AC Cars is bringing back two of its most iconic models—the AC Ace and AC Ace Bristol. Launched under the banner of AC Cars Classics, the company’s newly established heritage division, this revival is more than a nod to nostalgia. It’s a strategic return to the high-performance engineering that once made these models legends on the track and road. First introduced in the 1950s, the AC Ace became a cornerstone of British motoring, admired for its lightweight frame, elegant design, and racing pedigree. Today, AC Cars has reimagined these classics with cutting-edge technology. Offering two distinct models—the AC Ace Classic and AC Ace Bristol Classic—the automaker is reviving its legacy. Two Iconic Designs, One Powerful EngineThe new AC Ace and Ace Bristol offer two distinct takes on classic British motoring, each capturing the spirit of their iconic predecessors while integrating modern performance technology. The AC Ace Bristol Classic, with its instantly recognizable 'smiling face' grille, pays homage to the early models that defined the marque in the 1950s. In contrast, the AC Ace Classic reflects the final iteration of the original Ace, with its sleeker, more streamlined front end, which would later inspire the legendary AC Cobra. Both models maintain the graceful lines, rolling flanks, and sculpted wheel arches that made the originals such standouts on the road. However, they’ve been updated with lightweight carbon-fiber bodywork, a modern material that improves not only durability but also enhances performance. Despite their classic looks, the mechanicals of the new Ace and Ace Bristol are thoroughly modern. Both models feature a 3.0-inch tubular steel chassis and are powered by Ford’s 2.3-liter turbocharged EcoBoost engine—an engine known for its performance in the Mustang EcoBoost. Delivering around 300 horsepower and paired with a six-speed manual transmission, these lightweight roadsters (weighing just about 2,425 pounds) can sprint from 0 to 62 mph in a swift 4.6 seconds. The combination of rear-wheel drive and a specially tuned exhaust system promises an exhilarating driving experience. Though interior images have not been released, AC Cars has teased a vintage-inspired cabin, with the Ace Bristol expected to feature low-back seats and a wood-rimmed steering wheel. Meanwhile, the Ace is set to offer sportier seating and a high-mounted rearview mirror. Limited Reservations Open for 70th Anniversary Models For automotive enthusiasts and history buffs, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. The launch of the new AC Ace Classic and Ace Bristol Classic coincides with the 70th anniversary of the original Ace’s racing debut—a milestone that speaks to AC Cars’ legacy in motorsport. The Ace wasn’t just admired for its looks; it cemented its place in racing history with a class victory at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1959. Now, fans of this iconic brand have the rare opportunity to own a piece of that storied past. Reservations are now open for both models, with each car hand-crafted at AC Cars' facility on England’s south coast. Each vehicle will bear an official chassis number, denoting its authenticity as a direct descendant of the original Ace. The models are being developed under AC Cars Classics, the newly formed division that consolidates all of AC’s classic car programs. Meanwhile, deliveries are slated to begin in the summer of 2025, with prices starting at £175,000 (around $228,000). Source: AC Cars
