The iconic AC Ace was the understated forerunner of its more famous cousin the AC Cobra 289, and with its distinctive egg crate grill and sweeping lines it was itself inspired by the gorgeous silhouette of the 1950s Ferrari 166 Barchetta by Touring.

This particularly fine example has a very interesting history, as it was the very last AC Ace to leave the factory in 1963. But it was not the last car built.

The engine number is a clue to the conundrum. Powered by the final version of the 110 BHP 2 litre Weller engine, of which there were just 63 built, the engine number reveals that this AC Ace was built three years before in 1960, and it is believed to have been a factory demonstrator, and therefore remained with the Works until 1963.

In addition it was optioned with the lightweight, ‘short throw’ magnesium cased gearbox.

With only 5 owners from new, spanning 60 years, and supported by invoices from the 80’s documenting the rebuild of the engine and drivetrain, it formed part of a museum collection for many years and as such, since 1984, it has covered less than 15000 miles. Therefore the paintwork and condition of the car is excellent with some very small areas of patina to the bodywork and interior, and the current colour scheme of metallic blue over black leather is a particularly striking combination, and varies slightly from its original turquoise blue coachwork.

Contained in the history file there are MOT’s dating back from 1984 and from this the cars mileage of 80,000 is considered genuine.

The car was featured on the front cover of Thoroughbred & Classics in 1977, a copy of which is in the history file.