This elegant classic has been in the same ownership for 46 years! In that time it obtained a Ford V8 motor
When you think of the AC marque, most people’s minds jump immediately to the Cobra. While Carroll Shelby’s creation is certainly iconic, AC’s British sports cars are noteworthy in and of themselves. This 1958 AC Aceca Coupe is a charming little car that’s in need of a new home.
Classic Auto Mall is offering something of a rarity in the form of an AC Aceca, effectively a coupe variant of the AC Ace that went on to become Shelby’s Cobra. Unencumbered with aggressive bodywork and hood scoops, this elegant classic delivers understated styling. Its rounded headlights provide character, as does its sculpted fenders and sloping rear end. Period chrome bumpers sit flush to the body harking back to a time before safety got in the way of design.
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This 50,157-mile car has a bit of a story to it, with the owners of 46 years selecting it as a daily driver at an auction. The young couple were originally after a Mercedes 300SL Gullwing, but their budget didn’t quite stretch far enough. They became drawn to the little AC, so much so that the couple kept hold of it for decades after.
The handcrafted aluminum bodywork does feature some minor denting, but it otherwise looks to be in good condition. Restoration to the undercarriage means that there’s no rust to report, with the floor pans, toe kicks, and rockers have been given a clean bill of health.
The AC’s interior has been treated to new carpeting, something that compliments the sporty black leather bucket seats. A wonderfully simplistic dashboard is trimmed with wooden panels and encrusted with chromed instrumentation.
Opening the hood reveals this car’s big secret, a 289 Ci Ford V8 with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor. A hand-written book actually details each step of replacing the original inline six-cylinder engine, adding to the provenance of this specific car. An upgraded four-speed transmission was fitted to cope with the additional engine performance, as was a 12-volt electrical system.
The $238,200 asking price is no small sum, however, this AC Aceca is said to be one of the very few restored examples in existence. It’s relatively low mileage should also prove enticing to fans of classic British cars.
Source: Classic Auto Mall
