1995 | AC Aceca

Lot details

Year: 1995
Make: AC
Model: Aceca - Ex Monte Carlo Rally Entrant
Registration: WPG 7
Chassis No: AE512
Engine No: tba
Mileage: 33,000

One of three examples entered in the 1956 Monte Carlo Rally

Further period Rally entries Rome, Liege, Geneva, Alpine and Tulip Rally)

Single-family ownership from 1989-2018

Ruddspeed 2.6 Ford engine upgrade with four-speed and overdrive

Introduced in 1954 at the Earls Court Motor Show, the AC Aceca fastback was a lightweight aluminium sports car initially powered by the AC Weller-derived six-cylinder engine. The new model shared the ladder-framed chassis and most of the steering and running gear with the Ace roadster.

This motorcar, in particular, was the 8th Aceca built. It left the factory on July 2, 1955, to be delivered to agent K.N Rudd Ltd of Worthing. It was initially specified in Bright Blue Metallic with red leather trim. The original AC engine unit was number CL2165W and was fitted to an overdrive gearbox from the new.

The first owner was a fascinating character, Mr Tommy G Clarke, a Brooklands racer in a Bugatti, a Winter Olympian, a two-time Le Mans racer, and a class winner in the Mille Miglia. He would have grand plans for the Aceca. The first event for the Aceca was one of the most important as AC Works entry into the Monte Carlo Rally of 1956. Disaster struck 36 hours before the start of the Rally when a service tester pranged the Aceca into the back of a lorry. It was returned to the Thames Ditton factory, and the workforce pulled together to prepare the car for the start line. Motorsport Magazine covered the repair in one of their magazines. It is worth noting that a third wiper from the roof of the Aceca was fitted before the Monte by the factory, which can be seen in the period photographs.

The AC team would consist of three Acecas; Peter Easton/ Peter Garnier, the European contingent of Jaques Pollet/Jack Leveque, and Tommy Clarke/Keith Baker. WPG7 would be the only Aceca to finish the event, achieving a respectable 57th overall and 6th in class. The next outing for WPG7, one of three works Aceca for the Tulip Rally in Class L: Grand Touring 1600-2000cc. The Rally started on May 6, 1956. After 1460 miles, it ended with the final day at Zandvoort. WPG7 placed second of the AC works entrants, at 127th place. Later that month, Clarke entered the smaller Geneva Rally with the new codriver Richmond. The route followed Geneva—St. Etienne-Milan—Geneva. Another successful finish for the Aceca was 36th place.

Unfortunately, the reunited Clarke/Baker team's first retirement would be at the Alpine Rally in July. A series of issues, including a broken rear spring, wheel spokes, and a lazy oil pump, caused failures at this event. Clarke's final Rally in WPG7 at Liege-Rome-Liege Rally would follow similar results as the previous event with a retirement.

The latter results wouldn't dishearten Clarke. He competed in the Mille Miglia in 1957 in a Bristol-engined variant of the Aceca, allowing the model to compete in contemporary editions. A final attempt with WPG 7, Clarke had entered into a non-championship race at the Oulton Park International run by the mid-Chesire motor club in September 1956, with the result unknown. As mentioned, Clarke's purchase of the Aceca Bristol left this surplus to requirements and was sold. We have found evidence of the car sprinting in 1959 at Brands Hatch.

The next significant owner was Mr B Burnage of Southampton. In 1989, he was a recently retired gentleman of the motor trade with a profound, almost innate grasp of all things automotive who had the time to realise his ambition of 'doing up an old car'. A contact at a trim shop mentioned an old sports car that a client had been unable to pay a hefty bill for since 1970. Knowing Mr Burnage's background, the shop owner allowed it to move on.

A complete restoration ensued, with all the work being methodically carried out by Mr Burnage and his son, who fully restored the rolling project to a high standard. The original engine "CL2165W' had long been in the AC Ace "AE37", so they decided to use the Ford Zephyr 2.6 engine, the largest capacity engine available in Aceca's period, alongside various touring upgrades, including front anti-roll bar, steering rack conversion and Ford 4-speed overdrive, available in all gears.

The only work that was subcontracted out was the trimming to the well-known outfit Mike Thomas in Petersfield. Since the restoration, 33,000 miles have been covered with numerous attendances to European events. It was sold to the most recent custodian in 2018 and has formed part of a small collection in North Wales.

The history file for this motorcar is vast and very thorough. On file are original copies of magazines covering the Monte Carlo. The restoration file includes photographs and correspondence between AC Cars and the owner. As the car stands, it would be suited to long European tours because of its outstanding torque. However, as a pre-1957 AC Aceca with such a great history, it would be a good candidate for the Mille Miglia. It only needs minor changes, most notably the engine and gearbox.

Reported to run and drive very well indeed the AC comes complete with a sizeable history file including sundry bills, restoration invoices, old Mot test certificates, and the current UK registration document. This is a superb example that is ready to be enjoyed by its new custodian, whether it be on the road or seeking entry into next year's Rallye Monte-Carlo Historique! Consigned by Mathew Priddy

For more information on this lot please email mrp@historics.co.uk