Britain's oldest automaker goes electric

Old-school style, new-school power.

Photo by: AC Cars

By: Angel Sergeev

Oct 30, 2024 at 4:29am ET

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AC Cars is set to introduce the world to the AC Ace Classic electric at this year’s SEMA show in Las Vegas. Teaming up with high-performance tech partner Tremec Electric GT, Britain’s longest-running carmaker has created an electrified tribute to its own automotive legacy – bringing back the iconic AC Ace with a whole new spark.

This isn’t just another EV rolling off the assembly line. The AC Ace Classic electric, along with its “smiling face” sibling, the AC Ace Bristol Classic electric, channels the essence of AC’s legendary 1953-1963 run, back when the Ace was the car to be seen in. Die-hard fans will recognise two distinct front-end designs, a choice reminiscent of the Ace’s 10-year evolution. The AC Ace Classic electric sports the open grille of its later years, while the AC Ace Bristol Classic electric keeps the rounder, happier grill that debuted in 1953.

Gallery: AC Ace Classic electric

Source: AC Cars

Each one will feature a carbon-fibre body crafted with painstaking care in AC’s UK facilities. It’s a modernised approach to vintage curves, echoing the work done for the recently launched AC Cobra GT Roadster. Underneath the retro-inspired exterior, the electric drive system will be installed stateside by Tremec, completing the trans-Atlantic car creation process that gives a nod to both British and American motoring traditions.

Set to be showcased at the Tremec stand, the new Aces come with a price tag of $275,000 before tax and extras in the United States – because, of course, keeping the past alive isn’t cheap. That’s about £211,000 but bear in mind this is purely a currency conversion and not the car’s actual price in the UK. Buyers will have the choice of left- or right-hand drive, allowing these neo-classics to hit roads on either side of the pond.

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“We are extremely excited to have Tremec as our electrified performance technologies partner for the new AC Ace Classic electric. The calibre of its work, and the depth of knowledge has been instrumental in developing a car both companies are incredibly proud of,” David Conza, CEO of AC Cars, commented.

Each AC Ace Classic electric will be delivered as a brand-new, road-registered car, complete with an official chassis number and all the gravitas of a true descendant of the legendary Ace. As SEMA kicks off, hopefully we’ll know more about the car’s power and performance numbers, plus its actual UK price.

Source: AC Cars