Not Sold | 1981 AC 3000 ME

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Not Sold (Est: £15,000 - £20,000)

1981 AC 3000 ME

United Kingdom • 25 Nov 2017 • Lot 317

Vehicle Details

AI Listing Summary

This AC 3000 ME, one of only 106 manufactured, presents a rare opportunity. It boasts significant recent mechanical work, ensuring its roadworthiness, though the interior would benefit from some cosmetic improvements.

Condition

6

The car has had extensive mechanical work done, including new brake callipers, balljoints, driveshafts, wishbones and gearbox overhaul, chassis and suspension overhaul, and refurbished cylinder heads. The red coachwork is in good order, but the interior could do with some attention. This suggests a rating between Very Good and Good.

/ 10

Transmission:

[Transmission]

Chassis No:

ME301R80000116

Odometer:

85,600 miles

Reg Number:

RAP 147X

RHD/LHD:

RHD

The AC 3000 ME was launched at the London Motor Show in 1973 and offered for sale by AC Cars between 1979 and 1984.

During the 1970’s, AC Managing Director, W.

Derek Hurlock, developed a new and smaller car.

Mid-engined designs were in fashion at the time and in 1972 the prototype Diabolo was built with an Austin Maxi engine and transaxle.

However, following considerable investment in development using the BLMC power unit and transmission, the engine manufacturers decided that they needed all the E series engines they could make to power their own Maxi and Allegro models, so the Diabolo project appeared likely to collapse for lack of an engine.

In much the same way as they had taken up the Tojeiro prototype and turned it into the Ace, AC acquired the rights and at the 1973 London Motor Show showed their own version, the mid-engined 3000 ME with the 3.0 litre Ford Essex V6 engine installed transversely over a custom AC designed gearbox.

The car featured a steel chassis making exte...