1958 AC Ace-Bristol

Ace-Bristol

May 28

Written By Jason Rubino

BEX406, an Bristol-engined Ace, rolled off the production line bound for the dealer British Columbia Sportcars in Canada, arriving in early February of 1958. Originally finished in Svecia Red with a black leather interior, the Ace was used on the road for a number of years before in the late 1980s being acquired by RM Classic Car Investments Inc. of Chatham, Ontario (later to be incorporated into RM Auctions). The Ace later returned to the UK in 1990 via legendary dealer and AC specialist Brian Classic. Originally LHD when exported, the Ace was converted to RHD specification, shortly after being purchased by a Mr C. Cadogan-Rawlinson of Suffolk, an AC Owner's Club member. At around this time the engine was rebuilt by specialist TT Workshops of Wiltshire, with a reground and nitrided crankshaft, also new fresh liners, pistons, valves, timing chain, oil pump and camshaft bearings.

Mr. Cadogan-Rawlinson kept the Ace for a further 18 years before ownership passed in 2009 to a Mr. O'Connell. At which point we understand BEX406’s engine, clutch and gearbox were rebuilt again, this time by respected engine specialist Nick Finburg, primarily to compete in the 2010 Spa 6 hours, Dijon-Prenois and Sir Stirling Moss Trophy for pre-1961 sportscars at the Silverstone Classic. In 2013, the car was purchased by its previous owner, being enjoyed on road rallies and at the 60th anniversary ACOC race at Silverstone in 2014.

Around 10 or so years ago the Ace was treated to mechanical overhaul, which included work to the suspension, rear axle, brakes, and steering. To improve fuelling, a high-performance pump, regulator and filter were fitted. Cooling was improved with a thicker aluminium radiator and Kenlowe fan, meanwhile at the time a competition tuned electronic ignition system, new starter motor and alternator were installed. Now finished in silver, the Ace usefully comes with a removable hard top.

Understood to be a very original car, the Ace is fitted still with its original 'D' series engine, original gearbox with overdrive, also original body stampings to be found on the bonnet and boot. Eligible for a number of historic racing, rallying and hillclimb events in the calendar, the Ace is equally happy on the track or blasting around fast A- and B-roads. BEX406 is offered with a history file, registered on a UK V5c and comes with a UK MoT certificate to August 2026.

Note: the Ace comes with a history file containing a number of invoices for in the region of £150,000+ of restoration and mechanical works since 2013, with specialists such as Redline Engineering, Redgate Workshop, Britwell Autos and RW Racing Services.

Included are invoices for a comprehensive engine rebuild (2025), also a bodywork restoration and interior retrim (2017)