It's one of approximately 463 Bristol-powered roadsters produced between 1956 and 1961.
Known by its chassis number BEX340, this left-hand-drive example was completed on October 30, 1957. Formerly owned by renowned racing driver Skip Barber from 1996 to 2009, it later became part of the prestigious collection of Texas-based collector Gene Ponder. Selling on Bring A Trailer, this car participated in the 2012 California Mille and remained in Ponder's collection until it was acquired by the current selling dealer in September 2022.
The roadster is finished in a striking red over beige leather upholstery. The exterior features include front and rear bumperettes, a hood scoop, wind wings, a "King of the Road" driver-side mirror, an external fuel filler cap, AC Bristol badging, dual-exit exhaust, and a tan convertible top. Unique touches like the S.H. Arnolt dealer badge, California Mille and British Racing Drivers’ Club decals, and an AC Owner’s Club badge on the grille add to its charm.
Performance and Handling
Power comes from a 2.0-liter Bristol 100D inline-six engine paired with a four-speed manual transmission with overdrive. This engine, an evolution of Bristol’s version of the pre-war BMW M328 engine, features an aluminum cylinder head with hemispherical combustion chambers and two rows of inclined valves operated via pushrods driven by a single in-block camshaft. The engine setup includes triple Solex carburetors topped by Vokes air cleaners.
The vehicle sits on 16” Borrani wire wheels with AC-branded two-eared knock-off hubs, mounted with 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato HS357 tires. Its suspension system incorporates front and rear transverse leaf springs and Spax shock absorbers. The car features Girling front disc brakes and finned aluminum rear drum brakes, with the rear wheel cylinders having been rebuilt in January 2020.
Interior and Instrumentation
Inside, the cockpit houses fixed-back bucket seats trimmed in pleated beige leather, complemented by color-matched door pockets, dash trim, and rear bulkhead trim. Oatmeal square-weave carpets line the floors, and AC-Bristol embroidery is present on the rear bulkhead and passenger-side floor mat. Additional interior features include latch-and-link lap belts, a lockable glovebox, a passenger-side grab handle, a dash-mounted rearview mirror, and a Saint Christopher medallion.
The dashboard features Smiths instrumentation, including a 130-mph speedometer with an inset clock and a 6k-rpm tachometer. Additional gauges monitor coolant temperature, oil pressure, fuel level, and amperage. The five-digit odometer shows 4,300 miles, with approximately 40 of those added by the selling dealer. The true total mileage is unknown.
The car has seen several significant refurbishments and maintenance efforts over the years. In 2018, Vilas Motor Works of Bryan, Texas, performed an engine rebuild, documented by a $15k invoice. In January 2020, service included the installation of an aluminum radiator, an electric cooling fan, a new distributor cap, rotor, spark plug wires, and a carburetor service. The car retains its original engine, verified by matching numbers stamped on the block.
Documentation and Sale
This AC Ace-Bristol Roadster is offered with a comprehensive package that includes tools, a black tonneau cover, factory and period literature, an AC Cars Certificate of Authenticity, service and registration records, and a clean Ohio title. This meticulously maintained and historically significant vehicle represents a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history, particularly for enthusiasts of classic British sports cars and racing heritage.
This classic 1958 AC Ace-Bristol Roadster stands as a testament to the rich legacy of early performance automobiles, offering a unique combination of historical value and driving pleasure.
