1955 AC Aceca

Highlights

• Eligible for the Mille Miglia
• £30,000 spent on recent restoration and mechanical upgrades
• Comprehensively restored with bare-metal respray
• In current ownership for 39 years prior to 2017
• Rare right-hand drive example

The Appeal

The AC Aceca, introduced at the 1954 Earls Court Motor Show, was a lightweight aluminium-bodied sports car that shared its ladder-framed chassis and running gear with the celebrated Ace roadster. This was a Grand Tourer with real class, reportedly with a profile based upon an original Pininfarina design drawn up for the marque some twenty years earlier. It's perhaps this classical frontispiece and the cutting-edge fastback profile, accented by distinctive fins, that made for a real trailblazer.
This 1955 example left the factory in August of that year and has benefited from a comprehensive restoration programme. Following 39 years in single ownership, the car underwent a bare-metal respray and engine restoration before being acquired by the current owner in 2022, who has since invested £30,000 in meticulous refinement work. The restoration has included a full retrim, electrical overhaul, mechanical upgrades, and the fitting of period-correct tyres.
Having been used sparingly in recent years, this handsome car is a vanishingly scarce opportunity to acquire a well-sorted and beautifully restored classic car.

The History and Paperwork

• Left the factory on 15th August 1955, originally finished in Bright Blue Metalline with Blue/Grey leather trim
• First owned by Mr H. W. Burke of Ilkley, Yorkshire
• Eight ownership changes between 1961 and 1978, then remained in single ownership for 39 years
• Restoration process began in 2017 under new ownership
• Acquired by the current owner in 2022
• Eligible for the Mille Miglia
• Comes with an impressive history file including previous sales records and documentation

The Condition

• The bodywork and paintwork present well following the bare-metal respray
  The aluminium bodywork looks in very good order
  The interior appears in smart condition following the recent retrim work
  Fitted with period-correct tyres
• Bucket seats are well-presented
• Instruments clean and legible
• Full retrim and headlining replacement completed in 2022 at a cost of £6,700
  Electrical overhaul of various components, including gauges, wiper motor, ignition system, fuel pump, and dynamator
• Wooden trims in good condition

With its handsome fastback profile, distinctive fins and continental-style nose, the Aceca is a deeply handsome car that lives and breathes class. It's hardly the most subtle formula, but it's certainly a distinguished one. The lightweight aluminium bodywork was, of course, hand-assembled in the British tradition, and to this day it's often hailed as one of the most handsome cars of its time.
This handsome Blue Metalline example is beautifully kept. We can't spot any significant signs of corrosion, and the only noticeable wear is minimal.

With its bucket seats, leather upholstery and distinctive wooden accents, the continental-style class remains proudly on display across this Aceca. Everything looks in sound order, with clean, legible instruments and plenty of mid-century character. It's a perfect place for driver and passenger alike, and this example has clearly been pampered.

The Mechanics

• 2.0-litre (1,971cc) AC Weller-derived six-cylinder engine
• 4-speed manual transmission
• Engine restored during extended period of storage
• Carburettor rebuild and tuning completed
• New crankshaft damper fitted
• Thorough overhaul of the clutch system
• Complete braking system overhaul including replacement of slave and master cylinders, brake linings, and wheel cylinders
• Shares ladder-framed chassis and running gear with the AC Ace roadster

The AC Weller-derived 6-cylinder engine is smooth and refined, perfect for touring, yet still eager and quick to rev when required. It sits right at home in the Aceca's lightweight ladder frame, and is continues to garner plenty of admiration with the lucky few who get behind the wheel.
The vendor reports that this car has been regularly maintained and has undergone plenty of work. It's reportedly running exactly as it should.

BEFORE YOU BUY

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