1955 AC 2 Litre

Highlights

• Very smart and tidy factory-correct car
• Large file of history showing ongoing maintenance
• One of the last of the 1,130 2dr cars built
• Very rare and distinctive post-war AC sporting saloon
• Practical and usable four seat classic

The Appeal

The name of Thames Ditton’s AC is so synonymous with the Ace and Cobra that it’s easy to overlook its many other cars. That includes the car that gave way to the Ace, the distinctive 2 Litre saloon.

This car was AC’s post-war bid to offer customers a sporting car with space for four. It featured an updated pre-war chassis - based on Jaguar’s SS - and the firm’s superb 6cyl 2L engine. The styling was unusual, but as you can see from the photos of this smart bronze metallic car, has aged nicely. The result is one of post-war motoring’s most eye-catching and rare saloons.

Just 1,130 2dr saloons were built and this car is one of only 20 built to special order in 1955. It is an ‘EH’ prefix car which means it has the ENV rear axle and full hydraulic brakes, the latter a particular advantage for modern motoring.

The car comes to market with a bulging history file that tells its story back to its earliest days. There are old tax discs, MOTs, details of previous keepers and early factory literature. A length email confirms that the engine has been rebuilt, other mechanicals improved and elements of the lovely burgundy interior retrimmed. This work was some years ago, but the MOT history indicates sparing recent use.

The last MOT was in January 2020 and shows no advisories. The car has covered 1,500 miles since the test. This is a handsome and very well kept example of AC’s sporting Cobra sibling.

History and Paperwork

• First registered 21st May 1955
• Seven registered keepers
• Current keeper since April 2021
• Large history file of maintenance as shown
• Highlights from history file shown in photos
• File includes old tax discs and MOTs
• Email dated October 2010 with previous keeper detailing history
• Magazine articles
• Old AC literature and handbooks
• Book about the model
• Chassis number EH2015
• Last MOT expired 18th January 2021 with no advisories
• 79,587 miles showing on last MOT and now showing 80,827 miles in photos

The Condition

• Bronze metallic paintwork in very good order for age of car
• Aluminium alloy bodywork on a ash frame
• Aluminium alloy bodywork presents well with good panel fit and alignment
• Ash frame appears to be in good order as it supports good panel fit
• Brass radiator cowl and brass brightwork in good order as shown
• Exterior fittings including lights, glasswork and trim in good order
• Sits on correct steel wheels with AC chrome hub caps in good order
• Underside presents well in photos with no reports of issues from vendor
• Smart red leather interior with light patination as shown in photos
• Unmodified interior with some updates and improvements but older so showing wear
• Seats, door trim, headlining and carpets all present well in photos with light age
• Smart veneer dashboard with lovely cream AC dials and four-spoke ‘sports’ wheel
• Original trafficators are present and in good condition, although disabled in favour of period indicators
• Rear wheel spats - believed to be non-original - are included, although not currently fitted
• Carpeted boot area in good condition with tools and jack as shown

The Mechanics

• 1,991cc 6cyl AC engine with aluminium block
• Engine has been rebuilt during car’s history
• 4spd ‘Moss’ gearbox with synchromesh on 2nd, 3rd and 4th
• Triple SU carburettors delivering 74bhp
• Large history file of maintenance as shown
• No reported running or driving issues
• No mechanical or running gear advisories on last MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY
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