The 30th Ace-Bristol produced and the 19th left-hand drive example, Chassis BEX 182 left the works at Thames Ditton on 26th June 1956 and was imported into the United States of America by AC importer Michell & Pauli of Los Angeles. The Ace was first registered to local LA resident, Mr R Stein who would keep the Ace-Bristol for eight years before ownership passed to a Mr R Whiting.

Whiting kept the AC for some sixteen years before selling to fellow local car enthusiast, Don Davis of Los Gatos, San Jose in 1980. Davis was an amateur racer who entered the Ace-Bristol in historic events at Laguna Seca and showed the car at local concours following its restoration. Davis was clearly very proud of his Ace-Bristol and he subsequently added another AC to his collection.

The Ace-Bristol would remain in the dry climes of California with ownership passing to Steve Moles of Carlsbad, California. Moles was also a keen amateur competitor who used the car at the annual Monterey Historic Reunion, Speed Festival, Wine Country Classic, CSRG Thunder Hill and the US edition of the Mille Miglia.

In 2007 BEX 182 was acquired and brought back to the UK by Mike Abbas and subsequently sold to the current owner. It was decided at this time to undertake a full restoration of the Ace and this was handled by renowned AC Ace restorer Winchester Motorsport. The Bristol engine was dispatched to Stanton Motorsports to be rebuilt whilst at this time the gearbox was overhauled, with the fitment of overdrive. The body of the Ace was stripped to bare metal and resprayed in AC Vineyard green before being re-wired and re-trimmed with black carpets. The brakes were adjusted and new calipers fitted and five new wheels were supplied by MWS with Michelin radial tyres. BEX 182 is currently running triple Weber carburettors but included with the Ace are the extremely rare and period correct Solex carburettors which are required to run in period competition events.

The Ace is currently UK road registered, taxes paid and equipped with hood, hood frame, full tonneau, side screens, roll hoop, tool roll and jack.

Viewings and inspections can be arranged at our showroom in South West London.

Photo Credit: Riiko-Andre Nuud, Riiko Photo