When the last 2-litre saloon left the Thames Ditton factory in 1958, AC were left without a car that offered more than two seats.

In response to what was perceived as customer demand, as well as encouragement from Hubert Patthey, the racing driver and Swiss AC importer, work began under the direction of AC’s Chief Engineer, Alan Turner, on a 4-seat GT Coupé, the Greyhound.

The first prototype was given an airing, as well as its competition debut, at an AC and Lagonda Owners Club Sprint at Brand Hatch, which was quickly followed by the first production car making its appearance at the London Motor Show in October 1959.

Sitting on an extended version of the Aceca’s steel ladder frame chassis, allowing space for an additional row of two seats behind the driver and front passenger as well as a decent sized boot, the Greyhound was clothed in an attractive alloy body not dissimilar to Aston Martin’s recently introduced DB4.

The interior of the car was well appointed, with leather seats ...