The postwar period was favorable for the revival of European automobile production. Several manufacturers developed new sports models that soon competed in major competitions. British brands were no exception, including the most prestigious brands such as Aston Martin, Jaguar, Austin-Healey, MG, and Triumph. Among these flagships, AC Cars experienced a new lease of life thanks to the addition of a particularly elegant and racy sports car to its range, which would cement the brand's reputation. Introduced at the London Motor Show in late 1953, the new model, called the Ace, benefited from a lightweight tubular frame chassis designed by the brilliant Anglo-Portuguese engineer John Tojeiro, whose designs proved particularly effective in competition. Equipped with four independent wheel suspensions and a two-seat, spider-style aluminum body reminiscent of the Ferrari 166 MM and the Siata 208, the Ace was initially powered by the marque's pre-war 103 hp 6-cylinder engine. Aware that its latest model needed a more modern and powerful engine, the manufacturer signed a deal in 1956 with Bristol, which had revived the highly innovative 1971 cc M328 inline 6-cylinder engine with hemispherical combustion chambers that had powered the fast BMW 328 since 1936. Fitted to the British roadster, it was fed by three downdraft Solex carburettors and produced a whopping 120 hp, enabling acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 9 seconds and a top speed of just under 190 km/h. Bristol also committed to supplying AC Cars with its Type 100 transmission, which was far superior to the in-house model. In 1957, an AC Ace Bristol competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, demonstrating its exceptional reliability and performance. With Ken Rudd and Peter Bolton at the wheel, the small English car finished 10th overall, sandwiched between numerous factory cars, with an average speed of 157.52 km/h and a top speed of 209 km/h at the Hunaudières corner. The model continued to be successful in the race in subsequent years, particularly with a remarkable 7th place in the 1959 edition. That year, a certain Carroll Shelby won the race at the wheel of an Aston Martin DBR1. The Texan would remember the performance of the small AC and, a few years later, write a new chapter in the brand's history with the legendary Cobra. This gives the Ace Bristol an important and pivotal place in the brand's history. The example we offer (BEX1160) is one of 463 Bristol-engined vehicles produced from a total production run of 724 Aces. It was delivered new in New York with left-hand drive and was first registered on June 16, 1960. It was found equipped with a V8 engine in the 1980s. However, the original engine was preserved and restored in the 1990s by renowned British specialist Brian Classic. EXTERIOR The body features the original front and rear hoods bearing the number 1160. The dark red metallic paint dates back to the restoration in the 1990s and has a beautiful overall patina. The classicData appraiser's examination, with extensive photographic documentation, shows that the vehicle's underbody is free of impact marks, deformation, or significant corrosion. The wire wheels are fitted with new vintage Michelin tires. The spare tire is present and included. The vehicle has a tonneau cover and a convertible top with windows. The original tools (jack, crank, and hammer) are also included. INTERIOR The black leather interior is beautifully crafted. The left side of the driver's seat shows signs of wear. The instruments are complete, true to the original, and, according to the seller, in perfect condition, including the clock. The fuel gauge glass shows signs of corrosion (photo 108). The original mileage/hour meter has been replaced with a speedometer scaled in km/h (photo 108). MECHANICAL The engine, with a matching number, was recently completely overhauled by a French brand specialist. The compression of all cylinders was checked and is in good condition. During the restoration, an electric fan was installed and the exhaust was replaced with a stainless steel one. Currently, a 5-speed Alfa Romeo transmission is installed, but the original 4-speed gearbox (without overdrive) is supplied with the car. The AC Ace Bristol offered here features the then-available option of front disc brakes.