AC Cars can trace its history back to 1903 but its zenith was during the post-war era under the leadership of Derek Hurlock.

The pivotal moment was AC’s adoption of John Tojeiro’s low-slung lightweight tubular ladder chassis.

Tojeiro had proven the concept with some Bristol-engined cars, clothed in a body that was largely copied from Ferrari’s stunning Touring-designed 166 MM Barchetta.

The design was modified slightly to become AC’s much-loved Ace.

Following on from the closed version of the Ace, the Aceca, AC identified the 2+2 coupé market as an area of growth, then dominated by cars like the Aston Martin DB2/4.

By stretching the Ace chassis, updating the front suspension to be coil sprung, and adopting rack and pinion steering, AC created a more comfortable platform for a luxury car.

A stylish all-aluminium body enveloped the chassis, and clients had a choice of engines including Bristol’s torquier 2,216 cc straight-six with an aluminium cylinder head.

Production lasted near...