Aceca

The Aceca Coupé, which formerly competed with the Greyhound for the favours of GT enthusiasts, has now been dropped from the AC range, while the Ace in its two forms continues without change. This open sports car offers a choice between 2-litre Bristol and 2.6-litre Ford Zephyr engines. With the latter fitted, it is known as the Ace 2.6. A further range of options concerns the tune in which the Zephyr power unit is installed. The mildest tune stage gives 120 b.h.p., the hottest 170. In all cases, the torque this Ford engine develops is very good, giving the quite light Ace outstanding acceleration and hillclimbing powers. The 170 b.h.p. version has three twin-choke Weber carburettors. The Ace 2.6 is distinguishable from the Bristol-engined model by a modified bonnet line and a smaller radiator grille.
(London report, October '62)

Ace Bristol

Ace 2.6

Ace 2.6

Greyhound

There are few cars of Grand Touring type on the British market, but the Greyhound is truly representative of the breed. Two sizes of Bristol engine, 2- and 2.2-litres, can be installed, the larger giving this AC a top speed approaching two miles per minute under favourable conditions. The Greyhound chassis, although all-independently sprung, differs considerably from the Ace foundation, the former's suspension being by coils all round, instead of transverse leaf springs; in common with all ACs, motion of the road wheels is controlled by wishbones front and back. Of low-drag shape, the Greyhound body is panelled in aluminium alloy, and is not used to strengthen the tubular chassis. Front brakes are discs, with drums at the rear. Interior finish and furnishings are of a high order, in keeping with the car's rather sobering purchase price.
(London report, October '62)

AC Cobra 260 at Earls Court. Built for American market only.

Exciting newcomer to the AC range is this Anglo-American hybrid, mounting a 4½-litre American Ford V8 engine in the well-proved Ace chassis. Whether it's actually the fastest car at Earls Court depends on stage of tune of the car exhibited. The "most" version, with extra carburettors, special cams and high compression pistons, develops no less than 335 horse-power and is claimed to give the Cobra a top speed of 175 m.p.h. The gearbox too is by Ford, and has synchromesh on all four of its closely-spaced ratios. Large-diameter Girling disc brakes are fitted all round. A choice of final ratios is available, appropriate to the various stages of engine output. Californian Carroll Shelby, formerly one of America's leading racing drivers, is primarily responsible for bringing the light but highly roadable AC chassis and the Ford Challenger engine together. It's claimed that the Cobra will accelerate from zero to 100 m.p.h. in less than 11 seconds, which, if confirmed, makes its getaway unparalleled among standard sports cars. Weight is said to be equally distributed between the front and back pair of wheels, whereas the Bristol engined Ace carries fractionally more of its load astern than fore.
(London report, October '62)

AC Ace, chassis #BEX1192, engine: Bristol 1.971 cc.; (Jean-Claude Magne / Maurice Martin), Andres Chardonnet at 24h Le Mans.