Lot details
Registration No: AE59JCU
Chassis No: SA9AC3029YA621102
Mot Expiry: N/A

The history of AC is one of the most fascinating of all automotive stories. From invalid carriages to trains and golf trolleys to the mighty Cobra, the company has spanned a uniquely broad and challenging technological spectrum since its formation in 1901.

By 1986, AC was in the hands of Brian Angliss, who recognised the need to broaden his model range beyond the Cobra recreations that had brought him into the business. The result was an all new two-seater sports car for which, Ace, the moniker of one of the company's most successful models, was revived. Prototypes were seen at the London Motor Show of 1993 and other exhibitions the following year and the potential of the alloy-bodied car with stainless steel chassis and V8 power car was clear to see. The development costs crippled the company, however, and the receiver was called in after some 50 Ace Brooklands had been built. Some further examples were, however, produced in the late '90s early '00s, following the company's acquisition by Alan Lubinsky.

The Ace Brooklands offered is reputed to be the 1999 Motor Show car, at which time it was fitted with a non-operational Lotus V8 engine. The AC was later rebuilt as a new vehicle, however, and fitted with a 305bhp quad-cam, 4.6-litre Ford V8 unit, driving through a five-speed manual gearbox and BTR Hydratrak differential. It has subsequently passed the single vehicle approval test and was finally registered for road use in February of this year. This example's stainless steel chassis is apparently clothed in a mix of alloy and composite body panels and comes complete with hard top but no hood. It is finished in red complemented by a black leather interior.

With less than 300 miles on the clock to date, this rare and distinctive two-seater is still all but brand new.