Original matching numbers example - Veteran of the 2010 Spa 6 Hours race Returning to production after the Second World War, in the early 50s AC Cars of Thames Ditton sought a replacement for the now aging 2-Litre range of cars.

A product of renowned race car designer and constructor John Tojeiro, AC Cars acquired Tojeiro’s sleek lightweight open two-seater design, developed the car’s styling, fitted a 2-litre, six-cylinder AC engine and christened the new model the “Ace”.

With a light, ladder-type tubular frame, all independent transverse leaf spring suspension, and an open two-seater alloy body reminiscent of Ferrari’s 166 MM Barchetta, the Ace debuted to great acclaim at the 1953 Earls Court motor show.

Featuring all-round independent suspension (a British first), the Ace was equally adept on road and track, with superb handling and minimal body roll, ultimately setting the cornerstones for the giant-killing Shelby Cobras of the 1960s.

By the mid-1950s the pre-war AC inline-six ...