Estimate: £80,000 - £100,000

Registration Number: EU Taxes Paid

Chassis Number: AE518

The Ace 'Ferrari-style' open two-seater was followed in 1954 by the Aceca coup©, a beautifully-proportioned early example of a GT type body of which 151 examples were built. The Ace line eventually became the Cobra, the chassis being able to handle more than three times the power for which it was first designed.

The Aceca on offer here was supplied new in August 1955 to a Mr B Ellis of Croydon, South London. By 1961 it had made the journey across the Atlantic and was in the possession of a Donald Pilnacheck of Flushing, New York, according to the copy of the New York registration included in the history file. AE518 then found its way into the possession of Charles Gilfert of Pennsylvania when it was left at his service station after a mechanical problem. He sold the car in September 1966 to Dan Everett of Pennsylvania, who was heavily involved in the AC Owners club and owner of another right hand drive Aceca, who restored the car, including rebuilding the original engine, with the AC ready to be registered in July 1968.

The Aceca formed part of Dan Everett's collection for over 35 years until in August 2002 it was sold to a Tim Ritter of Illinois and it was from him that the current owner purchased the car. When purchased the AC had been prepared for restoration, a task that has since been completed to a very high standard.

The original 2 litre AC engine has been rebuilt by renowned specialist Mike Robinson including new pistons and liners, regrinding the crankshaft and fitting new valves and springs. Further mechanical works included a comprehensive refurbishment of the suspension and brakes and a gearbox overhaul. Finally, a new exhaust system completed the mechanical work.

The bodywork was stripped to bare metal and refinished in a striking shade of Navy Blue complete with refurbished brightwork. The interior received new complementary grey leather upholstery and new headlining and the electrical system was upgraded with a new wiring loom.

Fresh from restoration, the Aceca is presented in wonderful order with deep, lustrous paint and gleaming brightwork. The interior is a welcoming place to sit with the dashboard unusually fitted with a countdown timer and map light, features which no doubt led to Dan Everett enquiring of the factory if his car had been a special order of some kind.

The history file includes photographs, correspondence between Everett and the factory dating back to the 1970s and sundry other documents including a bill of sale from 2002, a title application from 1968, bills and receipts from 1973/74 and invoices and receipts from the most recent restoration. It is anticipated that a UK registration number will have been issued by the time of the sale.

This wonderfully restored matching numbers Aceca with a delightful history represents an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire a rare and highly collectible car which is ready to be used and enjoyed.