AC Cars brings back the Ace: UK legend revived with a modern twist

The sports car now has a 2.3-litre turbocharged engine under the bonnet.

AC Ace reborn

Photo by: AC Cars

Angel Sergeev

By: Angel Sergeev

Oct 14, 2024 at 3:38am ET

Add Motor1.com as a preferred source in Google

Comment

AC Cars has announced the return of one of the most beloved British sports cars of all time: the AC Ace. This isn’t just any comeback though – it’s a full-on retro revival with a modern edge, courtesy of the company’s newly minted AC Cars Classics division.

Originally known for its lightweight frame, stunning design, and knack for tearing up the racetrack, the AC Ace holds a special place in the hearts of motoring purists. Now, 70 years after its debut, AC Cars is giving the world not one, but two takes on this classic roadster: the AC Ace Classic and the AC Ace Bristol Classic. Both models promise a driving experience that bridges the gap between the car's 1950s heyday and today’s cutting-edge automotive technology.

Gallery: AC Ace

AC Ace

AC Ace AC Ace

Source: AC Cars

At first glance, these new models could have rolled straight out of a time machine. The svelte, graceful lines harken back to the golden age of British roadsters, but the engineering under the bonnet is anything but old school. With a chassis true to the original design but bodywork crafted from carbon-fibre, the new Ace combines vintage charm with ultra-modern durability and performance. And, just for good measure, they’ve thrown in a Ford-sourced, 2.3-litre EcoBoost engine that cranks out over 300 bhp – enough to put a cheeky grin on any driver’s face and propel the car from a standstill to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

AC Cars is offering two distinct personalities of the Ace, each with its own unique flair. Fans of the early Ace will love the Ace Bristol Classic, which proudly sports the car’s iconic “smiling face” grille – a throwback to its early racing days. On the other hand, the second Ace Classic brings a sleeker, more streamlined design, reminiscent of the later models and an early influence on the AC Cobra.

AC Cars reborn:

The AC Cobra is reborn as an 810 PS coupé

First 'reborn' AC Cobra 378 Superblower rolls off production line

For history buffs, the timing couldn’t be better. The new AC Ace Classics are launching just in time for the 70th anniversary of the original Ace’s racing debut. In its glory days, the Ace wasn’t just a pretty face – it earned its stripes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the late '50s, even bagging a class victory in 1959.

What do you think?

View

Comments

While the new AC Ace may look like a blast from the past, it’s packed with modern tech. The turbocharged four-cylinder mill is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The car rides on 15-inch wire wheels and weighs around 1,100 kilograms.

Reservations and orders are now open with prices starting at £175,000 inclusive of VAT for both versions of the car. Deliveries are planned to begin in the summer of 2025.

Source: AC Cars

We want your opinion!

What would you like to see on Motor1.com?

Take our 3 minute survey.

- The Motor1.com Team

Share this Story

GO TO COMMENTS

(

)

Got a tip for us? Email: tips@motor1.com

View all comments ( )

Popular

The Rotary Engine Should Be Everywhere. Why Isn't It?

The 2027 BMW X5 Is Hugely Improved Where It Matters Most: Driven

Honda's Mitsubishi-Based Truck Is Official, Coming In 2028

The BMW iX5 Makes A Strong Case Against The Gas X5: Driven

Volkswagen Wanted An Electric Bugatti Tourbillon, But Mate Rimac Pushed For A V16 Engine