1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP

This AC Aceca is a wonderful numbers-matching British classic, still looking smart after an earlier restoration in the mid-1990s, and with just three owners from new - the most recent for the last 53 years. Under the bonnet is AC’s own alloy block 2.0-litre SOHC straight-six, coupled to a four-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows 50,486 miles, which is believed to be correct.

Understood to have been first registered in March 1959, this car has just two previous keepers, before the current owner acquired it in 1968. Over the last 53 years, the car has been cherished and well maintained, and was subject to a total rebuild and respray in 1996.

Today, the AC still presents very well, and is understood to retain its original body, refinished in a vibrant red hue and – apart from minor blemishes where wing mirrors were removed – is still in good condition. Its chromework is in good order, with a mirror shine on the bumper struts and fuel filler cap. The door and window seals are also in sound condition, and the window surrounds and quarter lights were re-chromed. It received new front and rear side lights, and new ‘tripod’ headlights with a halogen bulb conversion. The wire wheels present superbly.

The cabin was re-trimmed throughout with new leather black leather for the seats, dashboard and door cards. It was also fitted with new interior and exterior door handles, new window windows and pull handles. Door locks and striker panels were also replaced, and the interior wood trims were all re-veneered and refinished. Fresh sound deadening material was installed around the cabin, a new headliner was sourced in West of England cloth, and Wilton carpet was fitted throughout.

The tachometer and odometer were re-calibrated by Speedograph Richfield, but the mileage was not altered. Ahead of the driver is a smart Moto-Lita wood-rimmed steering wheel, while a smart period Philips head unit is fitted below the glovebox. The doors were fitted with adjustable diagonal cables, and both rear gas struts for the rear tailgate were replaced. Finally, a heater inlet scoop was fabricated, and a new wiring loom was fitted.

During the restoration, the original engine was fully rebuilt with new shell bearings on an original-size crank, as well as new camshaft rollers. The pistons are standard 9:1 compression items, while the car was upgraded with electronic ignition, a Kenlowe electric fan, and an oil cooler with thermostat. A new CNC fabricated dynamo pulley was installed, along with a new SU fuel pump and a stainless steel petrol tank and support brackets. The radiator was re-cored, and a rebuilt water pump was fitted with two-bearing conversion and a Vulcan ceramic gland seal. All new silicone hoses were used throughout. The exhaust manifolds were fabricated in stainless steel, plus a full stainless steel exhaust assembly.

The original gearbox, which has overdrive on third and fourth gears, was overhauled and modified with a Jaguar MkVII remote short shift gear selector. A modified clutch slave cylinder support bracket was also fitted, plus a dipstick inspection point for the gearbox oil level, and new front and rear seals.

Refurbishment of the suspension and driveline included enhanced shock absorber top mounts, new bearings and metalastic bushes to all suspension joints, reconditioned prop and half shafts with new roller spiders, a steering steady bar and a Revington adjustable steering box cover. The hydraulics were renewed with Kunifer brake and clutch lines, new slave and master cylinders, and it was fitted with reconditioned brake callipers with new pistons and seals. Additional handbrake supports were installed, along with Aeroquip flexible brake and clutch hoses, and silicone brake and clutch fluid.

As can be appreciated from the photo gallery, this car presents in beautiful condition, which is perhaps unsurprising given that the current owner has cherished it for 52 years. It has been stored in a heated garage whenever not in use, and has recently been given a recommissioning service. If you have been seeking an early post-war British classic to enjoy on summer days, or even to use for longer distance touring or events, this is a charming coupe that is sure to attract admiring glances wherever it goes.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Car Overview

  • 50,486 miles
  • manual
  • RHD
  • Red
  • Black
  • 2.0L
  • VINAE727


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Lot Overview

  • Lot #01519
  • private Sale
  • Hatfield Heath, Essex, United Kingdom

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1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP1959 AC ACECA - 53-YEAR OWNERSHIP
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