Description:

• One of 171 AC ACECA Bristol built

• RHD

• In period extensive racing history in the UK and at 1957 Tour de France Automobile

• Eligible for Tour Auto, Mille Miglia, Goodwood

• Entirely restored (completed in 2016)

​​The most proficient and successful AC ACECA BRISTOL

The AC ACECA BRISTOL is a rarer car than any of the ACs. Only 171 ACECA Bristols were built in their day, and only several cars has been raced in period, making it a rare specimen of a model which is very seldom offered for sale. This particular car chassis BE621 is the most proficient and successful ACECA BRISTOL of the ACECAs built at that time.

​BE621 is very well-known to the AC ACECA BRISTOL Register. Built the 24th August 1957, between 1957 and 1962, Ron Brightman and Hugh Dibley lined up in it in numerous races at Snetterton, Brands Hatch, Silverstone, Goodwood, including the celebrated 1957 Tour de France Automobile. During Ron Brightman ownership it was road registered R25. When Ron Brightman sold BE621 he kept the registration number and gave it to his new acquisition, a Lister Jaguar. When Hugh Dibley bought BE621 it received the road registration 49 VMT, it still has today. It was originally finished in Svecia Red with black interior. As part of its first restoration done in 1980, it was painted light grey and fitted with red interior. 

In period racing history

From 1957 to 1959: owner and pilot Ron Brightman

Road registration RB25

31 Aug 1957             Goodwood

07 Sept 1957           Silverstone

15 to 21 Sept 1957   Tour de France Automobile DNF

05 Oct 1957             Silverstone

13 Oct 1957              Outlon Park    1st

26 Dec 1957             Brands Hatch

29 Mar 1958            Mallory Park   Hit Bank

20 Apr 1958             Mallory Park

20 Apr 1958             Silverstone      2nd

26 May 1958            Mallory Park 

01 June 1958            Snetterton

06 June 1958           Silverstone        2nd

08 June 1958           Brands Hatch

14 June 1958            Goodwood          2 x 1st

29 June 1958           Snetterton                    

12 July 1958             Goodwood          4th

04 Aug 1958             Mallory Park     4th

09 Aug 1958             Snetterton         1st in class

30 Aug 1958             Shelsley Walsh

20 Sept 1958            Silverstone

27 Sept 1958             Silverstone

From 1959 to 1964: owner and pilot Hugh Dibley who later raced of the famous Howmet Turbine eXperimental at Brands Hatch and Le Mans.

Road registration  49VMT

27 June 1959     Goodwood      2nd

16 Apr 1960       Rufforth

07 May 1960     goodwood

19 May 1960     Snetteron

03 July 1960     Brands Hatch

09 July 1960     Goodwood

06 Aug 1960      Snetterton World Cup Race

27 Aug 1960      Silverstone 21 lap Relay

11 June 1962      Goodwood

A body-off restoration in 2016

BE621 has been the subject of a body off restoration in 2016 and is in excellent condition. The stunning, high quality light grey  paintwork is flawless, done over an extremely straight body with excellent door, bonnet, and boot fit. Photos exist of the body in bare metal during the restoration which depicts an original and extremely straight shell. 

The interior was also restored, and has been trimmed in very high quality, soft, red leather on the door panels, seats, dash, and rear firewall. The red carpets are in very good condition. All the gauges have been restored, and are original Smiths units. This example is fitted with racing style safety belts and a nice wood rimmed steering wheel.

The engine was rebuilt in 2016 and it has just run for 1.000 miles. The engine compartment has also been restored, and could be casually shown with pride. The inner fender well aluminIum has been replaced, and body supports, suspension pieces, radiator, and valve cover all painted correct semi-gloss black. The headers have been freshly ceramic coated, and are pristine. A new wiring harness was fitted as part of the restoration work, along with new water hoses. Nordic air filters sit atop the triple carburators. 

The underside shows every sign of the body off restoration, and is free of rust or obvious damage repairs. Correct finishes are applied where appropriate, and the results are very impressive.

Mechanically, the car in very good condition. During the current ownership period, from late 1993 onward, the car was used in several prestigious events such as the Colorado Grand and California Mille, among others, and kept in careful storage at Fantasy Junction when not in use. The engine was rebuilt by Apex Automotive Engineering, and records are present to confirm this work. The engine starts easily and makes excellent power with minimal smoke. The clutch and transmission both operate as they should. This example is fitted with the much more user friendly front disc brakes which came into mainstream production in 1957, an impressive engineering achievement for the era.

The clutch and transmission both operate as they should. This example is fitted with the much more user friendly front disc brakes which came into mainstream production in 1957, an impressive engineering achievement for the era.

As this example has participated in the 1957 Tour de France Automobile, it is highly eligible for the Tour Auto optic 2000. As a 1957 year of production, it is eligible for the Mille Miglia and many other prestigious events around the globe.

With the car comes a very complete file of historic documents. The ACECA on offer affords a rare opportunity to acquire a ready-to-race car with high collector value thanks to its clearly and fully documented history.

Price on request

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