1958 AC Aceca-Bristol
Representing the ultimate expression of AC’s distinctive GT philosophy, this rare British sports car combined elegant Italian-inspired styling with serious performance capability. Only 169 Aceca-Bristols were built between 1956 and 1963, making it one of the more exclusive sports cars of its era.
The Aceca was notable as only the second production car (after the 1953 Aston Martin DB2/4) to feature a hatchback-style rear opening.
The Bristol-powered variant utilized a 1,971cc (120-cubic-inch) straight-six engine based on the pre-war BMW 328 design, producing 125 horsepower and 120 lb-ft of torque. This represented a significant upgrade over the standard AC-engined version’s 90 horsepower. The sophisticated powerplant featured hemispherical combustion chambers, an inclined valve arrangement, and three Solex downdraft carburetors.
Built on a 90-inch wheelbase with independent suspension using transverse leaf springs front and rear, the Aceca-Bristol delivered excellent handling dynamics. Front disc brakes became available in 1957 and were more widely adopted by 1958, complementing the car’s performance credentials and making it a formidable competitor in period GT racing.
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