Lot 126 - 1996 AC Ace Brooklands
| Lot Number | 126 |
| Registration | P892 BPG |
| Chassis Number | SA9AC302XSA062046/SF118052 |
| Engine Number | SF118052 |
| Odometer reading | 4,982 miles |
| Result | Sold - £21,508 |
Launched in 1993 the AC Ace Brooklands followed two previous concept cars of 1986 and 1991, the AC underwent small scale production until 1997 when it received a facelift and re-engineering under AC's new owners and was relaunched. The Brooklands Ace traces its history back to the 1986 concept car called the Ace of Spades that featured a high proportion of Ford parts including the 2.9 litre, V6 engine and four-wheel drive system. It underwent significant development before reappearing in 1991 with a new design by IAD, a stainless steel chassis and a Ford 3.0, V6 engine.
In 1993 the production model was launched with a new specification and went into small scale production for two years before AC Cars folded in 1996. The production model is powered by a five litre, V8 engine from Ford which it shared with the AC Cobra producing 225bhp. The final version included an electric hood mechanism but the pop-up headlights from the earlier prototype had been abandoned however the aluminium body and stainless steel chassis was kept. Production ended with 46 of the original versions made between 1993 and 1996.
The example on offer here was produced in 1996 and was delivered new in lefthand drive configuration. The AC was sent to South Africa by AC Cars as a test car to develop further production by High Tech Automotive Ltd, a well known car factory in Port Elizabeth. The AC was then purchased by Robert Dougan who used the car sparingly in South Africa. Purchased by the current vendor some four years ago the AC was imported to the UK and has resided in his private collection since. Maintained where necessary and used occasionally in recent years the AC is fitted with the five litre, V8 Ford engine and shows 4,982 miles on the odometer, which is believed to be genuine although is not warranted. Finished in yellow with a black leather interior, this AC Ace is supplied with various sundry invoices and the current V5 registration document. Being one of just 46 examples built, these very sought after and powerful cars rarely come to market.
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