1936 Ac Ace
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- $140,000
- Make AC
- Model Ace
- Location Otago
- Date listed 24-03-26
Hey guys
I'm currently gaging interest for my Dad to sell this car. Sorry its a bit of a read, but all information is in the text below.
History of the car
He bought the AC from Ron Roycroft in 1958, more than 60 years ago.
It is a 16/66 hp A.C. “ACE” March- Special Sports Tourer, powered by AC’s famous John Weller designed, single overhead camshaft 6 cylinder engine.
The AC, chassis L171, was designed by the present Earl of March’s father (Edward
Charles Gordon-Lennox, who later became the 7th Duke of Richmond).
He was known as Freddie March in the sports car Industry. Freddie March designed 16
similar AC’s, 14 with 2 scuttles, one with no scuttle and one with one scuttle (from Rinsey
Mills book “AC Six-cylinder Sports Cars”) This AC has only one scuttle.
That makes it quite a rare AC, but regrettably it is not original.
When a young aeronautical engineer brought the car to New Zealand around 1950, it had
no engine and he fitted a Zephyr six engine. Later that engine was replaced with an
engine out of a 1956 AC Aceca Sports. This was a Weller designed the single overhead
camshaft engine with an aluminium crankcase and block, crossflow cylinder head and wet
cylinder liners. Such an engine design, years ahead of its time was extremely rare for production cars in 1919.
To look at the engine you would not notice the difference,
Because of this modern layout, the same engine was continually upgraded by the AC
Marque (carburation, compression ratio, etc.) without redesigning the block, allowing it to survive for nearly four decades.
Also other elements of the car are not original, such as the dash steering wheel etc.
However the combination of a generous wheelbase and under slung chassis made it possible for the six cylinder AC to accommodate a sports touring coachwork that was both stylish and comfortable.
The AC runs well and over the years he has competed and many rallies in the AC, Classic Carracing at the Lady Wigram circuit and been used as a wedding car.
A couple of weeks ago it was on display at the Ayrburn Classic.
Current rego and WoF
Please dont hesitate to reach out before we list this on trade me.
Has been valued at $140k by Waimak valuations.
