or recommendation for any specific vehicle. For more information on this specific car, you can reach out to the seller.
Source: rmsothebys.com
This article was crafted with assistance from Gemini
