1957 AC Ace-Bristol: The British Beauty That Packs a Powerful Punch

The AC Ace-Bristol was a remarkable piece of automotive engineering that exuded a timeless elegance and undeniable performance prowess. Its sleek lines and nimble handling made it a standout on the road, while its powerful engine roared with the ferocity of a lion. 

Source: Pendine

The AC Ace-Bristol was a remarkable example of British engineering during the mid-20th century. It was more than just a sports car; it was a work of art, meticulously designed to combine form and function in a way that would provide an unparalleled driving experience. Its stunning exterior and powerful performance were a testament to the ingenuity and passion of its creators, and they captured the hearts of automobile enthusiasts around the world. The Ace-Bristol became an icon of the golden age of sports cars, and it continues to be celebrated today as a symbol of the technological advancements and creative vision of that era.

The origins

Source: FISKENS

The story of the AC’s famous model is a tale of a small British automaker taking on the big names in sports vehicle racing and coming out on top. It began with a new lightweight chassis designed by John Tojeiro, which caught the eye of AC’s in-house stylist, Alan Turner. Turner’s sleek and aerodynamic body design, coupled with a small 2.0-liter engine, created the original AC Ace. While the Ace was a stylish and lightweight sports car, it struggled to keep up with its rivals on the track. AC knew they needed a more powerful engine to compete, and found it in Bristol Cars’ 2.0-liter, six-cylinder engine in 1956. With 120 horsepower under the hood, the Ace was transformed into the model, and it was an immediate hit with racing enthusiasts. The Ace-Bristol’s debut in the 1957 24 Hours of Le Man’s race was a turning point. Three automobiles entered the race and finished an impressive 7th, 8th, and 10th overall. This was a significant achievement for a small British automaker and put the model on the map as a contender in the sports car world. In the years that followed, the Ace-Bristol continued to win races and gain a loyal following. The 1961 introduction of the Cobra, which used a Ford V8 engine, marked the end of the model’s production, but it remains a classic car that is still celebrated today for its exceptional handling, lightweight design, and classic British style. The Ace-Bristol’s legacy is a testament to the vision, ingenuity, and passion of those who designed and built it, and it will continue to captivate car enthusiasts for generations to come.

The 1957 model year

Source: Mecum Auctions

The 1957 model had a robust six-cylinder 2.0-liter engine, generating an impressive 120 horsepower, enabling the car to achieve a top speed of 120 miles per hour. Its four-speed manual gearbox ensured a smooth and responsive driving experience. Notably, the car’s aluminum body mounted on a tubular steel chassis was a remarkable technical feature, keeping the vehicle’s weight to a mere 1,760 pounds. As a result, it became one of the most lightweight and agile sports cars of its era. The front suspension featured an independent system with transverse leaf springs, while the rear had a live axle with coil springs. Inside, the car’s design prioritized the driver’s comfort, boasting cozy leather bucket seats that offered excellent support even during long journeys. The dashboard was equipped with a large speedometer and tachometer, as well as smaller gauges for monitoring oil pressure, fuel level, and water temperature. The three-spoke steering wheel featured a wood rim and polished metal spokes, while the shifter was a short, stubby lever conveniently placed in the center console for easy and precise gear changes. The pedals were arranged in a classic “three on the tree” pattern, with the clutch on the left, the brake in the middle, and the accelerator on the right.

Did you know?

Source: Bonhams

Carroll Shelby, the famous American race car driver, and designer, was one of the renowned owners of the 1957 edition. Shelby competed with his vehicle in several sports car races during the late 1950s, including the 12 Hours of Sebring and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He also made modifications to the car’s engine and suspension, which later influenced his work in developing high-performance engines for the Shelby Cobra.

Shelby’s ownership of this model helped to establish the car’s reputation as a performance-oriented sports car that could compete with the best vehicles of its time. The car’s lightweight aluminum body and powerful engine made it a favorite among racing enthusiasts, and its iconic design helped to solidify its place as one of the most coveted sports cars of the golden age of sports cars.

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